Life Healthcare is a leading private hospital operator in South Africa and primarily serves the market for privately insured individuals, representing approximately eight million people. The group provides mainly acute care, high technology private hospital services.
The extensive hospital network includes 64 hospitals (of which 57 are majority owned by Life Healthcare and another seven in which the group holds substantial minority ownership), providing a range of healthcare services throughout South Africa.
What is Thermage?
Thermage (or RadioThermoplasty) is a non-invasive aesthetic procedure to resurface the skin. Thermage uses radiofrequency energy to heat the deeper layers of the skin and stimulate the natural renewal of collagen, which tightens the skin, treats lines and wrinkles and helps produce a “younger-looking” appearance.
How is the Thermage procedure carried out?
The technician applies a treatment grid to the skin in order to direct the treatment effectively.
The technician delivers controlled amounts of radiofrequency energy to the deep and middle layers of the skin where collagen forms.
The energy heats the collagen, causing it to tighten and contract.
The technician may use a cooling spray to cool the treated area after the radiofrequency application.
Who is a suitable candidate for a Thermage treatment?
Thermage is best carried out on the early signs of aging such as loose skin, fine wrinkles and early creases around the mouth and nose.
Thermage works on all skin types.
How long will the effects of the Thermage treatment last?
As Thermage is a relatively recent cosmetic procedure, not enough is known about its long-term effects. Manufacturers claim the effects from Thermage last up to two years.
About Thermage
Key facts to plan your treatment: how long it takes, your hospital stay, anaesthesia, risks and recovery.
Duration of surgery/treatment
The procedure takes between 45 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the size and location of the area being treated.
Days admitted
None.
Anesthesia
No anesthesia is used in most cases.
Recovery
- Patients can return to work and normal activities immediately following the Thermage procedure.
- The skin may be red for up to one day.
Risks
- Swelling.
- Redness.
- Blistering or scarring.
- Tightness in the skin or a burning sensation.
- Dents in the skin.
After care
- Treat minor swelling and redness with cold compresses.
- Apply make-up to cover any redness immediately following the procedure.
Hospital Group
Hospital Group
Private Hospital