BEAUTY

The Non-Surgical Facelift Celebs Love

How celebs tighten and contour their skin, no injections required

So many celeb like to say they’ve never had cosmetic surgery, and they may not be lying. These days, there are high tech treatments that will smooth, firm, tighten and reduce fat without having to go under the knife. Thermage is one face and body treatment loved by celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston and Gwyneth Paltrow. We quiz Katherine Millar-Shannon, Cosmetic Nurse Practitioner and Owner of Duquessa clinics in Melbourne and Sydney, on why this high tech treatment is the go-to for those wanting a nonsurgical face and body boost.

marie claire: Can you explain what Thermage is?

Katherine Millar-Shannon: Thermage is a non-invasive radio frequency (RF) cosmetic procedure that has been clinically proven to help smooth, tighten and contour skin for an overall younger looking appearance. It’s designed to cater specifically to the visible signs of ageing, such as loss of firmness and contour. 

MC: Where on the face and body can it be used?

KMS: Thermage can be used to treat the jawline, neck and body, including the arms, legs, knees and abdomen. It is also used to non-surgically tighten and lift the skin around the eyes.

MC: What issues is Thermage great for?

KMS: It works at reducing fine wrinkles above and below the eye; reducing mild to moderate “hooding” (the loose skin on the upper eyelid); making the eye look more open; and helping maintain the results of eyelid surgery. Another common complaint Thermage is great for is a sagging or wrinkled neck, and loosened jowls and eyebrows. Thermage [can be used as an] adjunct treatment in tightening these areas after we have replaced the volume with dermal fillers.

Jennifer Aniston Thermage treatment
Jennifer Aniston told InStyle Magazine that she uses Thermage to smooth and tighten. (Credit: Getty)

MC: Where on the face and body can it be used?

KMS: Thermage can be used to treat the jawline, neck and body, including the arms, legs, knees and abdomen. It is also used to non-surgically tighten and lift the skin around the eyes.

MC: What issues is Thermage great for?

KMS: It works at reducing fine wrinkles above and below the eye; reducing mild to moderate “hooding” (the loose skin on the upper eyelid); making the eye look more open; and helping maintain the results of eyelid surgery. Another common complaint Thermage is great for is a sagging or wrinkled neck, and loosened jowls and eyebrows. Thermage [can be used as an] adjunct treatment in tightening these areas after we have replaced the volume with dermal fillers.

MC: What results can we expect after the treatment?

KMS: Immediately after the procedure you’ll notice some tightening of the skin and a bit of puffiness, usually unnoticeable to anyone else, however there shouldn’t be bruising or redness of any kind. With Thermage, you can put on your makeup and go straight back to work.

MC: How long before we see results?

KMS: Although a few patients show immediate improvement, response to treatment for most patients is gradual with progressive improvement over 1 to 6 months. 80-90% of patients show measurable and noticeable effects at 6 months.

MC: Why do you like using the treatment at your clinics?

KMS: Thermage addresses the fundamental cause of loose skin, it requires no downtime and can be used on the face and other areas of the body

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