Radiofrequency Microneedling

Potenza is a microneedling system that also emits radiofrequency (RF) energy. At Horizons Plastic Surgery, it is an important part in our collagen-induction program.

Remember, rejuvenation requires an increase in collagen production.

Microneedling involves the use of fine needles to create hundreds of tiny, invisible puncture wounds in the top layer of skin. These tiny injuries stimulate the body’s natural wound healing processes. This increases collagen and elastin production which improves the visible signs of aging.

Radiofrequency energy is also a potent stimulator of collagen production and the instant the cluster of microneedles penetrates the skin, the Potenza emits a pulse of RF into the dermis. RF is a well-recognized stimulator of collagen synthesis.

Think of this treatment as a highly calibrated micro-injury to your skin, which will respond by triggering the wound-healing process, thus ramping up the synthesis of collagen. The presence of this additional collagen renders the skin more youthful. Fine lines and pores are diminished as the new collagen invigorates the interior of your skin. The outward appearance of your skin looks more refreshed as the collagen density of your skin is restored.

Patients are made comfortable; numbing cream is allowed to sit for 15 minutes followed by a thorough cleansing. The aesthetician will place the treatment piece in contact with your skin and discharge a pulse of RF energy. Once you have experienced a pulse and realize how manageable the process is, treatment can proceed. Methodically, the contact piece will be moved across your face (neck option available), the cluster of microneedles minimally piercing your skin while simultaneously delivering a collagen boosting dose of RF.

The level of discomfort is minimal; however, the eyelids and perioral region are the most sensitive. Most patients report resolution of facial redness and edema within 24 hours. Treatments are repeated on two-to-four-week intervals.

You should exercise optimal protection from the sun anyway, however, it is especially important not to expose your healing skin to ultraviolet radiation.

Some patients elect to add a serum to their microneedling treatments. The Potenza system has a wide selection of needle-clusters and one in particular will help transport a serum into the skin.

Sculptra Aesthetic is an FDA-approved product that consists of microscopic particles that stimulate your body to make new collagen. Dr. Wetherington has used Sculptra as a collagen stimulator for more than 10 years. Injected into the appropriate areas of the face (under the deep dermis layer), it helps restore soft tissue volume by inducing your skin to make more collagen.

When Sculptra, particles are introduced into the superficial dermis, they act in the same manner and stimulate the production of collagen albeit nearer the surface of the skin. The restored collagen helps in smoothing the skin by increasing dermal-epidermal volume.

It makes sense that the more efficiently Sculptra is delivered to the dermis, the better the result. At Horizons Plastic Surgery, we use the Potenza (radiofrequency augmented microneedling) to deliver the drug to its intended target. Instead of merely rubbing the serum onto the face after microneedling, our system uses specialized needles that carry the Sculptra deeper and more uniformly into the superficial dermis.

During treatment, the serum is placed on the target area and as the esthetician methodically applies the treatment, a cluster of specialized needles presses the serum into the skin, in an area the size of a small postage stamp. There is mild discomfort each time the cluster contacts the surface of your skin; this part of the treatment is completed in about 30 minutes. Most patients experience mild redness that resolves in 24 hours.

If you are already treating fine lines with injectables such as Botox and Dysport, and/or using fillers, microneedling with Sculptra will enhance these other treatments by stimulating collagen production and creating a more youthful, glowing appearance. Adding a collagen stimulator to your microneedling treatment has also been shown to improve acne scars. Fine lines around the mouth respond favorably to this treatment and the effects of Sculptra can last up to 18 months.

The Potenza is frequently paired with the PicoSure laser to maximize collagen production.

Combining these treatments, usually three each, is an effective method of increasing cutaneous collagen production and is associated with mild discomfort, the eyelids and skin around the mouth being the most sensitive. The numbing cream does an excellent job; treatments last about forty-five minutes.

These six treatments trigger a robust acceleration in collagen production that continues for several months. Your skin becomes softer, more supple, has a more radiant surface, and is slightly tightened. Fine lines around the mouth and crow’s feet areas are diminished and many patients report an improvement in their neck profile. The elevated level of collagen synthesis continues for several months and leaves lasting improvements.

These treatments are associated with mild to moderate redness that typically resolves in 24 hours. During the first few days after a treatment, some patients may experience a grainy texture to their skin that soon clears up. We recommend limiting your sun exposure and applying hydration to your skin. You may return to work the next day without difficulty.

Treatments alternate between the Potenza and the PicoSure laser every two weeks for a total of three to six treatments. Patients may choose to use both modalities; combining these complimentary treatment types renders a superior result.

To take advantage of your new skin, it is recommended that you exercise disciplined protection from the harmful rays of the sun and keep your skin well hydrated. Patients receiving the collagen-induction treatments (Potenza/PicoSure) will have initiated an increase in collagen synthesis that extends for several months after completion of treatment.

Some patients choose to have refresher treatments, the following year, to help maintain their new look.

Dr. Wetherington is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He is a former President of the Georgia Society of Plastic Surgeons.