Pixel8 Radiofrequency Microneedling FAQ's

- What is Pixel8 RF Micro needling? -

Radio Frequency (RF) micro needling devices use specially insulated or non-insulated needles that deliver high intensity radio frequency energy into the targeted tissue once the needles have broken through the skin. This treatment utilizes bipolar energy, putting heat far down into the layers of the epidermis and dermis. The aim behind this is to boost and revamp collagen and bring on the regeneration of the vital elastin cells. All of this can pave the way for a complexion that’s a lot softer and more resilient. If you want the surface of your skin to be a lot smoother and firmer, then this treatment may be just right for you. Pixel8 RF causes hemostasis and coagulation, which activates the manufacturing of collagen, to help make the skin firmer. We can tweak the depth of the microneedles for all specific treatment parts. This can come in particularly handy for patients who

need treatment below their eyes, on their cheeks, and their foreheads. This gives a uniform warming effect to the deep tissue, which helps to stimulate new collagen fibers to grow, leading to significant improvement to skin quality and texture. The Pixel8 microneedling technology helps with fine lines, enlarged pores, wrinkles, acne scars, skin tightening, and stretch marks. The result is a nearly painless procedure that requires little to no downtime and can greatly improve wrinkling, scars, and skin laxity.

- What is unique about Pixel8 RF Microneedling? -

Traditional microneedling will deliver a positive effect over a few treatments; adding radiofrequency energy reduces the time it takes to see great results and increases the results seen. With Pixel8 RF microneedling, the results are produced faster, are more dramatic, and are longer-lived. The Pixel8 operates at a higher frequency for enhanced patient comfort and quicker treatment times. It also has a proprietary enhanced delay which enables patients of all skin types to benefit from non-insulated needles. This allows for more sustained uniform heating throughout the procedure that should yield more significant textural and tightening results.

- What are some benefits of Pixel8 RF Microneedling? -

• Firming skin on the face or body

• Diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

• Reducing the appearance of scars (acne or injury-related)

• Improving the overall appearance and texture of the skin

• Tightening sagging skin on the face, neck, and body

• Minimizing the size of pores and/or acne scarring

• Improving droopy skin around the eyes (eyebrow or eyelid)

• Restoring more youthful appearance

- What does it do / how does it work? -

Pixel8 RF microneedling combines two technologies commonly used for skin rejuvenation, radiofrequency and skin needling. RF technology relies on the resistance within the skin itself to convert RF energy into heat (thermal energy). This thermal energy causes collagen contraction and stimulation of collagen making cells (fibroblasts) to produce more collagen. Traditional skin microneedling causes physical trauma to the skin and through stimulation of the body’s own wound healing response also stimulates fibroblasts to produce more collagen. When combined, fractionated RF microneedling gives enhanced results than could not be achieved with either technology alone. Clinical studies show that microneedling RF can address the causes of aging,

significantly reducing wrinkles and age spots while tightening and lifting the skin on the face and neck with minimal downtime and discomfort. It is less invasive than injectables and laser skin resurfacing while restoring youthful radiance.

- How does RF Microneedling differ from other laser treatments? -

Lasers can help on a variety of levels to resurface the skin by repairing damage caused by the sun, aging, or scars. RF microneedling treatments offer similar resurfacing results, with less downtime and for all skin types that may make it a better option for some patients.

- Does Pixel8 RF build collagen? -

Yes. By itself, microneedling is capable of stimulating a higher production of collagen over time. However, when combined with radiofrequency, the effectiveness of these treatments increases tremendously due to how much more deeply the thermal energy of radiofrequency can reach the sub-dermal layers of skin.

- What to expect? -

As with all medical procedures, a consultation and examination are necessary prior to Pixel8 RF microneedling. For comfort during the treatment, a topical anesthetic cream is recommended over the area to be treated at least 30-45 minutes prior to the procedure being performed. During the procedure the device handpiece is passed over the skin. The fine needles penetrate the skin and the RF energy is delivered once the needles reach the desired depth (each pulse is less than 1 second). The procedure takes approximately 20-30 minutes to complete but will vary depending on the area/s being treated. Immediately following treatment your skin will feel warm but will not be painful, much like a mild sunburn. Over the following day(s) there may be mild redness and swelling. Bruising is uncommon.

- What results can I expect? -

• 1 day after the treatment there could be redness and transient edema (swelling).

