Hair Glossary

It was announced that The U.S. Food & Drug Administration in late 2002 had cleared a device proven to remove wrinkles from the brow using radio frequencey tehcnolog. ThermaCool TC System, the non-invasive device, was developed by California-based Thermage. It received clearance in November of 2002 for cosmetic use based on clinical data showing that it significantly smoothed skin around the eye area. This technology was designed for younger patients beginning to notice sagging in the forehead, arund the eyes and around the jawline. Utilizing the ThermaCool TC System was thought to be a possible postponement for a face-lift. The system uses radio frequencey energy to heat the deeper layer of skin, causing the collagen t immediately contract. It then gradually tightens, lifting the skin without wounding the epidermis, or top layer of skin. When done properly, the ThermaCool technique should take less than two hours and there is no patient downtime. The patient's face may be red or minimally swollen for a day, which can be covered with make-up. This procedue is a start contrast to traditional face-lifts, which can sideline patients for up to a month. ThermaCool is also known to be effective in treating wrinkles and sagging skin throughout the face, not just in the forehead and eye areas.