The
“Treating people, not just problems” since 1989.
John L. Pfenninger, M.D.
(989) 631-4545
Visit our Web sites at: MPCenter.net
SKIN TIGHTENING USING RADIAGE – Patient Education
Radiage is a cosmetic treatment which is based on technology that has been used
for years. Its purpose is to tighten the skin. The high-intensity
radio waves produced by the Radiage wand provide a
virtually painless treatment. A small rounded probe is rubbed over the
area where tightening is desired, producing heat deep within the skin resulting
in immediate tightening of collagen. Improvement continues for up to
three months, as the skin produces new collagen in response to the
heating. This technique has been used more widely in
Radiage can improve mild to moderate wrinkles, drooping eyelids and sagging neck or facial skin. Multiple treatments can be performed for continued improvement. They are spaced at three-month intervals. The entire face (including eyelids), neck and hands can be treated. It may be possible to treat other body parts. You may want to discuss this during your consultation. Any skin type can be safely treated with Radiage, and most men and women are candidates.
To begin your Radiage treatment, a cooling gel will
be applied on your skin in the area to be treated. A gold-tipped probe is
used in a massaging motion to heat the skin in a small area. When this
site is heated sufficiently, a new area is treated. The cooling gel is
used to protect the skin and increase the effectiveness of treatment. It
takes about one hour to treat the entire face including the eyelids.
There is little to no pain. Most patients feel a pleasant sensation of
warmth, but occasionally certain areas will become hot for a brief
period. Many patients say their skin feels softer immediately after a
treatment.
The “downtime” for Radiage is only minutes. Your skin becomes pink during the treatment, but this resolves within a few minutes. Makeup should be removed prior to a Radiage treatment, but you may reapply it immediately after the treatment.
Radiage works well with other cosmetic
treatments such as Botox, Juvederm
dermal filler and ActiveFX laser resurfacing.
It will not interfere with your home skin care regimen. Most patients see
results with only one treatment, but many ask for a second treatment for
increased benefit. This can be done anytime after three months. The
effects of a successful Radiage treatment can last
one to three years.
As is well known now that sun exposure causes skin to age more rapidly. It also causes skin cancer. Sunburns are especially harmful. Tanning booths markedly increase the risk of skin cancers, especially melanoma, and should always be avoided. If you would like to look tanned, we suggest using a sunless tanning lotion. With many cosmetic treatments, it is important to avoid the sun prior to treatment, but with Radiage it is not essential. However, for lasting results, minimize sun exposure and avoid all tanning booths/beds after your treatment. Also, do not smoke. It will cause your skin problems to return sooner. Of course, sunscreen and moisturizer should be used on a daily basis to maintain your skin’s health. Following these practices will help your skin to remain younger longer.
Side effects are rarely seen with Radiage and include small burns, blistering and, of course, you may not achieve the results you want.
No guarantees can ever be given, but in general, Radiage has been well received and has provided a realistic and effective approach to skin tightening. When combined with other treatments available in our office, it can truly “roll back the years.”