ThermaCool Caution - Cosmetic / Plastic Surgery Message Board

ebgl · 03-18-2003, 09:15 AM

A cautionary note about Thermage ThermaCool.

I realize the "reported" incidents of adverse reactions with this treatment are few....BUT....

I had this procedure about 5 weeks ago.

My doctor said there was "no risk". He told me there would be no down time, and that there was no bruising and no swelling from the procedure. (I still have his information sheet which says the same thing)
I had both to an EXTREME. I looked grotesque. My face blew up and I had major bruising on my neck and face, particularly from the inside corner of my eyes and down along my cheeks.
I had to hide out for 3 weeks and I am still having
problems.
Immediately after the procedure, I experienced severe pains in my neck and could see lumpy deposits under the skin in several areas. Over the next week, my glands swelled, further adding to my discomfort. I also had a small burn on my forehead.
My doctor's response has been outrageous and totally inappropriate.
When I questioned him about the lumps in my neck he claimed the lumps were there before the procedure.
I am still having problems!

If this could happen to me, it can happen to someone else. My doctor will obviously not be warning his patients, but I want to alert anyone interested in having this treatment.

I totally regret having undertaken this procedure. I now know there are worse things than aging.

Lanilu · 04-05-2003, 10:59 PM

I am so glad that you told this story. I am strongly considering the ThermaCool procedure, but now I will have to really think about it. How are you doing now?
Better I hope.

okitty · 04-08-2003, 03:50 PM

ebgl,

I am so sorry to hear about your unfortunate procedure, and I hope things are much better soon...I appreciate you sharing your experience.

Your message said Thermage Therma Cool. I've understood them to be two different procedures. Thermage being radio frequency that tightens the skin (from collagen contraction/production underneath), and that Therma Cool was a laser and light energy procedure for the surface of the skin (texture, even coloring and fine lines). Can you clarify what you had done?

Again, I hope you're feeling better, and that you've seen MUCH improvement.

Thanks.

linnybee426 · 11-24-2003, 10:49 PM

BUMP. ebgl are you still around??

Judiannmel · 11-25-2003, 12:45 PM

Really sorry to hear about your extreme Thermage complications. They need to find out why this is happening. Why some people have these reactions and others don't. I suppose time will tell since this is still a new procedure. Hopefully before the 6 months you will see some skin improvement so this wasn't all for nothing.