Before and After Nonsurgical Face-Lift

N E W   Y O R K, Feb. 24 -- For those who wish to get a younger-looking face without going under the knife, a new procedure called thermage is gaining momentum.

Good Morning America examined the relatively new cosmetic procedure as part of the Healthy Woman series "Fountain of Truth" in November 2003. As promised, GMA brought back 52-year-old Kathleen Kornblatt, the woman who received Thermage treatment live on the show from Dr. Michelle Copeland's New York office.

Today Kornblatt showed off the results of the procedure, which actually take three to six months to appear.

"I'm glad I did it," Kornblatt said. "I can't really pull anything anymore like I used to. If you do this and catch it early, maybe you'll never need a facelift," she said.

Thermage seemingly turns back time, according to some patients who have undergone the procedure. It involves no cutting, no anesthesia and no extra time for healing, but only a handful of doctors in New York currently perform the procedure, which was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in May.

The device uses radio frequency energy to tighten and lift the skin. It is performed using an advanced radio frequency device called "ThermaCool TC." Although it was initially used only on the face, that is no longer the case.

Dr. Martin Safko, a Las Vegas dermatologist, has also been using Thermage on other areas. He uses the procedure to tighten loose skin on his patients' arms, abdomens and thighs.

"The procedure works particularly well in areas where traditional surgery leaves unsightly scars," Safko said. Patients in their 40s, 50s and 60s, who despite exercise, are predisposed to sagging skin on their upper arms, have been delighted with the results of the procedure.

One unexpected benefit has been seen in patients who have Thermage around their mouths, Safko said.

"It's been plumping up their lips and giving them a more youthful look" he said.