Dr Marie Thérèse Bousquet
FOR EYEBROW LIFTS, JAW SCULPTING AND LIP LIFTS
“Natural skin rejuvenation without a mask effect or noticeable changes to facial features” is a frequently expressed wish. So-called “slow aging” treatments are therefore bang on-trend. It is not about completely erasing all signs of aging, but rather firming up the skin to enhance the patient’s natural beauty.”
The THERMAGE® FLX treatment, which has been known and proven for over 20 years, achieves exactly this – using highly effective, non-invasive and largely painless applications for skin improvement. A monopolar radiofrequency system is used for non-invasive skin tightening.Patients are often concerned about treatments being painful or invasive, particularly in sensitive areas of the face. The THERMAGE® FLX Grid Lift technique delivers convincing results that are generally visible immediately, without surgery or needles.
SPOTLIGHT ON THE THERMAGE® FLX PERIORAL LIP LIFT WITH DR MARIE THÉRÈSE BOUSQUET
As we age, the lips in particular lose volume and moisture, leading their natural red colour to fade and peri buccal wrinkles to appear. The contours of the lips become blurred and, when the menopause sets in, many patients notice their upper lip becoming thinner. Here, where injections were often used to correct the signs of aging, the new THERMAGE® Perioral Lip Lift treatment offers visible results using an energy-based device, without injections.
Why does the upper lip get thinner as we age?
The answer is atrophy in the lips. The lip’s anatomy is complex and includes several important structures:
• Its epidermis and dermis are thinner than the skin’s and are therefore more fragile when faced with the aging process (loss of collagen, elastin and dehydration) and environmental factors (sun, smoking).
• The circular orbicularis oris muscle of the lips is used on a daily basis in the facial expressions, which creates atrophy in the peri buccal zone.
• The subcutaneous tissue includes fat and conjunctive tissue. It is directly involved in the volume of the lips and their support. This also changes.
This phenomenon leads to an inversion of the top lip, which seems to “disappear” into the mouth. This area can be treated with hyaluronic acid injections, but many patients do not dare to take that leap, for fear of “too much volume” or “looking too different”. Despite my gentle and reassuring approach, some patients would rather not touch their lips.
The THERMAGE® Perioral lip lift technique allows us to respond to this need while respecting the patient’s “veto”. During the Thermage FLX treatment, the radiofrequency heats up the peri labial dermis to an optimal temperature, triggering targeted neocollagenesis. This process of stimulating collagen synthesis promotes the restoration of the dermal structure. This can also be a good preventative treatment to maintain the collagen capital, which is responsible for the skin’s resistance and elasticity and plays a key role in regenerating the tissues, while helping maintain hydration. A typical peri oral lifting procedure takes less than 30 minutes, after which patients can go straight back to their daily business. In the following weeks, the body starts to produce new collagen in the treated area, leading to the reshaping of the tissues and a visible improvement to the labial contours. The visible results gradually improve over the next few months. Results can be achieved in the lips but also around the eyes or on the jawline area. The new THERMAGE® eyebrow lift efficiently reduces wrinkles and lines around the eyes, opening up the expression and lifting sagging eyelids. The THERMAGE® V-Shape Jawline lift allows us to reshape the contours and tighten up the lower face for a rejuvenated appearance and long-lasting radiance.
THE 3 STEPS OF A THERMAGE® FLX GRID LIFT
Before treatment, the patient’s detailed medical history is assessed, to check their expectations and wishes. The areas to treat are marked out with a tri-dimensional grid pattern, hence the name “3D Grid Lift”. The “3D Grid Lift” technique involves a first STEP of marking out a grid so that the skin can then be heated evenly. During application, the deep, collagen-rich skin layers are heated using the proven THERMAGE® radiofrequency technology. To do this, the appropriate applicator (treatment attachment) with the handpiece is placed on the skin, the heat applied separates the water molecules from the brous collagen and this causes an immediate contraction, the so-called “shrinking”, which leads to a tightening of the skin. The second STEP involves personalising the treatment using vectors that allow us to stimulate collagen production in targeted areas. In the final STEP, any asymmetries are specifically treated. The first results are visible immediately after the treatment and improve over time, thanks to the secondary healing reaction and the subsequent collagen formation. During the treatment, the vibration of the applicator and the integrated cooling system promote patient comfort. Unlike other technologies, with the THERMAGE® FLX Grid Lift one 30 to 90-minute session is generally enough. The treatment is suitable for all skin types and can be carried out in all seasons. The skin looks rmer, smoother and replenished.
More info on thermage.fr
References:
1. E. Finzi, A. Spangler. Multipass vector (mpave) technique with nonablative radiofrequency to treat facial and neck laxity. rmatol Surg. 2005 Aug;31(8 Pt 1):916-22.
2 Studies available in the clinical evaluation report
3 M. Fritz and al. Radiofrequency treatment for middle and lower face. Arch Facial Plast Surg. Nov-Dec 2004;6(6):370-3
4 R. Fitzpatrick et al. Multicenter study of noninvasive radiofrequency for periorbital tissue tightening. Lasers Surg Med. 2003;33(4):232-42
5 Solta Medical, 2009. Report on Gazelle Clinical Study 09-100-GA-T ‘Validation of the Thermage 3.0 cm2 STC and DC Frame Tips, Comfort Software and Vibration Handpiece on the Face and Thighs’ (#09-019ER). Bothell.
6 Medical Insight report-Energy-Based Body Shaping & Skin Tightening – August 2020
7 Thermage RealSelf report –Based on 30 reviews, RealSelf, 2024.
8 J.S Dover, et al. Results of a survey of 5,700 patient monopolar radiofrequency facial skin tightening treatments: Assessment of a low-energy multi-pass technique leading to a clinica
Dr Marie Thérèse Bousquet
KOL doctor and expert for the IBSA Derma division for the IBSA pharmaceutical laboratory. Expert doctor and trainer for the Fillmed-Relife-Vivacy laboratory. Permanent member of the French Society of Aesthetic Medicine. Member of the AFME. Graduate of medicine from Lille university. University diploma in morphological and anti-aging medicine from Paris Descartes.
More informations: drmtbousquet.com
