Scarlet Radio Frequency Microneedling

Due to aging and environmental damage to the skin, the production of the structural proteins collagen and elastin slows down. We need these vital proteins to provide structure, thickness, and elasticity. Without adequate amounts, our skin forms lines and wrinkles and begins to sag. Scarlet RF microneedling kick starts the processes that build these proteins to help slow down and even reverse the signs of aging.

What is Scarlet Radio Frequency (RF) Microneedling?

Radio frequency microneedling is a treatment that uses needles to create controlled micro-injuries to the skin. While the needles are in the skin, radio frequency waves are sent through them creating areas of heat. The heat from the radio frequency energy plus the tiny punctures from the needles combine to stimulate more collagen and elastin production and to produce more hyaluronic acid in the skin. 

This combination treatment further enhances skin tightening and produces scar reduction and wrinkle reduction with faster and more dramatic results than medical grade micro needling or radio frequency alone. This treatment has surged in popularity due to the non-invasive nature with minimal risk and downtime.

At L Aesthetics and Longevity, we like to use the following example to help you visualize the effect from the heat. It is not scientifically correct, but it helps get the point across. Think of the last time you cooked a chicken breast in a frying pan. If you got the pan nice and hot first, then put the chicken on the hot metal, you may have noticed the chicken shrink. This is how we think of the heat from the radio frequency shrinking the skin by changing the structure of the proteins including collagen causing them to constrict. 

In our skin, since it is still alive and attached to our bodies, it goes through a process of healing after experiencing the tiny poke holes and the heat. The biological processes that create and remodel collagen and elastin are kick started and lay the proteins in a smoother pattern, so instead of having clumpy “marbles” of collagen, we get a smooth “brick wall” pattern instead. This remodeling not only helps stimulate the body to produce more collagen, but also helps smooth the texture of the skin. 

What Does Scarlet RF Microneedling Treat?

Scarlet RF microneedling uses a robotic motor to apply the needles into the skin in a systematic and smooth manner allowing the procedure to be less painful than older systems. The treatment leads to firmer, smoother, tighter skin and treats acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles, loose skin, cellulite, stretch marks, saggy knees and other body parts, dark spots, enlarged pores, and excessive sweating. 

Scarlet RF microneedling can be used for clients who would like to avoid a facelift or neck lift or are planning to get a facelift and want their skin in optimal health first. The healthier, thicker the skin before a facelift, the better the results. This procedure is also great in patients who want to tighten and shrink that waddle that dangles under the chin. 

What Can I Expect on the Day of the Procedure?

The day of the Scarlet RF microneedling treatment, a topical numbing will be applied and usually stays on the skin for about 45 minutes. If you were prescribed anti-anxiety meds and pain meds you will take them 30 minutes before the procedure is to start. If you are having IV sedation with our own CRNA you will need to have no solid foods for 6 hours and no liquids except clear, see-through liquids for 2 hours before your appointment. 

After you have been numbed, your face will be cleaned with antibacterial soap and your provider will perform the treatment. A machine is used to place the needles in the skin and administer radio frequency waves into the tissue. After the Scarlet RF microneedling, a healing gel will be applied, and you may return home. Nothing is to be placed on the skin on the day of the procedure other than the healing gel and platelet rich plasma (PRP), stem cells, or Exosomes if you choose one of these advanced healing substances to enhance your treatment. 

You will look red, possibly have some pinpoint bleeding, and be slightly swollen afterwards. You may have some slight bruising around the eye area and the neck if an aggressive treatment was performed. You may be slightly puffy for a few days and will have tiny visible poke marks for 3 to 5 days on the face, longer for the neck and other body parts. 

You can wear makeup 24 hours after a Scarlet treatment, and most people feel that they look fine to go to work the day after the procedure.

How Long Does a Treatment Usually Take?

At L Aesthetics and Longevity, a procedure on the face and neck usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. Larger body areas will take longer, depending on the size of the area to be treated. 

Possible Side Effects from the Scarlet

The side effects of a Scarlet treatment are usually mild and short in duration. You can expect redness for 1 to 5 days. Pin pricks will be visible possibly up to 2 weeks if you have a treatment the neck. You may experience some mild swelling, especially around the eyes. If you have a history of getting fever blisters, you should let the office know before your appointment so you can start on Valacyclovir to prevent this. 

If you have frequent breakouts, you may have a breakout of small white pimples a few days after the Scarlet when your skin is purging.  You may experience mild peeling or flaking for up to a month depending on the depth of the treatment. There is a slight risk of folliculitis and if this occurs you may be prescribed an antibiotic. 

How Many Treatments are Needed?

It depends on the quality and age of the skin to be treated and the desired outcome. Most people in their 40’s and over will want 3 to 5 treatments if they are trying to correct something such as lines and wrinkles, jowls, sagging neck skin, scars, enlarged pores, and brown spots. Some RF microneedling devices can kill fat cells and can be used to shrink areas of unwanted fat while tightening the skin in the treated areas. The larger and thicker the area to be treated, the more treatments will be needed. Fewer complaints equal fewer treatments needed, usually. 

How Long Will the Results Last?

After the series of procedures is complete, remodeling of the tissue continues for about 9 months to a year so continued improvement will occur. The effects of the treatment series usually lasts a few years depending on how well one takes care of their skin and on overall health. Many people choose to have a maintenance RF microneedling treatment once a year after completing a series to make up for the fact that we lose 1% of collagen a year after about age 20. Also, gravity, pollution, and aging never sleep and take a toll on our skin if we don’t’ fight back. 

 

I want to Look Younger! How do I Schedule an Appointment?

Call one of our local offices today and our friendly and knowledgeable front desk staff can get you scheduled for your free consultation with one of our experienced providers.