Houston Dermatologist Discusses Innovative Procedure for Tightening and Lifting Baggy Skin (something done as well at Cosmedica)

Houston, TX (PRWEB) March 08, 2012

Demand for nonsurgical cosmetic enhancement decreased nearly 9% since 2010 according to the latest study from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). However, Dr. Jennifer Peterson says a growing number of patients at her Houston dermatology practice request the innovative cosmetic enhancement procedure Thermage® CPT, a non-invasive skin contouring device designed to tighten loose skin on the face and body. Dr. Peterson says because of its position at the forefront of modern medical technology, Thermage® can offer patients effective results without surgery or injections.

For the majority of people who prefer a more natural, tightened, youthful look and don’t have the downtime, money or interest for major plastic surgery, the Thermage procedure is a welcome and more subtle alternative.

While the ASAPS report states that minimally invasive cosmetic enhancements have decreased over the last two years, Dr. Jennifer Peterson, a board-certified dermatologist in Houston, says they are still the most common procedures she performs at her practice. Dr. Peterson also says thanks to recent developments in non-surgical body contouring techniques, she expects the popularity of non-invasive procedures to bounce back in the near future as cosmetic medical researchers continue to enhance their potential results. Dr. Peterson says she has seen a particularly significant surge in popularity of Thermage® CPT, a nonablative technology that utilizes radio frequency energy to heat the deeper layers of skin and reduce laxity in the skin. With no incisions or injections, and minimal downtime, she says patients are beginning to view Thermage in Houston as an effective alternative for surgery to improve their physique, sculpt their figure, and improve self-confidence.

“For the majority of people who prefer a more natural, tightened, youthful look and don’t have the downtime, money or interest for major plastic surgery, the Thermage procedure is a welcome and more subtle alternative.”

Cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Thermage® uses unique radiofrequency (RF) technology and has been shown to safely heat the deep layers of one’s skin, while cooling the surface to keep it intact during the procedure. According to the Thermage website, more than 500,000 procedures have been performed during the longest history of clinical testing with radiofrequency treatments. Dr. Peterson says deep heating stimulates the body’s natural skin renewal process, helping to tighten existing collagen and simultaneously encouraging the growth of new collagen. She says that over time, sagging or wrinkled skin is replaced with smoother, tighter skin; improved tone and texture; and an overall younger looking appearance.

According to Dr. Peterson, “Collagen is a protein that keeps skin youthful and tight. But as one ages and gets more sun exposure, collagen simply breaks down faster than the body can rebuild it, and the skin may start to sag or wrinkle. Additionally, as part of the aging process the bones and fat compartments of the face begin to thin, which provides less of a framework for the overlying skin to be draped over. There are many tightening treatments that operate by heating the inner layers of skin. But unlike laser treatments and other technologies that heat the superficial skin layers, Thermage® uses unique radiofrequency to reach deep into the dermis and subcutaneous tissue to cause tightening in the layers that matter most.”

Dr. Peterson says Thermage® can be used to treat sagging skin on the face, under the chin, and around the eyes; however, it has also been used in the reduction of excess skin or unwanted bulges on the stomach, knees, arms, legs, hands, thighs, or buttocks. Because Thermage® is a completely non-invasive treatment performed only in a doctor’s office, she says the procedure may take as little as 20 minutes or up to three hours, depending on the size of the area being treated. Regardless of whether patients are looking for a non-surgical resolution to their excess body fat or a surgical procedure, Dr. Peterson insists patients consult with a board-certified dermatologist before undergoing any procedure for body contouring in Houston.

“As the pioneer of non-invasive skin tightening, Thermage® has the best track record for patient demand, advanced technology, clinical results and continued innovation. It delivers natural looking results and next to no downtime for patients. That means more than ever, it’s the right cosmetic solution for today’s patients’ lifestyles.”