My New Face!

Posted: Friday 3 June 2011 10:17am

Victorian businesswoman and entertainer Catriona, 46, was the winner of Younger You magazine’s Thermage competition (Issue 1, Spring/Summer 2010). She received the facial rejuvenation treatment at Endless Solutions Cosmetic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine Clinic in Port Melbourne (03 9681 7311) on March 11. Two months later, May 11, Catriona returned for some “after” photos, which show a stunning difference – even though results really only start to kick in after 6 months!

Thermage is a non-invasive skin tightening procedure that uses capacitive radio frequency (CRF) technology called ThermaCool to heat up the collagen in the deeper layers of the skin and its underlying tissue. while simultaneously protecting the outer layer of the skin with a cooling system.

A grid pattern is applied to the treatment area and then a small handpiece is placed systematically on grid points to deliver the CRF.

It tightens and lifts the skin, working especially well to define and smooth the jawline and give the cheeks a lift with virtually no downtime.

Treatment takes about 90 minutes depending on areas treated and, with a good result, changes can be seen almost immediately and are permanent. Optimum results are seen after about 6 months, with further improvements up to a year after treatment.

Here Catriona describes the experience – and how it has changed not only her looks, but her whole outlook.

I turn 47 in August and gravity was dragging me down! Sagging, crepey skin which emphasised my already noticeable marionette [mouth corner] and nasolabial [nose to mouth] lines, giving me a jowly appearance.

The sagging made my eyes hooded and the whole effect was a sad, tired looking face when, inside, I was quite a happy woman! My secondary concern was wrinkling around my eyes. I was also developing quite a turkey wattle on my neck!

After a very warm, friendly ‘”welcome to the family” of Endless Solutions, there was a thorough description of the procedure and an open discussion of my expectations and concerns. Then I was settled onto a comfortable couch.

My clinician, Gerri, had a knack of making me feel safe and special. As she examined my skin, I found myself examining hers and hoping to look as good as she did!

The grid pattern (as shown in these photos) was applied to my skin and the Thermage began. I was impressed by the precise pattern followed and also the “sculpting’”of my cheek area (more pulses there).

I can’t say that I felt no discomfort but it wasn’t extremely painful either. Most of the time it was bearable, but certain areas (eyes, jaw) had me clenching my knuckles and wishing it was over. Gerri explained that some areas are richer in nerves and I agreed! I was glad she’d  given me two Panadeine 30 minutes before the treatment.

Half way through the procedure, we took a break and I was able to compare sides. I did notice that the treated side appeared firmer and plumper and had a rosy glow. When the treatment was complete and the grid pattern removed, I noticed a subtle but certain difference.

Perhaps the rosy glow was redness. My face did feel warm  - a bit like the glow given by a nice Chardonnay! There was no post-treatment pain or bruising and I am a bruiser! I bruise if someone so much as pokes fun at me! There was no swelling; a certain plumpness, but not swelling.

About 2-3 weeks after, I had just applied my make up and realised that I could actually see my eyeshadow! Usually, I put the eye shadow on, then it promptly disappeared as my hoods drooped over. No longer!

The other most noticeable area was the sides of my cheeks, towards my mouth. The usually crepey skin was no longer there. Just in the past week or so, I have also noticed that my turkey wattle has downgraded to more of a young chicken wattle! Definitely improving.

I am very happy with the results thus far and am just aghast at the thought that I haven’t yet reached the 6 month mark  - when I am supposed to START seeing results! I am ageing backwards!

I suffer from pigmentation but that seems to have lessened as well.

I always feel good about myself and am always grateful to be healthy. The fact that my face didn’t convey my inner happiness was worrying me, as people often expressed concern that I was tired or sad, when I actually wasn’t.

Now when I look in the mirror and apply my make up, I feel like I am looking at the real me. I am becoming more experimental and expressive with my make up and hair, now that I no longer feel like mutton dressing up as lamb!

Family members were the first to comment, about 3 weeks after. My niece noticed my eyes. Just today, my work colleague said she has noticed an improvement in the past week.

My partner refuses to comment (on the grounds it may incriminate him?!) and just tells me I’m always beautiful to him. Sweety!

Like childbirth, the discomfort is forgotten and we somehow start thinking about another baby! I am tempted to try Thermage on my upper arms.

I would recommend Thermage to those who are noticing the effects of time starting to appear on their face but who are not ready to go under the knife.

I would make sure, though, that they were made well aware that the results are not instant and patience is a must.

Their patience will be well rewarded though! Another bonus – because the results appear over time, it would be easy to keep the treatment a secret and just smile graciously when your friends comment on how good you look for your age!

Says Sue Mastrantonio, Managing Director of Endless Solutions: “I think the photos even 8 weeks after Thermage show a real improvement. The texture of Catriona’s skin has improved, her nasolabial and peri orbital [around the eye] lines are softened, her eyes less hooded. It’s quite impressive and can’t wait to see the results at the 6 month mark!

by Jenni Gilbert

Comments (1) Print Send to friend Share or bookmark this page