MicroTHERA™ is the use of non invasive and minimally invasive radiofrequency for non-surgical body and facial contouring and non-surgical facial and body skin tightening. This includes the use of monopolar devices as well as bipolar devices and with suction assist devices. The brand names of the devices used are Pelleve, Aluma, Venus Freeze/Venus Legacy and the ThermiAesthetic device. All are temperature and comfort controlled and all can be combined with subcutaneous laser surgery such as SmartLipo and Precision FX.
More on microTHERA™.
MicroTHERA™ is a rejuvenation processes that utilizes the multiple Radiofrequency devices available at Technika in a way that maximizes their benefits while minimizes the side effects of the treatment. microTHERA™ is a proprietary treatment program developed by Dr. Gentile emphasizing maximal patient comfort with high energy but temperature controlled Radiofrequency devices. The treatment protocol is customized not only for the parts of the body/face being treated but also for the unique needs and concerns of the patient. MicroTHERA™ utilizes non-invasive and microinvasive technologies for optimal treatment of specific patient problems and is primarily non surgical. No Scalpels, No Scissors, No Stitches….
A specialized infrared camera is used to monitor skin tightening energies to promote effective yet comfortable and safe treatment. MicroTHERA™ does not require general anesthesia or major sedation. This photo shows the infrared monitoring of energy utilized to produce the skin tightening and lift effect of the microTHERA™ treatment.
Rheannon Marhefky R.N. performs microTHERA™ utilizing the Venus Legacy LIFT FX multipolar Radiofrequency device. In order to maximize the benefits of skin tightening and safety and minimize discomfort she utilizes an infrared thermal camera to monitor the progress of the treatment.
How Radio Frequency treatments work..
Radio frequency (RF) devices produce an electric current using electromagnetic radiation falling within the frequency range of 3 to 300GHz. When this current passes through a tissue layer it produces heat. Skin rejuvenation occurs as a result of the thermal or heat damage to the dermis, the skin layer beneath the epidermis. Because it impedes the passing current more than most other tissue in the skin, the subcutaneous fat layer below the dermis generates greater amounts of heat and paves the way for deeper thermal effects.
Heating the dermis modifies the original properties of collagen fibers. They thicken and contract in response to the heat. This is what leads to immediately visible improvements. Heat also causes long-term collagen remodeling, which is how skin improvements and tightening continue a number of weeks after treatment. The inflammatory response of the skin to the wounds induced by heat leads to additional collagen synthesis as part of the healing process.
Radio frequency is not a new technology. It’s been used for medical applications involving tissue heating for more than a century. Since gaining US FDA approval in 2002, it has been widely used as a non-ablative skin rejuvenation method and is gaining popularity for body contouring and skin tightening. Radio frequency devices are mono polar, bipolar, or multipolar and can be assisted by suction devices to maximize the effects of the treatment.
You are a candidate for radio frequency treatments if you desire any of the following:
- To lift the brows and tighten the skin on the forehead
- To thicken and tighten the skin under the eyes
- To lift the upper cheeks
- To lift (slightly) and diminish enlarged pores on the cheeks and mid-face
- To reduce jowls and sagging along the jaw line
- To tighten skin and diminish wrinkling on the neck
- To reduce glabellar or frown lines
- To reduce excessive sweating
- Tighten or reduce arm laxity
- Improve Cellulite
What to expect…
Although specifics vary by device as well as with individuals and their skin thickness, RF treatment results may last up to a couple of years. A single treatment is sometimes enough, but most people need more than one for optimal results. How follow up treatments should be scheduled depends on your specific needs as well as the device used in treatment.
Possible risks and complications..
Although RF treatments have minimal risks and downtime compared to surgery, they are not entirely risk free.
Swelling, redness, blisters and bumps on and around the treated area are the most commonly reported side effects. These typically go away in a few days or weeks. Mineral make up will help hide the most common sign, redness, until it subsides.
Tissue overheating may lead to fat atrophying and/or excessive tightening that may result in a sunken or depressed appearance in the skin in some treated areas. This complication is believed to arise in the hands of inexperienced practitioners who lack the understanding and skill to deliver the frequency levels specified by the manufacturer’s guidelines.
You can significantly reduce such risk by selecting a professional who has adequate training, certification and experience in delivering each specific RF treatment.
