Thermage® was originally founded in 1995, by Dr. Edward W. Knowlton, who has authored over 20 patents related to its unique RF technology. As the inventor of the ThermaCool device, Dr. Knowlton's fundamental concepts and research in reverse thermal gradients provided the basis of today's Thermage Technology. The combined use of continuous cooling of the skin's surface with radiofrequency heating of the lower layers of the skin and soft tissue help produce a non-invasive tightening of collagen containing tissues.

Through a partnership with seasoned Silicon Valley entrepreneur, Keith Mullowney, Dr. Knowlton established Thermage and sought out investors. Funding was secured and a team of scientists and engineers proceeded to develop the ThermaCool 1. This original device showcases the ingenuity, determination and spirit that permeate Thermage today.

The original patent was granted to Thermage on August 26th 1997. To date, worldwide, Thermage has 33 issued patents and an additional 55 patent applications pending. The ThermaCool system, which was initially cleared by FDA in November 2002, is now available in seventy countries by over 2,000 physicians. It is estimated that over 275,000 procedures have been performed with the ThermaCool device. Dr. Knowlton's “great idea” – the ability to tighten tissue, non-invasively – has become mainstream in the world of aesthetic cosmetic procedures.