|
Cosmetic Services > Skin Tightening with Accent RF
Questions and AnswersSkin tightening refers to any technique that reduces skin laxity and sagging.
Back to topRF stands for “radio frequency” or radio waves. These waves are part of the electromagnetic spectrum. They are way beyond visible light and beyond infrared light and microwaves. They are harmless. They are bombarding all of us every day from the sun and from every radio station within listening distance. (Harmful waves are found at the opposite end of the spectrum: ultraviolet, xray, and gamma waves.)
Back to topPrior to the last decade, the only method to tighten skin was surgery.
Since about 2002 several methods have been developed that can tighten skin without surgery. These include devices that use radio frequency, intense pulsed light, and mesotherapy (injections of biochemicals and herbals). These techniques can do great things for the skin, but they involve some discomfort and downtime. In particular, mesotherapy treatments require a lot of needles.
Now, new patented technology, the Accent , offers a major advance in skin therapy. It tightens skin by applying harmless radio waves with virtually no pain and no downtime.
Back to topThe Accent RF device applies an intense field of radio waves through the handpiece that is held directly on the skin. Radio waves induce electrical current in the tissue. This current flows easily through blood and muscle, and has no effect. Collagen resists the flow, so heat is produced. The skin heats up to between 40C and 45C.
Collagen tightens up, and collagen production is boosted, tightening the skin.
Back to topAny area with loose skin can be treated. This is most commonly the face, but the neck and tummy are also commonly treated areas. We avoid the area over the thyroid gland (under the Adam's apple) because of a theoretical chance of injury to this gland which lies just under the skin.
Back to topEveryone with loose skin can be treated with the Accent, but there are limits. Severly stretched skin (eg. following pregnancy or substantial weight loss) will not respond very well.
As we age we make less collagen. The collagen is also lower quality. Even with a lot of treatments, we are sometimes unable to stimulate collagen production in older skin. As a general guideline, forty year olds don't need skin tightening, but they would respond very well, because they are still making lots of collagen. Fifty year olds could probably use a little help with skin tightening, and they respond reasonably well. Sixty year olds are making considerably less collagen, and they are not likely to respond very well to Accent RF skin tightening.Smokers and sun-worshippers will not respond well. People who are in generally poor physical condition or recovering from major illness are also poor candidates
People with pacemakers cannot be treated. The induced electrical current can shut down the pacemaker.
In people with implanted metals such as plates and rods, the Accent can induce electrical current in the metal. This is not harmful, but it could be painful.
Back to topA light coating of mineral oil is applied to the skin.
The Accent handpiece is applied to the skin.
The technician starts to move the handpiece around in lines and circles over the area to be treated, and once a rhythm is established, the energy is turned on.
Energy is applied for 20-30 seconds while the movement continues.
During this time a gentle warming sensation will begin.
The temperature is measured by a laser thermometer after each 20-30 second period.
When the target temperature is reached, three more 20-30 second passes are made over the area to maintain the temperature for enough time to do the job of tightening the skin.
Treatments take about 60 minutes.
Back to topAccent RF therapy is virtually painless. All you feel is warmth and the massage of the moving handpiece. Occasionally, the treatment pushes you beyond warm to hot, and this might be uncomfortable for brief periods.
Skin temperature is checked frequently to make sure the skin is not too hot.
There is also no sound.
Back to topYour skin will be red for an hour or two, and that’s all. Imagine putting a hot water bottle on your tummy for a while. It will cause redness that disappears quite quickly.
Back to topSkin tightening will peak about four to six months after the treatment as new collagen is produced. The first evidence of improvement usually takes about 2-3 months.
Most commonly Accent skin tightening requires 3-6 sessions. It may require more sessions to achieve the desired result.
Back to topYes. Loss of skin elasticity is an ongoing process. Maintenance is required. One session every year or two should be enough
Back to topVirtually nothing. It is possible to cause some pain if your tissue heats up too far, but heating is gradual, and there is usually sufficient warning that you are getting hot. Burns are virtually impossible.
If the Accent RF handpiece loses contact with the skin while the energy is flowing, it can cause a "spark" sensation, but this will not create a burn. The design of the handpiece makes sparking extremely unlikely.
As of this writing, no adverse effects following Accent treatments have been reported worldwide.
Back to topThere are no special skin care requirements following Accent RF treatments. You just wipe the mineral oil off and away you go. The redness caused by the treatment will disappear in an hour or so without any special care.
Back to top
Back to topWe require 48 hours notice for cancellation of your consultation or treatment, in order to fill the appointment time. If sufficient notice is not given, the full value of the treatment to be done may be charged, with the minimum charge being $100 (one hundred dollars).
Back to top |
