ThermiRase
ThermiRase relaxes the muscles that cause expression lines, the same goal as Botox or Dysport, but with radiofrequency energy instead of neurotoxins. In a single procedure of about 30 minutes, we use RF energy to quiet the nerves behind the wrinkle-causing muscles. Results are visible right away and can last years rather than months.
What isThermiRase?
ThermiRase is an FDA cleared, minimally invasive treatment for lines and wrinkles caused by muscle movement. Like Botox and Dysport, it works by relaxing the muscles that crease the skin. Unlike them, it uses radiofrequency energy rather than injected neurotoxins, so there is nothing to wear off in three or four months.
During the procedure, your provider first maps the target nerves with an external nerve stimulator, then numbs those sites with local anesthetic. Through a small entry point, a thin probe delivers RF energy that disrupts the nerves feeding the wrinkle-causing muscles, relaxing them on the spot. The whole treatment takes about 30 minutes, and one session is all it takes to see the change.
Afterward, expect some mild swelling or bruising that settles within hours to days, and the treated area can stay sensitive for a few weeks. Results appear immediately, can last years, and are maintained with periodic touch-up treatments.
Who is ThermiRase for?
ThermiRase is for people who like what Botox does but want it to last years, not months.
ThermiRase is not the answer for every line. At your consultation, we examine how your wrinkles move and tell you honestly whether ThermiRase, a neurotoxin, or another treatment will give you the result you are after. Individual results vary.
Expression lines bother you
ThermiRase targets the lines created by muscle movement, on the forehead and on the neck.
You are tired of repeat injections
Neurotoxin results fade in about three to four months. ThermiRase results can last years, maintained with periodic touch-ups.
You prefer to skip neurotoxins
The muscles are relaxed with radiofrequency energy, not injected toxins.
You want a quick, one-time procedure
About 30 minutes under local anesthetic, with results visible immediately after a single session.
You can accept a short recovery
Mild swelling or bruising settles in hours to days; the area may stay sensitive for a few weeks.
Where ThermiRaseworks
ThermiRase treats lines driven by muscle movement, and it is ideal for the forehead and the neck.
Select an area on the figure to see what ThermiRase does there.
ThermiRase, before and after
What ThermiRasecan do.
This result is from the practice's ThermiRase gallery. Individual results vary; your plan is designed at your consultation. Drag the handle to compare.
See the full galleryIndividual results vary. This photograph is from the practice's ThermiRase results gallery and is not a guarantee of your own outcome.
Whatto expect.
Book a consultationThermiRase is quoted personally at your consultation, based on the areas treated.
The nerves are mapped with a stimulator, the sites are numbed with local anesthetic, and the whole treatment generally takes about 30 minutes.
Mild swelling or bruising typically settles within hours to days, and the treated area can remain sensitive for a few weeks. Most patients return to their routine quickly.
The change is visible right after treatment. Results can last years and are maintained with periodic touch-up treatments. Individual results vary.
Frequently asked questions
How is ThermiRase different from Botox?
Both relax the muscles that cause wrinkles. Botox and Dysport do it with injected neurotoxins that wear off in about three to four months; ThermiRase uses radiofrequency energy to disrupt the nerves feeding those muscles, so results can last years and are maintained with periodic touch-ups.
Is ThermiRase a laser treatment?
No. ThermiRase uses radiofrequency energy, not laser light, to relax the wrinkle-causing muscles.
Does ThermiRase hurt?
There is little if any discomfort. You may feel slight tingling from the nerve stimulator used to locate the nerves and a few small pricks from the local anesthetic.
How does the procedure work?
An external nerve stimulator pinpoints the target nerves, the sites are numbed with local anesthetic, and a thin probe delivers RF energy that heats and disrupts the nerves, relaxing the muscles they control.
How long does the treatment take?
About 30 minutes.
When will I see results?
Generally immediately after treatment.
How many treatments do I need?
One. A single session produces visible results, with periodic touch-up treatments to maintain them over time.
How long do results last?
Results can last years rather than the few months typical of neurotoxins, and they are maintained with periodic touch-up treatments. Individual results vary.
Is there downtime?
Recovery is short but real. Mild swelling or bruising typically resolves within hours to days, and the treated area can stay sensitive for a few weeks.
Is ThermiRase FDA cleared?
Yes. ThermiRase is an FDA cleared device. Radiofrequency devices like ThermiRase are cleared through the FDA's 510(k) process, which is a different pathway from the approval given to injectable drugs such as Botox and Dysport.
What areas can ThermiRase treat?
It is ideal for muscle-driven lines on the forehead and on the neck. A consultation confirms whether your lines are a fit.
Ask about your skin.
Tell us what you would like to change and we will come back with the treatments that fit, honest expectations, and a time to talk it through.
Your details go straight to our Montgomery Road front desk and are never shared. A team member replies during office hours, usually the same day.
Ready when you are.
Book a consultation at our Montgomery Road office, or call and we will help you decide where to start.
Medically reviewed by Shalini Gupta, MD, Harvard-trained dermatologist and founder of The Dermatology, Laser & Vein Center. Last reviewed September 2026. This page is for education and is not a substitute for a personalized medical consultation.