Blog with Dr. Irwin

Radiofrequency systems

I bought device that seems to be making my skin worse?

Posted in Thermage and Radiofrequency Devices, Thermage, Radiofrequency systems, 2012 on Jan 18, 2012 | Permalink

Hi Dr Irwin, I bought biopolar radio frequency unit and when I did on my forhead my wrinkles become more visible, it was ok on my face and I looked more slim like an old lady, not like a healthy slim type? What did I do wrong?

Please don't try to do this yourself at home. I'm guessing that you bought this off the internet. You really don't know what your getting. Some radiofrequencies used incorrectly can... more

Is Thermage safe for African American skin?

Posted in Thermage and Radiofrequency Devices, Thermage, Radiofrequency systems, African american skin, 2011 on Dec 04, 2011 | Permalink

Is thermage suitable for for African or Afro Americans?

Yes - it's extremely safe because it uses radiofrequency (a sound wave) and is not laser (light waves). Radiofrequency based technologies like Thermage are safe for all skin... more

Are Botox and Thermage compatible?

Posted in Thermage and Radiofrequency Devices, Thermage, Radiofrequency systems, Botox Mistakes, Botox, 2011 on Sep 11, 2011 | Permalink

Hi Dr Irwin, Can you please tell me if Thermage or radio frequency treatment can be performed if you have had had Botox within a month? I was about to have a radio frequency treatment and when my therapist realized I had recently had Botox, she said I have to wait 4 months to have the treatment as the paralyzed muscle would become irritated from the increased collagen... Is this correct? I have read your article about Thermage and you only mention to avoid dermal fillers and Sculptura... Regards Sharon, Perth Western Australia

She's not correct on this one. Botox is injected into muscles and binds there within about 6 hours. Most doctors tell their patients to be moderately careful for 24 hours or so - ie don't... more

Can Thermage make melasma worse?

Posted in Thermage and Radiofrequency Devices, Thermage, Radiofrequency systems, Melasma, 2011 on Sep 07, 2011 | Permalink

I am a 43-year-old female with melasma. I have minimal sagging (cheeks, jowls) for which I am considering Thermage. Will the heat generated by the Thermage procedure aggravate my melasma? My melasma is under control with daily application of a hydroquinone mixture which also includes Vitamin A, Vit C and kojic acid prescribed by my dermatologist. I have read that lasers can worsen melasma so I want to be well-informed before I decide on the procedure. Thank you!

I never say never because we are all individuals but ....... in over 10 years of working with Thermage and several thousand treatments, we've not had a patient who's melasma became worse. ... more

Fractionated laser systems vs. radiofrequency

Posted in Thermage and Radiofrequency Devices, Thermage, Radiofrequency systems, Lasers, Carbon Dioxide Lasers, 2011 on Sep 03, 2011 | Permalink

Hi there -- I thought your comparison of fractionated laser systems was very interesting. Could you compare these results with results/downtime of the eMatrix sublative rejuvenation system (radio frequency waves)? Thanks, Ginge

I've never seen a radiofrenquency system that equaled the overall results of a well done fractionated CO2 treatment with a good system (like Deka or the new Cynosure CO2). BUT, if you are... more

I'm on a blood thinner could I be a candidate for Thermage?

Posted in Thermage and Radiofrequency Devices, Thermage, Radiofrequency systems, 2011 on Jan 31, 2011 | Permalink

I'm on a blood thinner could I be a candidate for thermage?

You're very unlikely to have any bruising with Thermage. With radiofrequency devices like Thermage, blood thinners like warfarin are not a problem. Dr.... more

What do you think about Refirme?

Posted in Thermage and Radiofrequency Devices, Thermage, Radiofrequency systems, 2011 on Jan 22, 2011 | Permalink

I have had Thermage, but I was wondering what you think about Refirme? Is there anything new for skin tightening? Thanks

I really don't think (at least so far) that the results are better. In my opinion, they are about the same, with the disadvantage of Refirme requiring 3 treatments instead of 1, being... more

Is the Accent system a good way to tighten skin under the chin?

Posted in Thermage and Radiofrequency Devices, Thermage, Radiofrequency systems, 2010 on Nov 20, 2010 | Permalink

Dr Irwin I want to try to tighten the skin under my chin. My dermotologist center says accent lazer is the best way to go with a series a 6 treatments over 6 months. What do you think. is accent the best way to go?

The Accent system is a radiofrequency (read sound waves) based system that uses as it's marketing point that it uses 2 types of waves in the same system. In my opinion, there really is no... more

What do you think about sublative rejuvenation? It claims to promote collagen growth.

Posted in Radiofrequency systems, Lasers, 2010 on Oct 17, 2010 | Permalink | View Comments (1)

What do you think about sublative rejuvenation? It claims to promote collagen growth.

I'm glad you asked about this because there are a couple of good issues that you raise. The first is about collagen growth. All laser and radiofrequency (sound wave) technologies... more

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