• 3 days - 1 week post treatment your skin tone would be brighter and more even. If you have oily skin, you will notice significant reduction in sebum production.

• 1 month post treatment of RF Microneedling you would notice improvement in fine lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity. Improvement in pores size, scars, and over all complexion is also significantly noticeable.

• 1–3-month post RF Microneedling treatment you will notice continuous improvement in wrinkles reduction and skin laxity. Collagen production has improved and you can notice the fullness and plumpness of your skin.

- How does it feel? -

The majority of patients tolerate the 20–30-minute Pixel8 RF microneedling treatment well. To help minimize discomfort during RF microneedling, a topical numbing agent is applied to the skin prior to treatment. Patients may notice a warm sensation and a pricking or scraping feeling during this treatment, but it is not typically painful. Following Pixel8 RF microneedling, it is normal to have some level of redness, swelling, irritation, and mild discomfort, but these symptoms usually resolve quickly on their own within hours.

- Pre-treatment -

Recommended: Avoid Accutane for the past 6 months. Do not use topical agents that may increase sensitivity of skin: retinoids, topical antibiotics, exfoliants, acids that may be drying or irritating to the skin (such as alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) beta hydroxy acids (BHA), exfoliating masks, salicylic acids, hydroquinone, and benzoyl peroxide acne products) 5-7 days prior. Do not take any anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, Motrin or Advil for 3 days prior to treatment. These agents will interfere with the natural inflammatory process that is critical and responsible for your skin rejuvenation. Avoidance of IPL/Laser procedures, unprotected sun exposure or sunburn for 2 weeks prior. No waxing, depilatory creams or electrolysis to area being treated 5-7 days prior.

No shaving the day of the procedure to avoid skin irritation. If there is dense hair present in the treatment area, closely shave the area the day before you arrive to your appointment. Moles, warts or actinic (solar) keratosis should not be treated. If you are prone to cold sores, take antiviral agent for 2 days prior to and day of treatment. Avoid blood thinning agents (aspirin, fish oil, Omega-3, Vitamin E) for 1 week prior. May resume day after treatment.

- Post-treatment -

You should avoid harsh topical products or alcohol-based toners for 2 weeks. You can resume your normal skin care regimen after 24 hours. Do not take any anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen Motrin or Advil for 1 week. Do not ice face or use arnica or bromelain. These agents may interfere with the natural inflammatory process that is critical and responsible for your skin rejuvenation. You should avoid vigorous activity right after the treatment. You should avoid excessive heat or sun exposure for at least 1 week. Use sunblock with SPF 30 of higher.

- How long does a treatment take? -

Sessions generally take 20-30 minutes, based on the area being treated. For patients requiring more intensive sessions, the duration of a session may run 30 minutes to 45 minutes long. Most patients will begin to see improvement after a single session, however, to complete your aesthetic goals, it is recommended that patients do upwards of three sessions.

- Why People Are Fans of Pixel8 RF Treatments? -

Pixel8 RF treatments are beloved by many, because this procedure is quite tolerable, recovering is quick and easy, and it yields great results. Getting treatment shouldn’t interfere with your schedule too much, either, as most people return to normal routines within the next day.

- Will I need to take time off? -

No, there should be no significant downtime from the treatment.

- When will I see results? How long do they last? -

You can expect improvements in the first few weeks after your initial treatment. These improvements will increase over the next six months, as your body continuously produces new collagen.

- How many treatments will I need? -

Recommended at least 3 sessions, treatment once per month. Number of treatments vary depending on desired result.

- Can I exercise? -

Yes.

- Can it be used on all skin types? -

Yes. Compared to laser treatments, the Pixel8 RF utilizes only radiofrequency energy. The microneedles are designed to precisely deliver the pulse towards the dermis tissues. Visually, there is no thermal damage made to the epidermis and almost completely removes any risks of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation on dark skin types.

- Is it safe? -

Yes. People are exposed to low levels of man-made radio frequencies daily. Devices such as TV, WiFi, and phones are one of the many examples of frequencies are exposed to. Studies have shown possible known risks with RF are potential burns made from thermal heating effects for people under the influence of high doses. However, the Pixel8 RF procedure uses a minimal amount of RF required under trained skincare specialists in order to ensure the best and safe results possible.

