Thermage: Disclosing Pacemakers and Electronic Implants

Key takeaway: Tell your clinician about electronic implants first

Hello, I am Dr. Kim Yeon-jin, Chief Physician at UHCELL Clinic Gangnam.

If you are considering Thermage and have a pacemaker or another implanted electronic device, I recommend telling your clinician before treatment planning. If you have a device card or medical records showing its name and model, bring them to discuss whether treatment is appropriate for you.

When you are considering Thermage, I recommend sharing information about implanted electronic devices alongside your skin concerns. You do not need to know the exact device name before raising the subject. Tell your clinician that you have an implant, even if you still need to confirm its details.

Why should you share device information first?

Before discussing whether you can receive Thermage, I recommend having your clinician review the exact details of your implant together with the Thermage equipment’s instructions for use.

Rather than starting with the treatment area or intensity, first ask whether treatment is appropriate with your particular implanted device. Sharing that information early makes it part of the eligibility discussion, not an afterthought.

What should you prepare if you do not know the device name?

To help communicate your implant information accurately, I recommend gathering the following:

• Device name and model: Bring a device card or medical records containing these details, if you have them.
• The fact that you have an implanted device: Tell your clinician even if you cannot remember its name.
• Records from the medical team that manages your device: If you are unsure what type of device you have, ask that team to confirm its exact name and model.

I recommend showing your clinician any available records rather than guessing the device type from memory.

Can you simply choose a different lifting treatment?

I recommend not treating a discussion about Thermage as an eligibility decision for other lifting devices.

Before choosing an alternative by name, I recommend preparing your implant information and asking your clinician to review it alongside the instructions for the treatment equipment being considered.

If you are preparing for a Thermage consultation, please tell your clinician whether you have an implanted electronic device. Bring a device card or related records if available, and discuss treatment eligibility before deciding on a procedure.

※ Skin reactions and recovery times vary from person to person. Please consult a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.