SkinMedica
If you struggle with appearance-related skin concerns, the thought has probably crossed your mind: Are some people just born with perfect skin? While there are certainly those who are blessed with certain genetics, it’s also true that the vast majority of people have to dedicate time and hard work to perfect the appearance of their skin, particularly once that natural aging process starts. At Sun City Laser in El Paso, TX, we know one secret for perfect skin is Secret RF, a multi-layered minimally invasive skin treatment.
How Long Does Secret RF Last?
The majority of patients who use this treatment can expect results to last for 12 to 18 months in general. As a facial treatment, this makes Secret RF one of the longest-lasting cosmetic treatments available to patients. That said, depending on what skin conditions you’re treating, some results may last for even longer. For example, treating some forms of scars, including atrophic acne scars, may produce permanent results.
Why Does This Treatment Last So Long?
The main reason why this treatment lasts so long is that the combination of techniques used in the Secret RF system rejuvenates the skin from the inside out to help skin produce its own collagen and to exfoliate the top layers of skin that may be affected by age-related concerns. In other words, the sheer power of this treatment device will produce long-lasting results because the two-pronged system will address both top and sub-dermal skin concerns at one time.
For results that last even longer than the expected longevity, there may be another reason why the results last for such a long time. For example, treating certain types of scars with this system may break down problematic scar tissue and also produce additional collagen to smooth the texture of the surrounding skin. Sometimes, even your age may be a reason why the results of this treatment last so long; if you’re young enough that you’re still producing higher levels of collagen, then your results could last several more weeks.
Other Frequently Asked Questions About Secret RF
1. How Often Should You Have Treatments?
How often you should have Secret RF treatments depends on a few factors, such as whether or not you have already obtained your desired results and also your specific skin condition concerns. For example, because not all sun damage is recurring, you may not need to have very frequent treatments after sun damage has already been treated. Let’s break it down further.
To Get Your Desired Results
To get your initial desired results, you will need to have several treatments in a row. Most patients will require about three to four consecutive treatments that are spaced four to six weeks apart to produce the biggest and most noticeable appearance improvements. Multiple initial treatments are required to undo your current skin damage and to kickstart the collagen maturation process. The time between the appointments gives your skin time to heal adequately.
Of course, depending on the condition of your skin, you may require more or fewer treatments than other patients. For example, treating mild skin laxity and blemishes may only require two or three appointments, while more severe age-related concerns may require five or more treatments to resolve. This is particularly true for some scars, which may require four to six treatment appointments.
To Maintain Your Desired Results
Because the results of this treatment are usually temporary, you will need to have maintenance appointments every once in a while to maintain your results. Given that the results of this treatment can last for up to 12 to 18 months, many patients opt to have an annual maintenance appointment once a year. Naturally, the condition of your skin may indicate that less frequent maintenance appointments are also appropriate.
Ideally, your maintenance appointments should never be far enough apart that you will have to start from square one again. We can help you determine the best treatment schedule to effortlessly maintain your desired results.
2. What Appearance Concerns Can This Treat?
Secret RF is a highly versatile energy-based treatment that can be used to address a wide variety of superficial and age-related skin concerns. Some skin conditions that can be resolved with this treatment include:
- Uneven skin texture
- Skin laxity
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Uneven skin pigment
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Acne scarring
- Blemishes and dark spots
- Sun damage
- Dull and dry skin
3. Is There a Best Time for This Treatment?
While you can certainly have this treatment at any age and during any time of the year, there are some times where this treatment is more appropriate and effective. For example, because this treatment uses thermal energy, it may be best to schedule your initial round of treatment appointments during the colder months of the year to avoid the risk of excessive sun exposure during your recovery period.
Your get may also factor into when it’s appropriate to seek this treatment. For example, because this treatment is intended for people who have age-related skin concerns, you may not receive the best results if you use this treatment during your 20s or early 30s when the aging process hasn’t progressed very far. In fact, those in their late 30s, 40s, and upward will likely produce the best results from this treatment.
