Thermage is a non-invasive, no-downtime cosmetic surgery technique that tightens aging skin and renews the facial features. Thermage was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in late 2001 and has grown in popularity in the last few years. Thermage uses radiofrequency technology to enhance the appearance of facial skin around the eyes and forehead, producing desirable results with no incisions and virtually no recovery time

During the Thermage procedure, the epidermis (outermost layer of the skin) is cooled down with a spray so as not to damage the visible layers of the skin. The Thermage procedure also works by activating the body's own natural healing response, leading to new collagen production. The Thermage procedure does not require anesthesia, though a numbing cream may be applied to the treatment areas prior to the procedure.

The entire Thermage procedure can last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the treatment area. There is little pain involved in the Thermage procedure. Patients describe the sensation felt during the procedure as a mild pinching or burning that goes away with little discomfort. Patients can resume normal daily activities almost immediately after the Thermage procedure is complete, with little or no downtime.