Thermage - Patients ask, Dr. Ringpfeil answers
Please feel free to use the blog below to share information about Thermage or to ask Dr. Franziska Ringpfeil a question that might be of interest to others.
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Written by Dr. Ringpfeil
Thermage and other Radiofrequency Devices
Overview:
Radiofrequency drives heat to the superficial, mid and deep dermis and stimulates collagen production.
Expected results:
Subtle tightening of the skin around eyes, face, neck and abdomen. Results are highly variable.
Preparation:
Topical anesthesia +/- nerve block by injection.
Post treatment instructions:
Sun protection for at least 3 months.
Time to desired results:
4-6 months
Contraindications:
None. Radiofrequency is considered safe on all skin types.
Duration of desired effects:
Up to 2 years.
Downtime:
Redness for up to 24 hours
Selected Patient Questions and Answers
# of surveys: 4187
Last updated: 1/02/2024 11:10 AM
PATIENT RATINGS
Would you recommend us?
- definitely
- 93.1%
- probably
- 6.16%
- maybe
- 0.58%
- not likely
- 0.08%
- no
- 0.02%
Compare our service to other similar practices
- excellent
- 87.9%
- very good
- 10.1%
- good
- 1.8%
- poor
- 0.06%
- very poor
- 0%
Overall doctor performance
- excellent
- 94.2%
- very good
- 4.89%
- good
- 0.80%
- poor
- 0.03%
- very poor
- 0%
The doctor listened to you attentively
- excellent
- 93.9%
- very good
- 4.97%
- good
- 1.05%
- poor
- 0.05%
- very poor
- 0%
The doctor took time to answer your questions
- excellent
- 94.0%
- very good
- 4.66%
- good
- 1.27%
- poor
- 0.02%
- very poor
- 0%
The doctor explained treatment options
- excellent
- 94.3%
- very good
- 4.16%
- good
- 1.25%
- poor
- 0.14%
- very poor
- 0.02%
The doctor explained treatment options
- excellent
- 92.0%
- very good
- 5.69%
- good
- 2.18%
- poor
- 0.11%
- very poor
- 0.0%
Front desk performance
- excellent
- 85.6%
- very good
- 10.2%
- good
- 3.66%
- poor
- 0.31%
- very poor
- 0.08%
Aesthetician performance
- excellent
- 88.6%
- very good
- 7.61%
- good
- 3.39%
- poor
- 0.24%
- very poor
- 0.08%
Office comfort
- excellent
- 90.9%
- very good
- 6.93%
- good
- 2.08%
- poor
- 0.05%
- very poor
- 0.05%
Parking
- excellent
- 66.4%
- very good
- 14.4%
- good
- 15.7%
- poor
- 2.49%
- very poor
- 0.9%
Friendliness of the staff during appointment
- excellent
- 90.9%
- very good
- 7.23%
- good
- 1.85%
- poor
- 0.05%
- very poor
- 0%
What WE DID WELL
(Answers:674)
everything
#12025-12-07Everyone seem to be knowing what they are doing and loving to take the time to assure you that they care and can assit you..
#22011-04-19 09:23:01i would like to think more about that
#32025-12-25everybody smiles
#42011-12-16 09:57:55the doctor was perfect- kind, open and informative
#52025-04-27The appearance and presentation of the office.
#62025-04-08I was impressed that the doctor really listened to me and that she thoroughly answered my questions. Instead of telling me not to worry about things, she explained the nature of the condition and why it wasn't a concern. She also thoroughly explained my treatment options so I could make an informed decision.
#72025-05-21I liked the paintings that are in the rooms.
#82011-06-02 11:25:09relaxing decor, classical music
#92025-11-12Friendliness and professionalism
#102025-08-14What can we do better?
(answers:373)
keep on doing excellent customer service skills
#12025-05-05I have an unusual challenge getting to and from the office. Your practice is doing a great job; I will deal with the transportation issues.
#22011-03-21 10:03:43Very satisfied. Should get an office in Cherry Hill, NJ
#32025-11-22more availability for appointments.
#42025-06-21Medical newsletters or updates are helpful and informative. If it is advisable to have an annual mole check, for example, friendly reminders are always appreciated.
#52025-10-20website access to new patients more visable on site
#62025-06-23My first time experience was great and there are no improvements that I can suggest at this time.
#72025-05-22Well basically there is no need because your doing a very good job.
#82010-10-04 16:54:13open an office in NJ
#92025-10-05Maybe directions as "across from the Lexus place." Have the assistant say there may be a name recall test later, as she introduces herself.
#102010-12-07 10:07:04
I have voluma that I do not like. It is like a bubble on my check. I saw my dermatologist about it and she didn’t want to dissolve it. My question is will RF help dissolve it?
Volume is a fast setting hyaluronic acid based filler. On the cheek it is typically injected over bone. Even if it was “changeable” by heat, I would not count on radiofrequency. There is no external radiofrequency device that reaches to bone safely unless a probe is inserted in that area.
Voluma can be dissolved with hyaluronidase that is injected with a needle where it was placed. The effects are almost immediate.
recently lost 30+ lbs The skin on my thighs is a bit saggy. Will thermage help?
Radiofrequency treatment is currently the best answer to non-surgical skin tightening. However, the radiofrequency energy needs to be delivered directly to area where tightening is needed, the second layer of the skin (dermis). This can be achieved with a number of devices that are now available in the US and many more in Canada and Europe. Infini, for example, delivers radiofrequency through insulated probes to the target layer (dermis) where old collagen and elastin is replaced by new collagen and elastin. Thermage, however, is one of the first generation radiofrequency devices that transmits radiofrequency on the surface of the skin and subsequent penetration into the layers where tightening needs to be achieved. Its limitation is the amount of energy that can safely be used not to burn the top layer of skin. In my opinion and experience, it achieve reproducible results in less than 50% of people who are treated.