Washington, Nov 22 The Department of Dermatology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is now offering a new non-invasive skin tightening procedure.

The skin is tightened by the use of a device called Thermage that uses radio waves.

Marian Northington, assistant professor of dermatology at UAB and cosmetic expert, said: "Thermage emits radio waves that travel very deeply into the skin and the subcutaneous tissue to promote collagen remodeling and help tighten skin.

"Thermage works well on patients who want a younger appearance and improved skin tone without relying on surgery, injections or chemical applications."

Northington added: "It is safe for all skin types, light skin and dark skin, and it works well for all body areas.

"You get some immediate tightening that occurs after treatment, and then the skin continues to improve subtly over time by getting tighter and firmer for up to four to six months."

Thermage treatments are done without anaesthesia and can be completed in one or two sessions in time ranging from 20 minutes to over an hour.

Thermage treatment warms the skin, which absorbs radiofrequency energy to tighten the collagen.

Solta Medical Inc. of Hayward, California manufactures Thermage. (ANI)