How does HIFU stimulate the production of collagen?
During the treatment, HIFU delivers focused ultrasound energy deep beneath the skin at the optimal temperature for collagen regeneration. This jumpstarts a process known as neocollagenesis which produces fresh, new collagen naturally. HIFU treatments don’t involve any creams, fillers or toxins. It is your body’s own collagen-building process that is activated and creates the natural and noticeable results.
Who is HIFU best suited to?
A good candidate for HIFU is someone with skin that has “relaxed” to the point of looking, and often feeling, less firm. A lowered eyebrow line or sagging skin on the eyelids, for instance, is often the first sign of “maturing” skin. Typically, those in their late thirties and older who have mild to moderate skin laxity are candidates.
How do HIFU treatments feel?
While the ultrasound energy is being delivered you will feel tiny amounts of “energy” being deposited to precise depths of the skin. This is a positive and temporary signal that the collagen-building process has been initiated. Comfort thresholds vary from person to person but the sensations only last while the treatment is being delivered. Your dermal therapist will aim to make your experience as comfortable as possible. Patients typically leave feeling relaxed and excited about the benefits to come.
How many treatments will I need?
Generally only one treatment is needed every 6 months to 2 years depending on the client’s age and degree of skin laxity, biological response to ultrasound energy and their individual collagen-building process. Some clients may benefit from additional treatments and future touch-up treatments can help clients keep pace with their body’s natural aging process.
Is there downtime?
With HIFU treatment there is NO downtime. After your treatment, you can resume your normal activities immediately and there are no special measures that you have to take. It is even possible to have your treatment during your lunch-break.
What areas are suitable for treatment?
The most common areas to use HIFU are the face, neck and body. You can expect to notice your skin lifting and tightening with immediate effect, with ongoing results in the ensuing weeks. Optimum results will be seen at 6-12 weeks, leaving you feeling smoother, brighter and firmer, and will continue to improve for up to six months following your treatment. Results last for between one and two years. HIFU is also very effective when used on the abdomen, legs, buttocks and arms to tighten and sculpt these areas.
When can results be seen?
Some patients may see the initial result instantly. However, the ultimate lifting and firming process will take place over approximately 3-4 months with continual on-going improvement up to 6 months. One treatment every 6 to 12 months is usually enough, yet, depending on age and degree of skin laxity extra sessions might be required. Some clients may also benefit from additional treatments.
Can I have HIFU treatments if I have dark skin?
Yes! HIFU can treat all skin colours in accordance with the Fitzpatrick scale.
What are the contra-indications?
- Open wounds or lesions on the face and/or neck
- Severe or cystic acne on the face and/or neck
- Pacemakers and electronic device implants in treated area
- Heart Conditions
- An active systemic or local skin disease that may alter wound healing
- Herpes
- Autoimmune disease
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Bell’s palsy
-Pregnant or breastfeeding women
If you have any of these contra-indication you must consult your general doctor first for advice.
What is Gold Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling?
Radiofrequency microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure designed to rejuvenate the skin by causing controlled injury to the skin with fine, sterile needles and radiofrequency energy that improves skin tone and texture and firmness. Gold RF microneedling is essentially a skin tightening and resurfacing procedure. The skin will look smoother and more radiant within a week and improve over the course of a few months after a few sessions.
How does Gold RF Microneedling work?
Microneedling needles gently penetrate and create micro-channels in the upper layer of skin and deliver radiofrequency energy deep into the skin. This micro – injury induces the body’s healing cascade including the production of collagen and elastin to reduce the appearance of saggy and scarred skin.
What does RF Microneedling treat?
RF Microneedling treats damaged and ageing skin including age spots, photodamage, acne scars, other scarring, enlarged pores, wrinkles, and stretch marks. The face, décolleté wrinkles and stretch marks, crepey neck skin, loose skin, legs and arms, and even abdominal stretch marks can be treated. The result is smooth, even skin tone and texture and added firmness. It is also safe and effective for use on the delicate skin around the eyes, and upper lip.
What are the results of RF Microneedling?
Microneedling stimulates the production of new collagen to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and scars and induces new skin cell production. The result is smoother, firmer and more evenly toned skin. The radiofrequency energy firms and tightens the skin from within further enhancing collagen remodelling. RF energy is a proven, non-invasive and safe method to tighten the skin by delivering high intensity energy to the tissues. The result is lifted and tightened skin
How is RF microneedling different from other radiofrequency energy treatments?
Most other RF treatments deliver this energy to the surface of the skin. RF microneedling delivers RF energy below the skin surface to enhance collagen production and skin cell regeneration.
Who is a good candidate for Gold RF Microneedling?
Good candidates must be in good health, have signs of skin ageing and realistic expectations. This treatment can certainly benefit people with all skin tones, thickness and types, as the energy level and depth can be customised for your skin type.
Does the RF microneedling procedure hurt?
Although you would think it would be very painful the treatment is quite tolerable with the appropriate numbing cream. Comfort thresholds vary from person to person. You can purchase at the pharmacy a topical anaesthetic and apply it on the treated area 30 minutes prior to your treatment. Or, if you prefer, we can apply it on you during your consultation. The microneedling device contains ultrafine, very sharp, sterile needles that puncture the skin which causes only minimal damage to the skin. The microneedles do not cause permanent damage to the skin.
What are the risks?
Possible side effects include peeling, swelling, redness, itching, acne and cold sore flare ups. In rare cases, it might occur allergic reaction to needles, signs of infection, persisting swelling or redness, prolonged bleeding, bruising, fatigue, headache.
Who this treatment is not suited to?
• People who currently or recently used Accutane (Isotretinoin)
• Have active acne breakout
• Have mild or severe sunburn, sun-exposed or used tanning creams for the past 4 weeks
• Have an active cold sore breakout
• Have had fillers of anti-wrinkle injections for the past 2 weeks
• Have an active herpes or a skin infection
• Have a moderate to severe skin disease (like psoriasis, rosacea, melasma, skin cancer)
• Are receiving radiation therapy or chemotherapy
• Are pregnant and/or breastfeeding
• Are taking anticoagulants
• Have a history of poor wound healing, keloids, hypertrophic scarring
• Heath conditions like diabetes, cancer, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism
• Autoimmune skin conditions or cardiac conditions
Is there any downtime?
You can expect there will be some inflammation, swelling and redness like a sunburn that can last for 48 – 72 hours after the procedure. There may be some minor pinpoint bleeding and possibly some bruising for around 5 days after the treatment. You will be advised on how to care for your skin during your healing process. It is important to wear sunscreen and avoid sun exposure while you heal. We also advise you to avoid applying makeup for 48 hours after your treatment.
How many sessions are needed?
The number of treatments you need are based on the condition of your skin and what you are treating. We will recommend the number of treatments for you during your consultation but most patients have 3 to 4 treatments to achieve their desired results. It’s important to highlight that touch up treatments can help to maintain your results.