The Skinny On Lasers: Reviewing Two Well-liked Choices
This text initially appeared within the Winter 2013 concern of Actual Type journal. Turn out to be a Actual Type subscriber and get the most well liked style, magnificence and superstar information, enter unique subscriber giveaways and be the primary to obtain the total digital model of Actual Type journal each month. Click on right here to subscribe free of charge!
The most recent laser remedies promise fats discount and tighter trying pores and skin with easy, non-invasive procedures, however are they too good to be true? Discover out about our expertise.
We admit it. We have been completely seduced by ads for Thermage and Tripolar applied sciences, two of probably the most hyped laser remedies, for his or her obvious magical transformation of the pores and skin and inch loss. We spent over six months testing out Thermage procedures for the face and Tripolar Maximus for the physique within the hope of tighter pores and skin and thinner limbs. What we discovered was that the remedies have been costly and, in our case, they didn’t absolutely ship on the guarantees. However are they nonetheless price it? You resolve.
THERMAGE:
CLAIM:
The brochure claims that Thermage will tighten the pores and skin and forestall facial sagging.
WHAT IT IS:
As we age, our physique’s skill to provide collagen declines, and collagen fibers beneath the outer layer of our pores and skin begin to loosen and sag. Thermage relies on the concept that, if collagen progress is stimulated, pores and skin will seem youthful and firmer. Thermage makes use of radiofrequency power to warmth collagen within the dermis, the pores and skin’s decrease layers, which makes the collagen fibers contract. The contraction allegedly tightens the dermis, making the pores and skin look youthful.
HOW IT’S DONE:
The technician applies gel after which a grid to the affected person’s pores and skin to mark exactly what areas she’s going to apply warmth to. The pores and skin is then handled with numerous pulses of radiofrequency power from a wand, which the technician applies to the pores and skin following the grid. It’s painful, however tolerable. Individuals with delicate tooth will really feel it probably the most.
THE RESULT:
We have been so disillusioned by on the lack of any change in our pores and skin after the primary time that we tried the therapy once more. We observed very minimal seen tightening after the second go to, and we’re nonetheless ready for the total outcome. We later came upon that the therapy doesn’t really work for everybody. Dr. Fred Weksberg of The Weksberg Centre for Beauty Dermatology, who performs this process, stated: “We discover that roughly 20% of all sufferers are non-responsive to Thermage remedies. It appears to work greatest on individuals with thinner pores and skin, and we see good outcomes across the eye space. If in case you have thicker pores and skin or a rounder face, the outcomes are much less seen.” We’ve but to note any severe tightening of the pores and skin, however we’re nonetheless hopeful that we’ll finally see outcomes.
CONCLUSION:
We suggest that you just get at the least three consultations with beauty dermatologists to find out whether or not you’ve gotten the kind of pores and skin that can reply to this therapy earlier than investing on this process.
THE COST:
$2,500 to $3,500 per process, however normally just one go to is required. Outcomes are stated to grow to be seen 6 months after therapy.
TRIPOLAR RF TECHNOLOGY:
CLAIM:
This Radio-Frequency (RF) process claims to assist take away fats from the physique and tighten pores and skin with out going below the knife.
WHAT IT IS:
The RF expertise allegedly creates warmth that liquifies fats on the physique, and the Dynamic Muscle Activator (DMA) produces muscular contractions, which assist expel the fats from the cells. The RF additionally allegedly stimulates collagen manufacturing, which additionally helps tighten the pores and skin and reduces the looks of cellulite.
HOW IT’S DONE:
A technician applies oil or gel for simpler gliding. He or she then begins shifting the equipment throughout the therapy space in round movement till the pores and skin is ‘heated’ to a desired temperature of 45 levels Celcius. Normally the therapy is 15 minutes per space. Within the case of the muscle stimulator, a low frequency electrical present is utilized, which appears like tiny rubber bands being snapped backwards and forwards. Not the nicest of emotions, however tolerable.
THE RESULT:
Whereas we did see some pores and skin texture enchancment on the thighs and the arms, there was nearly no distinction of their circumference. Dr. Wong, the proprietor of GlowMedi Spa, warned us previous to the therapy that the process doesn’t work as nicely on these elements of the physique: “We’ve had minimal outcomes on the legs and arms with this therapy,” she informed us. “Tripolar maximus works very well on stomach fats.”Nicely, all we will say is that she was proper!
THE CONCLUSION:
We’d suggest using this therapy on the stomach and the again areas, however keep away from spending cash on another space of the physique.
