As a physician, I was skeptical. My wife made the real decision that prompted me to add Thermage to my practice since she said I could pay for the device, or pay for the treatments from another doc. We've had good results with the primary consideratons being; managing patient expectations (Thermage does not turn old road into new.), and managing the pain (Yeah,,, it hurts.).

However, that being said, it does work. I've seen noticable improvement in my patients. And when they're happy, I'm happy.

J.

PS I do resent the company for gouging on the tips. They look like they only cost a buck and I have to pay $650 or whatever. Give me a break.

I too looked at Thermage when we opened our plastic surgery medical spa. I now am very glad we didn't implement this technology into our practice. Do a Google search on Thermage complications, Thermage fat atrophy and thermage class action lawsuit. It's very scary. Initially, I felt like Thermage was only unpredictable by providing mild results for some and no results for others. Now there is evidence that it can be dangerous. We use the Candela V-beam for skin tighttening of the face. it provides minimal tightening around the jowl area for people w/ early signs of aging. There is no replacement for surgery, but this can give good results that patients are happy with.

After trying over 150 Thermage procedures, I felt guilty in taking patients' money for essentially no result. I sold my machine several months ago. Why the FDA ever improved this is beyond me.

Re Titan, it is the same joke, as is YAG laser "tightening" or "toning" and contour threading (or whatever).

As a facial plastic surgeon, there are certain things that still require surgery to give the patient the result they bargan for. The Quicklift (UpLift) is one damn nice procedure. So are blepharoplasty and erbium resurfacing.

One further caution: Fraxel. Expensive machine, multiple, painful procedures. Can do a better job for a lot less $$ with the er:YAG.

Don't be sold by salesmen/women!!!