The newest technology and medical advances are finally providing more treatment options for individuals plagued with recurrent and severe acne conditions. Along with the younger generation, there is also a huge percentage of the adult population who suffer from acne conditions as well. Until recently, options were limited to topical and oral antibiotics with most treatments producing only marginal results. Oral antibiotics are often not a positive or realistic option for long-term treatment due to the risk of side effects.

One of the latest emerging technologies being used to treat acne is Thermage. Acne may have finally met its match with the results of this treatment coming without any adverse side effects or downtime. Thermage acne treatments are also providing excellent results after just one or two procedures. These results can be seen in as little as one month and benefits can continue to show up to six months later. Thermage acne treatments come with added benefits as well. In addition to treating the acne, Thermage acne treatment also work to minimize the appearance of the scarring often associated with acne. A number of patients with a long-term history of acne have even been able to get a portion of the Thermage acne treatment covered by their health insurance provider.

The Thermage acne treatment procedure is the only non-invasive treatment that delivers tighter skin, renewed facial contours and promotes healthier collagen. The Thermage acne procedure is available only in the offices of qualified physicians who specialize in cosmetic procedures. An experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon is your best information resource for determining how this treatment will benefit you the most. The Thermage acne procedure uses a patented radiofrequency technology. Thermage acne treatment has been clinically proven to tighten and gently lift skin to smooth out wrinkles and renew facial contours. The incision-free procedure is fast and easy, and requires no downtime from normal activities.

Unlike lasers, the Thermage acne procedure can be performed on patients of all skin types. With each application to the skin, the Thermage acne device uniformly heats a large volume of collagen in the deeper layers of the skin and its underlying tissue while simultaneously protecting the outer layer of the skin with cooling. This deep uniform heating action causes deep structures in your skin to immediately tighten. Over time, new and remodeled collagen is produced to further tighten skin and soften scars, resulting in healthier, smoother skin.

The Thermage acne treatment is customized to each individual to provide the most benefit for each individual patient. While lying on your back, a paper transfer will be used to place a "grid" on the areas of your face to be treated. This grid guarantees even treatment and helps with the customizing of the treatment. Some areas will require more "passes" of the device than others to achieve the desired results. Once the treatment is completed, the grid is removed.

A deep heating sensation will indicate that your collagen is reaching proper temperatures for tightening. The plastic surgeon controls the degree of energy delivered to balance procedural comfort with the best possible results. The Thermage acne device is cooled before, during, and after heating to protect your skin and make the treatment more comfortable. A local anesthetic may also be applied to enhance your comfort during the procedure.

The Thermage acne procedure can take anywhere from an hour to two hours, including skin preparation, depending on the size of the treatment area. Immediately following a Thermage acne procedure, your skin should feel tighter and smoother. Unlike many laser procedures requiring four or more sessions, a single Thermage acne treatment has produced results in the majority of patients.

Your physician will determine the course of treatment that is right for you. Recently published studies conducted by Thermage show that measurable scar and skin tightening improvements appear gradually over 2 to 6 months after a single treatment session. However, many patients have reported seeing responses in as early as a few weeks. A board-certified plastic surgeon can give you an evaluation and discuss how effective Thermage acne treatment will benefit your particular condition.