Can You Have Thermage With a Pacemaker?

If you have an implanted pacemaker, do not undergo Thermage. At UH CELL, we want to explain the manufacturer's contraindication before discussing expected cosmetic benefits. Solta Medical's Important Safety Information on the official U.S. Thermage website explicitly instructs people with pacemakers not to have the treatment.

The contraindication concerns the implant, not skin sensitivity

Solta Medical's U.S. safety information for healthcare professionals explains that the radiofrequency electrical field or current used by Thermage CPT/FLX may adversely affect implanted electrical devices. It therefore lists use of these systems in patients with implanted pacemakers as contraindicated, meaning the treatment should not be performed.

This is not simply a recommendation to check whether your skin is sensitive before deciding. The implanted device itself is relevant to the contraindication, regardless of your skin condition.

The guidance discussed here is the manufacturer's official U.S. safety information. The website states that its information applies to the United States unless otherwise indicated. We are not presenting it as identical to the wording of Korean regulatory labeling.

Other implanted electrical devices are also covered

The same Solta Medical safety information includes cardioverters, defibrillators, and other internal electrical devices. A device should not be assumed to fall outside the warning simply because it is not called a pacemaker.

The warning concerns internal electrical devices. It does not, by itself, establish that every metal implant carries the same contraindication. Nor does it establish that another lifting treatment would be safe. Any alternative needs a separate assessment based on that treatment's safety information and your individual condition.

What to disclose before considering treatment

Solta Medical advises telling your healthcare professional if you have an internal electrical device or are unsure whether you can undergo Thermage. Before discussing skin concerns, disclose that you have an implanted device.

If you do not know exactly what type of device you have, prepare documentation that identifies it so you can share that information with the healthcare professional.

We want to keep one distinction clear: disclosing an implant is not a process for making an exception to the contraindication. If you have a pacemaker, follow the manufacturer's instruction not to undergo Thermage.