You will experience a brief, deep heating sensation as the CRF energy is delivered to your skin and underlying tissue. This deep heating sensation is your indication that your collagen is reaching effective temperatures for tightening. The physician controls the amount of energy delivered to balance procedural comfort with maximum results. The ThermaTip device is cooled before, during, and after heating to protect your skin and make the treatment more comfortable. Prior to treatment, an anesthetic cream may be applied to enhance your comfort. Additionally, your physician may also prescribe relaxants and/or pain medication. The Thermage procedure may cause immediate tightening of the collagen structure, with additional tightening over time. The Thermage procedure has an excellent safety record. The most frequent side effects are classified as swelling, redness, bumps, and blisters on or around the treated area. These side effects may resolve in a few days or weeks. A rare but longer-lasting side effect described as a surface irregularity has also been reported.