THERMAGE FLX The No Knife Face Lift

If you’ve ever spent more time pulling apart your own reflection than concentrating on your Zoom meeting, you’re not alone. Although the increased popularity of video meetings has had many a benefit; kinder to the environment, no commute, covid free etc, it’s hasn’t been quite so kind to our confidence.

In fact over the course of the pandemic, Google saw an astonishing 160% rise in searches for a ‘mini’ facelift, while cosmetic doctors and plastic surgeons reported a boom in both surgical and non surgical procedures following lockdown.  

But going under the knife isn’t just invasive and expensive, it can also be dangerous. Thankfuly 1991 this is not and the continuing advancement in high tech treatments means the surgical route is no longer the only option. Some doctors even go so far to claim that these technical advancements could one day make the need for plastic surgery obsolete.  One of these treatments helping to end the spell of the surgeons knife is new generation Thermage FLX™. 

WHAT IT IS

A revolutionary, non-invasive treatment, loved by celebrities including Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston, Thermage FLX™ uses heated radio-frequency instead of the knife for ‘face lift’ like results with out the hospital stay or downtime. 

HOW DOES IT WORK

Heating the deep collagen rich layers of the skin via hand held device, water molecules are separated from fibrous collagen, causing the collagen to contract and creating an instant tightening. This applied heat also triggers a skin healing process which over time (6 months to be precise) regenerates collagen and elasticity for a smoother, tighter and more lifted appearance. 

Simply put, Thermage FLX focuses (radiofrequency) energy to kick start the body’s very own natural renewal process.

A great treatment for patients wanting to wave goodbye to jowls, marionette lines, turkey neck or creepy skin, its progressive results tone, tighten  and improve skin elasticity over the long term. Thermage FLX can also be used on the upper and lower eyelids, stomach (ideal for that post baby tum), knees and other areas of the body. It can also improve jawline definition and reduce wrinkles.  Whats more, with Thermage FX only one treatment only is required, rather than a course a course making it perfect for time poor mums, while results can last up to three years.

WHAT DOES THE TREATMENT INVOLVE?

Starting with a consultation, your aesthetician will cleanse the skin and trace a grid on to your chosen area, to help guide the application. The aesthetician will then make several passes over the treatment area with the hand piece in pulses which last for around half a second until the treatment is complete.

Treatment time varies from around 30-90 minutes depending on the number and the size of the treatment area, however Thermage FLX generally takes around 60 minutes for the face and neck, and 20 minutes for the eyes.

There is no downtime with Thermage, but you may feel a little warm and red after treatment.

WHERE DID WE GO

For the ultimate Thermage FLX experience we headed to London’s premiere medical address, to visit the globally renowned 111 Harley Street. 

Owned by celebrated plastic surgeon and founder of cult skincare line 111 Skin, Dr. Yannis Alexandrides MD, 111 Harley St fuses medical expertise, innovative technologies and advanced procedures, all within its lavishly luxurious surroundings. 

Their vast offerings, available in bespoke, comprehensive programmes include everything from botox and fillers to body and facial surgery (breast implants, tummy tucks, facelifts etc). They are also one of the few clinics to offer Thermage FLX. 

WHAT DID WE THINK

Entering the clinic with very few expectations or even knowledge of the procedure, other than a few  peaks at some rather impressive before and after shots, I was excited to see what the treatment involved. Mainly, Is it painful? And can one session really provide such transformative results? 

The procedure is, I have to admit, rather uncomfortable at times,  especially in area’s more sensitive to heat such as the jawline and cheek bones, and on the later passes when the device really heats up.  However the higher the heat, the better the results, so I grin and bear it and just when I think I can’t tolerate any more, the device is moved on to another area and the pain quickly dissipates . 

The whole procedure last around an hour and the aesthetician kindly added in a couple of extra areas: under the jawline and the upper neck, two area’s I am particularly concerned about because what’s the point of a lovely youthful face if your neck looks 20 years older!  Once finished the results although subtle, are immediately visible. However, it’s important to remember that is over the next six months when the magic truly takes place. 

Four months later and nearing the finish line, the true impact of my Thermage FLX  treatment is becoming more apparent by the day. One highly respected cosmetic doctor, even asked if I had cheek fillers! (I don’t incase you are wondering). Having never thought of myself as someone blessed with chiseled cheek bones, the  comment came as a pleasant surprise and something I can only put down down to Thermage FLX. I have also noticed significant’ improvement to the firmness and elasticity of my skin, alongside a more youthful uplift to my face,  helping to wipe away the (8) years of sleepless night etched on to my appearance by my 3 unruly boys. 

Of course, with a starting price of £2,200 its definitely not the cheapest treatment on the block but with results like these in just a single session and no need for the surgeons knife,  its a buck worth spending.

THERMAGE FLX Starts from £2200 at 111 Harley Street. For further information or to book your consultation visit 111harleystreet.com