illumiNATION Tour INTRODUCES THE LATEST BREAKTHROUGHS IN EFFECTIVE SKIN TREATMENTS
Words, Judith Ecochard
Before and After Images courtesy of Solta Medical and J. Ecochard
The ditty, “…she blinded me with science…” was strumming through our brain cells as we entered a sleek silver Airstream® trailer, parked right off Times Square in NYC a few weeks ago.
Tricked out with the latest equipment from Solta Medical™---this vehicle, destined for cross country jaunts- serves as the launching pad for the new Thermage CPT™ and Fraxel re:store Dual systems…two cutting edge modalities that contour, tighten --- resurface/refresh and even out the skin tones of the face and body.
Depending on which treatment is chosen.
One of our favorite (read smart) dermatologists (Board Certified in Dermatology, Cosmetic Surgery, Internal Medicine, and Hair Transplantation), Dr. Neil Sadick was on board to introduce the systems…
FYI:
Dr. Sadick and his team not only offer the latest treatments (skincare/spa, cosmetic surgery, laser and other dermatology services) at his two offices (Park Avenue and Great Neck, New York)…but almost, maybe more importantly for us, he conducts the clinical research, FDA studies etc… and is the author/co-author of peer reviewed scientific papers/journals.
We wouldn’t serve up our skin to any practice with a less qualified staff. Actually, no one should. DUH.
WHAT WE LEARNED:
The Thermage CPT™ System is FDA cleared “for the non-invasive treatment of wrinkles and rhytids including the upper and lower eyelids and the temporary improvement in the appearance of cellulite.”
And it’s billed as a real “LEAP FORWARD IN SKIN TIGHTENING & CONTOURING TECHNOLOGY.”
We lean towards the skeptical. But our eyes widened by Dr, Sadick’s obvious enthusiasm--- about the “remarkable results…with 80%-90% of people are happy” after treatment.
Thermage CPT™ (stands for Comfort Pulse Technology™) utilizes best-in-class radiofrequency technology that “delivers more therapeutic heat across the treatment area” (going deep into the layers of skin without damaging the surface), allowing for more efficient tightening results, including existing collagen and stimulating one’s "natural renewal of collagen.”
Amazingly, only one treatment of Thermage CPT™is usually needed to get a more healthy, youthful appearance…with results appearing gradually 2-6 months afterwards…and lasting several years…(depending on one’s habits and aging process).
ADDED PLUS:
Thermage CPT™ is color blind, meaning all skins types can benefit. And since skin can be safely tightened on most body parts ---like the face, eyes, tummy, arms, hands, thighs and buttocks…it is a treatment BOTH women and men can benefit from.
WHAT ELSE IS NEW:
“The more uniform heating action that causes the structures in the skin and underlying tissue to immediately tighten while stimulating collagen growth” is delivered with a lot less ugh moments than the earlier Thermage. The latest in patient comfort is the new vibrating handpiece and scientifically advanced tip…that comes in different sizes depending which area is treated.
THE REAL DEAL:
Far be it from us to pontificate about an advanced skin tightening and body contouring gizmo, in this instance Thermage-- without trying it ourselves.
So we experienced this technology at Dr. Sadick’s Park Avenue office. And although we’ve had healing facials etc, and yes our skin glowed and looked better---
We can honestly say, we saw an immediate subtle lift in our visage especially on the lower half of our face--- that we figure, is going to last a whole lot longer. And the positives-less laxity- will only improve.
Wow.
Diana who did our treatment ---was beyond professional and patiently explained every little nuance/answered every little question that we had about Thermage.
We were offered a mild sedative but opted out…though some patients (like men LOL) accept the offer “to take the edge off.” (The goal--- 5/6 on the pain scale of 1-10 pain scale).
A cold-- for two seconds-- gel pack was stuck on our backs (grounding) but other than that, we were comfortable in the lounge like recliner.
After we answered a few questions (no metal plates in our body etc.) we had our face cleaned and a temporary tattoo grid (like the kind kids slap on) was alcohol-ed on our skin…as a guide for the gold colored metal square tip of the Thermage handpiece.
Diana has so much experience, that she told us she really didn’t need the grid…but like taking the temperature of our skin (most peeps are in the 80s) it’s just something extra she always does.
Then a cool gel goop that aids “conduction” allowing the radio frequency waves to deeply penetrate our skin--- was applied…and the pulses began.
“Everyone has hot spots,” Diana informed us…meaning some areas are more sensitive then others. Being a skilled practitioner, this PA was able to adjust “the dose” depending on our comfort level.
Our hour-long treatment started under our right eye, then the rest of that side…followed by our left side and under our jaw line. Each area got on average, four passes with some areas getting more, as needed.
Timewise---treatments range from one to two hours...depending on the area targeted.
There were definitely cringe moments (forehead, neck) but we were able to Zen out…and Diana is so engaging, we were able to not focus on the “hot” moments.
Apparently, there is a cooling blast simultaneously conjured up from the handpiece, a significant improvement in patient comfort than the Thermage of days past.
Other really big pluses are that there’s no pre-op procedures or topical skin numbing crèam necessary. And we could apply spackle (foundation) right afterwards (our skin was pink, but that’s it!!!). Post treatment care is idiot proof--- applying a cortisone lotion 2x a day for three days.
Sadick told us that the best results he has seen are with post partum bellies…and cellulite too.
We’re thinking…just dump us in the whole machine and lift it all.
INFO:
DR SADICK
911 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10021
Tel: 212.772.7242
833 Northern Blvd, Suite 130
Great Neck, NY 11021
Tel: 516.482.8040
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