Solta Thermage Cosmetic Device Causes Horrific Facial Burns

The Zinn Law Firm is currently representing a woman who suffered severe second-degree burn injuries and permanent scars as a result of treatment from a Thermage CPT device that was designed, manufactured and distributed by Solta Medical, Inc. (“Solta”). The Thermage CPT has been advertised as a “non-invasive” way to treat wrinkles and rejuvenate the skin by delivering pulses of radiofrequency energy to the lower levels of skin to stimulate growth and tightening of collagen.

Unfortunately, the Thermage CPT has been known to cause serious burn injuries, particularly when the patient is administered pain medications, sedatives or anesthetics during treatment. This is due to the fact that such pain management techniques undermine the patient’s ability to feel and communicate the sensation of heat or pain to their doctor, who must adjust the energy setting of the device to achieve the patient’s desired result. In the absence of accurate patient feedback, a doctor may inadvertently overheat the skin and cause serious injury. Moreover, the Thermage CPT is capable of causing serious burns at moderate energy levels (3-6 on a scale of 0-8), and should therefore only be used on levels 1 or 2 over an extended period of time to protect patient safety.

Despite these known safety issues, our client alleges that Solta failed to adequately instruct and warn Thermage CPT providers and patients about the risks. As a result, many doctors continue to administer Thermage CPT treatment at dangerously high energy levels and offer anesthesia or sedation to patients who may be concerned about pain. Our client received Thermage CPT treatment on her face and neck under general anesthesia at energy levels ranging from 3-6. As a result, she suffered horrible injuries including severe second-degree burns covering her face and neck, large and painful blisters, and open wounds that required excruciating treatment. The attached photos tell the story in horrible detail. Today, our client is left with permanent physical and emotional scars from her experience.

The Zinn Law Firm is investigating claims by patients who have been injured by Solta medical devices, including the Thermage CPT. If you or anyone you know has been injured by such treatment, please do not hesitate to contact our firm to discuss your potential case.