4. How Does This Treatment Work?
This is a minimally invasive treatment that uses a handheld device to deliver a powerful combination of treatment techniques to your skin. Secret RF is crafted with microneedling and radiofrequency technology that allows for several layers of skin to be penetrated with thermal energy, which ultimately produces the best and longest-lasting results.
But what is microneedling and radiofrequency, and why are they so effective?
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive technique that uses sterile needle tips to create micro-injuries in your skin. These micro-injuries open up channels in your skin that stimulate your body’s natural regenerative response, which tells your skin to produce higher levels of fibrin, collagen, and elastin to heal surface wounds. Additionally, microneedling can help your skin shed damaged skin cells more quickly to improve skin tone and texture.
What Is Radiofrequency?
Radiofrequency is one of the current golden standards for cosmetic treatments because of its efficacy and compatibility. Radiofrequency technology uses special thermal energy waves to heat sub-dermal skin tissues, which increases blood flow to the skin and stimulates more collagen production.
Why Is This Combination So Powerful?
The real key for this treatment is the fact that microneedling opens the door for radiofrequency energy to penetrate deeper levers of the skin’s sub-dermal layers. By sinking deeper, the radiofrequency energy can produce greater effects and stimulate collagen production from the deepest layers, which is why the results of the treatment tend to last so long.
5. What Can You Expect From This Treatment?
Overall, your treatment appointments are simple enough that they should last about 15 to 20 minutes. Your treatment appointments will consist of cleansing the skin of any excess dirt or oil, applying a topical numbing cream if that is your preference, and then one of our aestheticians using the Secret RF device on your skin to treat designated areas. After your skin has been treated, you will be free to return to most of your normal daily activities, including work.
6. How Should You Prepare for Treatment?
Because this treatment uses radiofrequency technology, it’s important that you prepare your skin for your treatment by avoiding direct unprotected sunlight for at least five to seven days before your appointment. We may provide you with a list of other directions to follow to prepare for your treatment, which may include:
- Temporarily stop taking blood-thinning medications and supplements
- Start using Arnica Montana supplements
- Do not use acids, scrubs, or other harsh skincare products
- Drink plenty of water
7. What Is Your Skin Recovery Like?
Although you will need to follow several aftercare directions, your recovery will still be simple. Most people are recovered from this treatment within several hours of their appointment; in fact, many people resume their normal skincare routine within 24 to 48 hours. However, because your skin will be vulnerable during this time, some of your directions may include:
- Keep your skin moisturized
- Avoid exfoliating acids and products
- Avoid direct sunlight
- Wear SPF 30 or higher
- Do not use hot water or steam
- Avoid strenuous exercises, excessive heat, and sweating
- Do not wear makeup for at least 24 hours
It will also be important to stay hydrated during your recovery period, as the radiofrequency treatment may cause your skin to feel tight and dry; drinking enough water will help naturally replenish your skin moisture. Your skin may also appear somewhat red for the first 12 to 24 hours of your treatment, but these minor side effects are temporary and will subside quickly.
8. Why Should You Choose This Treatment?
Why this treatment instead of a different laser treatment, or even just a microneedling treatment by itself? Ultimately, the cosmetic treatment you choose should be based on the type of skin concerns you have, but many people also opt for this treatment because it’s safe and effective for the vast majority of patients.
For example, this treatment is compatible with those who have medium to dark complexions, which is an advantage that many other energy-based treatments do not share. The microneedling part of this treatment is also an ideal match for people of all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin types. The no-brainer compatibility of this treatment is the main reason why patients pick Secret instead of other energy-based treatments.
9. Who Are Good Candidates?
Good candidates for this treatment include those who have one or more age-related skin concerns, including acne scarring and sun damage. If you do not have a current flare of up skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema, you are likely a good candidate for this treatment. We will be able to determine your eligibility for this treatment during your consultation appointment.
The Secret for Rejuvenating Your Beauty Is Secret RF
The secret to perfect skin is patience and finding a skincare treatment that will help you address all of your aesthetic concerns. If you think Secret RF is a good match for achieving your aesthetic goals, please contact us today at Sun City Laser in El Paso, TX to schedule your first appointment.