There are a number of non-surgical treatments designed to enhance both the health and appearance of the skin. Microneedling is a prime example of how a youthful, glowing complexion can be regenerated through minimally invasive techniques that take advantage of the body’s natural wound healing processes. When microneedling is performed with the aid of state-of-the-art radiofrequency (RF) technology—which gently employs controlled heat energy to tighten and remodel lax skin—the result can be a cutting-edge rejuvenation procedure that renews and heals the skin at multiple layers of the dermis.
Genius™ radiofrequency (RF) microneedling is an innovative Medi-Spa skin treatment that utilizes both of these technologies to foster notable improvement of a range of skin conditions. Plastic surgeon Tiffany McCormack, MD offers FDA-approved Genius™ RF microneedling at our Reno practice to stimulate collagen and elastin production at multiple skin depths for a smoother, firmer, and more youthful complexion.
How Does Genius™ RF Microneedling Work?
Genius™ radiofrequency microneedling is designed to foster new growth of healthier skin by creating thousands of tiny coagulation (tightening) zones in the treated areas, from which RF heat energy can be delivered directly into the dermis. As the dermis houses collagen and elastin fibres that are essential to the supportive skin structure, RF energy works to reinvigorate production of these proteins to lift, tighten, firm, and smooth the skin. The energy level and targeted depth of Genius™ is customized according to the extent of your concerns as well as your cosmetic goals for a precise, tailored treatment. As the micro-needles make multiple passes over the skin, the body’s natural wound repairing mechanism is activated at several layers of the dermis for comprehensive improvement in tone and texture. Commonly treated areas include the face, jaw (jowls), neck, décolletage, or upper arms.
What Concerns Can Genius™ Microneedling Treat?
Aging, sun damage, genetics, and hormonal fluctuations can all contribute to a loss of skin elasticity, crepe-like texture, uneven tone, and diminished firmness in the skin. As a treatment amenable to all skin types and tones, Genius™ RF Microneedling can provide a powerful improvement in the following skin conditions:
- Lax or sagging skin in the face, jowls, or neck
- Wrinkles and fine lines
- Acne scars, trauma or surgical scars, and hyperpigmentation
- Crepey skin
Genius™‘s fractional radiofrequency technology, which targets precise layers of the dermis rather than treating the entire skin at once, generally allows little to no downtime after treatment. Since the epidermis (surface layer of the skin) is unaffected by the thermal coagulation zones, healing can occur at a faster pace when compared to more invasive skin rejuvenation procedures.
Radiofrequency technology is also employed during LaseMD treatment, another skin rejuvenation procedure that can diminish sun spots, hyperpigmentation, freckles, wrinkles, and many other skin conditions without surgery or downtime. If you do not wish to undergo microneedling treatment, Dr. McCormack can help you determine if LaseMD, or another Medi-Spa service, is better suited to achieve your desired aesthetic.
How is Genius™ RF Microneedling Treatment Performed?
While the length of your treatment will depend on the size and number of targeted regions, an average Genius™ microneedling session takes approximately one hour. Before the in-office procedure, a numbing agent will be applied in order to minimize treatment discomfort, which patients typically describe as mild. During the session, the Genius™ handpiece will be run along the skin, creating tiny micro-channels through which temperature-controlled RF energy can travel. As the ultra-fine insulated needles gently penetrate the skin, RF energy is delivered into different layers of the dermis. Three passes can be completed in one Genius™ session, with each application targeting a particular skin depth. In this way, firmer skin can be built at multiple layers as the growth of new collagen cells is catalyzed.
Does Genius™ Microneedling Hurt?
Most patients report only mild discomfort from Genius™ treatment, with the sensation typically described as a mild stinging or snapping. Numbing cream and PRO-NOX™ Nitrous Oxide sedation can be utilized to make treatment more comfortable. Redness, pinpoint bleeding, and/or swelling is normal immediately after each session and should fade within the next 24 hours. There is generally little to no downtime required after Genius™ RF microneedling.
Is Any Genius™ Microneedling Aftercare Necessary?
There is generally no aftercare that is medically necessary after Genius™ microneedling, but a few simple tips can help reduce swelling of the treated area(s) and speed up the skin’s healing process. If you feel discomfort in the first 24 hours after your Genius™ session, cold packs can be used as necessary to decrease inflammation and redness. Furthermore, you can protect and soothe the skin by applying sunscreen, as well as any healing creams that your nurse or esthetician has recommended.
What are the Results of Genius™ RF Microneedling?
The rejuvenation provided by the Genius™ system typically occurs gradually and unfolds in two phases. Improvements in skin tone and texture can be noticed within the first one or two weeks after treatment, with a tighter and more volumized skin appearance usually developing over the next several weeks. Depending on the extent of your concerns, Dr. McCormack recommends a series of two to four treatment sessions to realize the best possible aesthetic outcome. During a consultation, you and Dr. McCormack will discuss the most ideal Genius™ regimen to achieve your cosmetic goals. Optimal improvement is often noticed a few months after completion of your treatment plan.
How Long Does Genius™ RF Microneedling Last?
The longevity of the results achieved from treatment will depend on which concerns were treated, as well as your age, skin health, and lifestyle habits. As Genius™ microneedling is designed to rebuild the skin’s collagen structure, the outcome should be very enduring. Some patients even see improvement that lasts several years. If you were treated to reduce acne scarring, the final outcome should be permanent. Although the aging process will continue, the skin rejuvenation provided by Genius™ microneedling usually lasts well into the future.
Is Genius™ RF Microneedling Safe?
Genius™ microneedling is considered a predictable procedure that offers a high degree of customization and control over the concerns treated. With the use of insulated needles that focus the emission of heat to the tip, Genius™ is designed to treat the deeper skin layers while minimizing the heat energy directed at the epidermis. This can not only reduce the amount of inflammation on the surface of the skin, but it also allows for control over the depth of treatment. Additionally, unlike laser-based skin rejuvenation, Genius™ can be used on darker skin tones with a lesser risk of pigment changes when compared to laser treatments.
How Much Does Genius™ RF Microneedling Treatment Cost?
The cost of microneedling using radiofrequency technology will vary from patient to patient based on the extent of concerns treated and the number of sessions necessary to achieve your goals. Your price estimate will be unique to your needs and we will be able to provide you with a personalized quote after your consultation.
The M Spa accepts an array of financing options, including plans from CareCredit®, Prosper® Healthcare Lending, and Alphaeon™ Credit. These reputable healthcare lending companies offer many low- to no-interest payment plans for qualified applicants who wish to finance the cost of treatment, giving approved patients the opportunity to pay for their Genius™ microneedling treatment in installments. For more information about our accepted payment methods, please reach out to M Spa today.
Questions? If you would like to learn more about Genius™ radiofrequency microneedling, or if you are ready to schedule a consultation, please contact our practice today.