- Who is a good candidate? -

The Pixel8 RF microneedling device can be used on all skin types, anywhere on the body and all months of the year for anyone with concerns regarding mild/moderate skin quality, texture, and anti-aging.

- Can it be used on all Skin Types? -

Yes (Fitzpatrick 1-6)

- Is it safe? -

Yes, we have performed thousands of microneedling procedures over the years and the MicroPen EVO is FDA cleared.

- Who is a good candidate? -

Everyone with skin. MicroPen EVO is FDA cleared for ages 22 and up. As we get older, our body loses 1% of our collagen year over year. MicroPen EVO helps the body produce collagen by creating this “controlled injury”. Collagen stimulation reaches its peak 1 month post procedure but collagen production still occurs up to 300 days post procedure.

- How long does the treatment take? -

Typically, the procedure itself lasts around 30 minutes. When using PRP with the procedure, there may be a little time before the treatment begins to allow the topical numbing to take effect and the quick blood draw to generate your plasma. 

- Why people are fans of MicroPen EVO -

This procedure is very safe and uses your bodies own ability to create collagen stimulation, leading to a more youthful, improved appearance. There is no need to worry about the injection of chemicals or additives with this procedure. We rely on the body’s own healing abilities to generate our improved appearance. Better results are seen with between 3 and 6 procedures.

- Will I need to take time off? -

Taking time off is not typical as once the procedure is complete, patients notice a “sun-burn like reaction”. Generally, 24 hours post procedure, the skin has returned to normal and is no longer red. 

- When will I see results and how long will it last? -

Results can be noticed several days after the procedure and the collagen stimulation lasts months after the first procedure. It is a good idea to complete several procedures to notice a difference when looking at a side-by-side comparison. Like most things in aesthetics, when we do a procedure that utilizes the body’s own regenerative abilities, it’s not a “one-and-done” treatment. It’s important to understand that your aesthetic journey is just that, a journey!

- How many treatments will I need? -

The amount of treatments the office will recommend may depend on your age and the condition of your skin. If you are looking to perform “collagen stimulation maintenance”, three procedures may be a good idea. If you have acne scarring, deep lines or wrinkles or are looking to have some corrective action with your skin, six procedures will be recommended to see significant improvement. 

- Can I exercise after my procedure? -

It is recommended to avoid exercise, excessive sweating as well as extended, direct sun exposure for a minimum of 3 days after your procedure. We want to ensure we allow your skin the chance to heal properly and not increase the risk of having an adverse reaction.

- How does it feel? -

Since topical numbing is applied to the treated area, you may only notice slight discomfort. Most patients find the treatment very tolerable and experience zero discomfort throughout the duration of the procedure. 

- Pre-Treatment -

While this is a very safe procedure, it is still recommended to be consulted prior to receiving a MicroPen EVO treatment. It is ideal to have discontinued the use of Accutane or any medications that cause you to be photo-sensitive. We recommend avoiding using Vitamin C Serums and prescription strength retinols for three days after the procedures. Please let the office know if you have any auto-immune diseases as this may be a factor in you moving forward with the procedure. 

- Post Procedure -

As mentioned above, please avoid direct sunlight, exercise, excessive sweating, Vitamin C serums and Retinol products for 3 days post procedure. Do not perform any invasive facial procedures such as chemical peels or other lasers for up to 1 month after your procedure. Neurotoxins and fillers may be used one week prior or one week post procedure if you wish but it is not recommended to have those procedures done in-between that time period. 

- Does MicroPen EVO build Collagen? -

Absolutely, by creating microchannels in the skin, we are tricking the body into thinking we’re injured, and thus, the body creates collagen at a much more rapid rate to try and “heal” our skin. This collagen production leads to improvement in tone, texture, pore-size, fine lines, wrinkles and acne scarring leading to an overall, improved, youthful appearance.

- What is unique about MicroPen EVO and this procedure compared to others? -

MicroPen EVO delivers almost 3 million microchannels to the skin in a 30-minute procedure. By generating this number of channels, we’re remodeling the skin and allowing our body to heal itself in a very natural way. This is a great procedure for patients just getting into their aesthetic journey who may be nervous about extended down-times. There is no risk of looking “botched” or “overdone” when we allow our body to heal itself with our own collagen production. No fillers or body altering products are micro needled into the face with this procedure. This is a very natural approach to looking younger.