Woman getting laser treatment on her face

Thermage Treatment at Illinois Dermatology Institute

As we age, our skin naturally loosens, leaving us with sagging skin, wrinkles, and fine lines throughout our face, neck, and body.

At IDI, we understand that changes in your body can lead to changes in your confidence level. The good news is that various cosmetic dermatology options are available to help you restore your youthful appearance and tighten your skin without the need for extensive surgery, like a facelift.

We proudly offer Thermage therapy throughout our Chicago-based practices. This minimally-invasive option helps you restore natural beauty and take years off your skin after just one session.

What is Thermage?

Thermage is an FDA-approved non-surgical treatment that uses radiofrequency to tighten, contour, and smooth skin. It also helps promote collagen growth to keep your skin supple and full in the long run.

Radiofrequency waves work by applying heat to the skin’s outer and inner layers. This action creates an impulse, or contraction, in the skin that causes it to tighten and stimulate new growth over time.

What areas does Thermage help with?

Thermage Treatments before and after

Thermage therapy can target large areas of affected skin.

It is most commonly used to treat:

  • Face, especially:
    • Eyes
    • Jowls
    • Cheeks
    • Brows
  • Abdominal area
  • Thighs
  • Neck

Tummy by Thermage

The monopolar radiofrequency deep heating of the skin can help some people who have loose, sagging, and wrinkled abdominal skin. While it cannot remove fat, it can help define the contour of the abdomen by itself or following liposuction. With the proper patient selection, the abdominal perimeter can be reduced by 1″ to 3″.

Thermage treatment can also be beneficial in reducing the sagging and wrinkling that often occurs following pregnancy and even following weight loss.

Thermage can do a very good job of firming and tightening the skin following Liposuction procedures if flabbiness occurs. We are using the new Thermage NXT.

Pain: The pain factor has been reduced recently by using multiple passes at lower power.
Price: $2300

If a repeat treatment is necessary, the fee varies between $1500 and $2500.


Cellulite by Thermage

Thermage can reduce the lumpiness of cellulite. Thus, in addition to reducing the diameter and circumference of the thighs and buttocks, Thermage tightens the skin fairly uniformly, including the areas where the fat is herniating. One treatment usually suffices.

Cellulite is a rather common condition of middle age, mostly in women. The buttocks and thighs are primarily affected. Lumps are alternating with dells caused by uneven accumulation and herniation of fat lobules, separated by fibrous bands.

Several devices have been marketed to treat cellulite. None of them, including Thermage, does a perfect job. We are using the new Thermage NXT with the 16cm square head.

Thermage Combined Treatments

We also use Thermage to firm the skin that may become loose or flabby after our Liposuction procedures. Liposuction followed by Thermage can be an excellent combination for body, arms, and thigh remodeling. We are using the new Thermage NXT.

Pain: Minimal
Duration:1:1/2 to 2 hours, depending on the total treated area.
Price: $2300.00


Length of Treatment: One 1-2 hour treatment (sometimes two treatments required)
Price: body $2400
Covered By Insurance: No
Pain Factor: Moderate (no anesthesia required)

Prices on website subject to change and may not reflect actual prices after consultation.

How is Thermage treatment performed?

During your treatment, a cooling spray may be applied to the affected area to help reduce any pain or discomfort during treatment. After that is applied, your dermatologist will use a handheld device to deliver radiofrequency waves to the target area of your body. Patients may feel a brief sense of heat with each compression.

Treatment times vary based on the size of the affected area but typically last between 30 and 90 minutes.

One of the most significant benefits of Thermage is that results are apparent after one session, and most patients do not require multiple treatments.

Are there any side effects of Thermage?

There are no major side effects to Thermage treatment. Some patients report temporary redness or minor discomfort and swelling. If experienced, symptoms typically last 24 hours or less.

What results can be expected?

Results appear gradually throughout 2 to 6 months after treatment and can last 1 to 2 years depending on various factors, including your age, treatment area, lifestyle factors, and genetics.

It is best to speak with your dermatologist directly to determine the best estimate for your results.

Please contact us today to learn more about the benefits of Thermage therapy or to schedule a consultation with our comprehensive cosmetic dermatology team. We are here to help you determine the best treatment option and help you on your journey to your best skin yet.