You can trust Thermage: it won't cause cheek hollowing and does not diminish fat. Beomgye, Pyeongchon, Beomgye Station, Pyeongchon Station, Hogye-dong, Bisan-dong, Gwanyang-dong, Dongan-gu, Indeogwon, Geumjeong, Anyang

A frequent worry among individuals considering Thermage is the possibility of cheek hollowing, which can cause them to hesitate before undergoing the procedure.

Numerous online community posts mention experiences of cheek hollowing following Thermage. Such accounts prompt questions about whether Thermage carries inherent risks.

We address these concerns by delving into the mechanism of Thermage. A clear understanding of its principles helps explain how cheek hollowing might occur and why our clinic prioritizes preventing this risk during the initial design stage.

Thermage's mechanism does not primarily target the fat layer for heating.

Monopolar radiofrequency (RF) energy is utilized in Thermage treatments.

The primary target depth for this energy is the dermis and the SMAS layer, or superficial muscular aponeurotic system. Thermage works by stimulating these deep skin support layers with heat, which helps tighten existing collagen and encourages the generation of new collagen.

The fat layer resides at a considerably shallower depth than these target layers. It is not the primary area for monopolar RF heating. Therefore, Thermage is not inherently designed to inflict direct thermal damage on fat.

Given this, why do we encounter concerns about cheek hollowing? Two main reasons are commonly suggested. First, if overly strong energy is focused on a specific point, heat might penetrate deeper than anticipated. Second, if no safety zone is established before the procedure, the treatment tip could inadvertently affect areas close to the cheek fat layer.

Grid Design — Our Clinic's Approach to Preventing Cheek Hollowing

Before performing any Thermage treatment, our clinic consistently implements a grid design while the patient is seated.

If the design begins with the patient lying down, gravity can shift the cheek fat. To precisely identify the cheek fat layer and ensure an adequate safety zone, it is important to draw the grid pattern in the natural, seated posture, mirroring how the face appears in daily life.

The grid pattern serves a dual function. It helps pre-determine the precise contact points for the treatment tip, ensuring heat is distributed evenly. It also visibly marks areas where the cheek fat layer is more concentrated, providing a reference for carefully adjusting energy levels in those specific regions.

Superpass Technique — How to Apply Energy Safely

Treatments at our clinic incorporate the Superpass Technique.

Superpass involves delivering energy through repeated, lighter passes, instead of concentrating high energy on a single spot all at once. This method allows for a cumulative effect, helping to achieve desired results while potentially lessening the risks associated with a single, high-energy application.

Particularly in areas prone to concerns about Thermage cheek hollowing, it is often more prudent to gradually build heat safely through adequate passes, rather than applying strong energy immediately. This thoughtful approach underscores why our clinic adheres to the Superpass principle.

After the procedure, our clinic provides each patient with a detailed lifting card. This card documents the specific areas treated, the number of passes performed, and the energy level adjustments made. This information supports consistent management for any subsequent treatments.

Thermage Cheek Hollowing: A Design Issue, Not a Procedure Issue

Thermage itself is not a procedure that inherently causes cheek hollowing. Risks often stem from inadequate safety design implemented prior to the treatment.

The fat layer is not the primary target of monopolar RF by its very mechanism. However, if the procedure is done without a grid, exclusively in a lying position, and with inconsistent energy delivery, heat could inadvertently become concentrated in unintended regions.

Our clinic incorporates this design stage as a standard practice for every procedure. This comprehensive approach, encompassing seated grid design, the Superpass technique, and sharing a lifting card afterward, aims to integrate safety and traceability into the treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why does Thermage cheek hollowing occur?

A. Cheek hollowing following Thermage is not a fundamental flaw of the treatment itself. It can occur if energy is inadvertently focused near the cheek fat layer when a safety zone hasn't been properly designed beforehand. Our clinic addresses this by first implementing a grid design in a seated position, aiming to prevent this risk from the initial planning stage.

Q. Does monopolar RF truly melt fat?

A. Monopolar RF primarily targets the dermis and the SMAS layer. It is not an energy specifically engineered to selectively heat adipose tissue. Therefore, concerns about Thermage cheek hollowing are generally attributed to aspects of the treatment application rather than the underlying mechanism itself.

Q. What is different about our clinic's Thermage procedure?

A. Our clinic consistently implements a grid pattern design while the patient is seated before treatment, and energy is cautiously built up using the Superpass Technique. Post-procedure, a lifting card is generated and provided to the patient. This methodical treatment design aims to address and reduce concerns related to Thermage cheek hollowing.

Our Clinic's Sincerity

Thermage 시술 시 볼 꺼짐에 대한 염려를 줄이고자, 앉은 자세에서 그리드 디자인을 정교하게 진행합니다. 이는 시술 전 필수적인 단계로, 신중한 계획을 통해 균형 있는 결과를 이끌어낼 수 있습니다.

저희는 슈퍼패스 테크닉을 활용하여 열 에너지를 조절하며 전달합니다. 고 에너지를 한 지점에 집중하지 않고 부드럽게 열을 축적시키는 이 방식은 원하는 효과와 더불어 환자분의 편안함과 안전을 고려합니다.

환자분들께 리프팅 카드를 제공하여 시술 이력을 명확히 파악하고 다음 관리를 계획할 수 있도록 돕습니다. 이는 투명한 소통과 일관된 관리를 지원하기 위한 저희의 노력입니다.

미묘한 차이가 만드는 다른 결과. 저희는 이러한 디테일에 중점을 두고 진료에 임합니다.