The secret to skin longevity by Dr Thierry Lafitte
This targeted treatment preserves the skin’s firmness and radiance by deeply stimulating
its natural collagen production.
Patients are now prioritising their skin quality, natural-looking appearance and the durability of results. Preventative and regenerative approaches like Thermage®, which help stimulate collagen production and boost the skin’s longevity, are being favoured over injections.
ANTI-AGE Magazine: What does the term “Collagen Banking” mean to you and why is this such an important trend?
DOCTOR THIERRY LAFITTE: Like its name suggests, “Collagen Banking” is a way of safeguarding your collagen. By using latest-generation monopolar radiofrequency techniques like Thermage® FLX, we can efficiently stimulate the production of new collagen. This deep biostimulation allows us to fight against the effects of time, preserve the skin’s elasticity and therefore maintain its firmness. In other words, we are no longer seeking to “erase” the signs of aging, but rather to age well. Thermage® reflects these trends, as this technology is based on solid scientific proof, proven clinical results and high patient satisfaction from all ages.
AAM: In your experience, for which age groups is it the most useful?
DR T.L.: Thermage® is now attracting younger patients who want to prevent the signs of aging from appearing and preserve their skin quality. Since the skin’s elasticity diminishes from age 40, I recommend this treatment:
• Before 40: As a prevention strategy, as it promotes skin regeneration by producing new collagen and elastin fibres and stimulating the fibroblasts. Though the results on sagging skin can be less visually striking, it has a significant action on the skin aging process.
• After 40: It is in this age bracket that the aesthetic improvements and immediate lifting effect are most visible. Patients are fully aware of the impact aging has on their skin, and Thermage® allows them to maintain and start to regenerate certain areas thanks to the same collagen-remodelling mechanism.
• For older patients: The clear need for regeneration and the desire for natural-looking results can both be addressed with Thermage®, not according to the age on the patient’s passport, but rather their skin quality and risk factors.
Whatever their age, the demand is the same: “to look younger and less tired”.
AAM: Why is this “Collagen Banking” action particularly indicated for patients going through the menopause?
DR T.L.: We all know about the effect hormonal changes have on the skin’s structures, and the latest advances in understanding the signs of aging and hormonal changes show how useful collagen biostimulation technologies can be during this phase of a woman’s life.
Offering patients a Thermage® treatment is both relevant and fruitful, with superb results on the skin texture, both on the body and face. I always request a DHEA analysis beforehand, which can also be responsible for skin aging.
AAM: How has the way you use Thermage® evolved to address the different expectations?
DR T.L.: Though full facial treatments remain a priority and are evolving, I have noticed an increased demand for treatments that firm the body, particularly the abdomen and the knees. The new Thermage® treatment protocols by zone – Oval, Eyelids, Lips, etc. – have had a positive influence on the demand and the treatments available for younger patients, and are also used as maintenance after a full face treatment.
AAM: How do you include Thermage® in your holistic approach to beauty?
DR T.L.: In my practice, I strive to adopt a personalised approach for my patients, so I adapt the treatment to their skin quality and texture as well as the patient’s lifestyle. I might use associated treatments such as hyaluronic acid injections or mesotherapy sessions to boost hydration, or any other technique, such as resurfacing with the Fraxel® laser, for example. Today, I perform around fifteen different procedures and Thermage® takes the top spot in terms of frequency, as it responds to the new expectations of our patients, who want to maintain, regenerate and capitalise on the future of their skin. These new demands deserve wider consideration from all of the stakeholders in the aesthetics sector, as this evolution is shaping a new vision of beauty and aesthetics.
Register now for the Exclusive Thermage® Symposium on Friday 12th September at 4:00 PM. SFME Congress – Room 242A.
Thermage® is a registered trademark of Bausch Health Companies Inc.
Find further information on the website thermage.fr
References:
• Dover, J. S., et al – Results of a Survey of 5,700 Patient Monopolar Radiofrequency Facial Skin Tightening Treatments: Assessment of a Low-Energy Multiple Pass Technique Leading to a Clinical Endpoint Algorithm 2007 – Dermatologic Surgery, 33, 900-907.
• Dong Hye Suh MD et al – Monopolar radiofrequency treatment for facial laxity: Histometric analysis – J Cosmet Dermatol. 2020;00:1–8.
• Biesman, B Evaluation of an Updated 6 MHz Radiofrequency Skin Tightening Platform on the Eyelids, Face and Neck 2021 ASDS abstract 202.
https://thermage.fr/references-scientifiques/
Dr Thierry Lafitte
Aesthetic medicine specialist, Paris. Doctorate in medicine in 1995, trained with Professor Bernard Devauchelle, a professor of plastic surgery, on the first face transplant in 2005. Trained in mesotherapy, with the support of Professor Bicheron, and in nutrition.
More informations: drthierrylafitte.fr
