Over time the effects of gravity and aging slowly take their toll on us all. And for several reasons, certain areas on the face and body, unfortunately, start to droop and sag, and the skin loses its youthful rebound and tension.

In short, life happens. Skin gets loose. And people want to keep it tight.

Skin tightening is a popular request in a dermatologist’s office, and the world of aesthetic medicine and technology continues to try to meet the increasing demand with new approaches and treatments. A relatively new treatment modality of an already proven technology is ThermiTight.

ThermiTight is an application of the ThermiAesthetics system that uses radiofrequency (RF) technology to safely rejuvenate the skin. It is also one of the most effective “non-surgical” skin-tightening treatments I’ve seen. We’ve had great results.

There are many different devices in this non-surgical skin-tightening realm. Some work well, some less so, but none that I have yet seen work better or as reliably as the TermiTight. This is not to say that I don’t like, use, and recommend other methods. I do. But I’ve recently been quite impressed with the results of this treatment method.

ThermiTight’s RF energy induces the reduction of wrinkles, tightens skin, and helps contour the body by heating underneath the skin, the hypodermis, and the layer of adipose tissue found there. It causes the release of liquid fat from fat cells and induces fat cells to shrink in the treatment area while also stimulating new collagen formation and contraction.

This procedure may be administered in several areas:

• Lower face and neck
• Arms
• Legs
• Stomach
• Breasts
• Hips
• Back

It is also frequently combined with other procedures such as liposuction or laser resurfacing which reduces fine lines and wrinkles on the surface of the skin.

The fact that the RF energy is applied directly to the hypodermal layer is what makes it stand out. A fact that likely accounts for increased efficacy, but does make it minimally invasive. Unlike ultrasound or laser techniques, in which energy is placed on the surface of the skin and directed internally, RF energy stimulates the skin from within. The use of an internal probe to apply energy below the surface of the skin directly targets the collagen.

The treatment begins by administering a local anesthetic to the treatment site. Tumescent anesthesia is used, which means that a diluted lidocaine mixture is used to flood the target area.   A thin, specialized probe is then inserted through a very small incision (2-3mm) to reach the sub-dermis. The probe is then slowly moved back and forth to evenly heat the treatment area. The continuous temperature monitor on the probe is set to the desired level required to tighten the skin, while an infrared camera is used to monitor the skin surface temperature and ensure the heat energy is maintained at an effective and safe level. The treatment lasts for less than 60 minutes, with results that develop gradually over 3-6 months. After the procedure, the patients are free to resume normal activities the next day. There is very little recovery time, with temporary bruising or swelling being the most common side effects.

For patients with skin that is drooping naturally from aging or significant weight loss, ThermiTight might just be exactly what they are looking for.