Take a survey from any woman on the street and she’ll tell you that the most troublesome – and visible – signs of aging are the fine lines and wrinkles on her face. Try as we might with over-the-counter products, there comes a point where our efforts become obsolete and there is nothing we can do to halt aging in its tracks. Or is there? At Advanced Clinics in Oklahoma City, OK, we know the key to halting the aging process is with the right anti-aging treatment, such as Pelleve.
What Is a Pelleve Treatment?
Pelleve is a non-invasive energy-based anti-aging treatment that totally reverses the visible signs of aging. This is a long-trusted treatment that has been around since 2009, so it’s gained something of a cult following among women who want to subtly and naturally erase the evidence of aging from their skin.
Of all the energy-based treatments around, this is one of the only ones that can be used in every area of the face, even where the skin is the most delicate and sensitive, including the eye area. This treatment is commonly used to reverse age-related aesthetic concerns such as:
- Skin laxity
- Forehead wrinkles
- Wrinkles between the brows
- Crow’s feet
- Under-eye bags
- Hollowness in the cheeks
- Sagging jowls
- Nasolabial folds
- Dynamic wrinkles
- Smile lines
- Chin wrinkles
- Uneven skin tone and texture
How It Works
Like many other energy-based treatments, Pelleve works by utilizing the power of radiofrequency to stimulate the body’s natural regenerative abilities. A hand-held radiofrequency device is passed over the face to deliver thermal energy, which causes the skin tissues to contract from the heat and respond by increasing the production of skin-supporting proteins.
The contraction of these skin tissues and the increase in natural regenerative proteins allows this treatment to last for a long time, as the body will continue to produce skin-supporting proteins like collagen and elastin for several months after treatment.
Why Radiofrequency Is Anti-Aging Magic
Radiofrequency is the current buzzword among cosmetic anti-aging treatments for a very good reason – it works like magic. Radiofrequency is a type of non-invasive treatment that can penetrate the sub-dermal layers of the skin without causing any damage to the epidermis.
What this means for patients is that they can get all the benefits of a full facelift without actually having to have facelift surgery. Radiofrequency is anti-aging magic specifically because it stimulates the production of two proteins in the skin that are related to supporting the skin.
Both collagen and elastin are essential proteins that give skin a youthful, supple, and elastic texture; however, as we age, the body’s ability to produce these proteins declines, which is why wrinkles and fine lines begin to form. By stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, radiofrequency can essentially reverse visible signs of aging.
What Steps Are Involved in Treatment?
Overall, this treatment is very simple to complete, with the most pressing step being the application of thermal energy to the skin. However, before your treatment can begin, you will need to attend a consultation appointment so we can determine if this treatment is right to address your specific aesthetic concerns.
Your consultation will involve a brief examination of the condition of your skin, along with a discussion about your aesthetic goals. We will talk about the efforts you have made to prevent aging, such as your skincare routine and any cosmetic treatments you have tried in the past.
We may also ask if you are currently pregnant or nursing, as this may be relevant to your ability to have this treatment. We will also need to know if you have a history of cold sores so we can prescribe anti-viral medication before your treatment.
Preparing for Treatment
In order to have a safe and effective treatment, there are certain things you will need to do to prepare for your treatment. You will be given a list of pre-care instructions to follow for at least five to seven days before your treatment. Some of these pre-care instructions may include:
- Avoid direct sun exposure, including UV rays like tanning beds
- Do not take certain herbal supplements
- Temporarily discontinue the use of Retinol products
- Do not use glycolic acids, AHA, or other acid treatments
- Do not wax or tweeze
- Avoid exfoliating products and tools
We may give you additional instructions to follow to prepare for treatment. For example, we will need to know if you have a history of cold sores so we can prescribe anti-viral medication before your treatment. We ask that all patients who currently have a cold sore reschedule treatment for at least two weeks.
Please arrive in your appointment with a freshly-cleansed face. Do not wear make-up, moisturizer, or sunscreen on the day of your appointment.
Radiofrequency Treatment
The first step of your treatment will be the application of a protective topical gel, sometimes a numbing gel to protect and comfort your skin for the duration of the treatment. The radiofrequency treatment will be performed by a certified aesthetician who will apply the hand-held device to your skin, particularly the areas of concern that are part of your treatment plan.
During the treatment, you will feel a gentle heat or warming sensation; some patients compare the feeling of this treatment to a hot stone massage on the face and consider the treatment itself pleasurable and relaxing. Your treatment will take between 30 and 60 minutes to complete, depending on how many areas of concern are being treated.
For example, if you are only interested in treating crow’s feet and minor fine lines around the mouth, your treatment will likely take 30 minutes; if you have deeper wrinkles or more areas of the face you would like to treat, your treatment will take closer to an hour to complete.
Recovering from Treatment
There is no downtime associated with this treatment. Immediately following your treatment appointment, you are free to return to most of your normal daily activities, such as work or childcare. You will also be able to drive yourself home after your treatment is complete.
However, although your recovery will be a fast one, there are still some rules you will need to follow to ensure that you achieve the optimal results of the treatment. You will be given a list of post-care instructions to follow after your treatment for at least one to three days. Some of these post-care instructions may include:
- Only cleanse with lukewarm water and mild soap
- Avoid direct sun exposure and UV rays
- Avoid excessive sweating, such as from exercise or saunas
- Do not use hot water, including hot tubs
- Do not take certain herbal supplements
- Temporarily discontinue Retinol and other at-home acid treatments
- Do not wax, tweeze, scrub, or exfoliate the skin
- Always wear sunscreen of SPF 30 or greater
You will be allowed to reapply make-up after your appointment if necessary, although we do encourage you to only use sunscreen or tinted sunblock until your skin has recovered. We may give you additional instructions, such as the best way to sleep or how to use cold compresses to soothe the skin following your treatment.
How Soon Can You See Results?
The results of this treatment are both immediate and gradual. Following your first treatment, you will notice that skin has a naturally radiant appearance with fewer visible fine lines.
Over time, these results will continue to improve as collagen and elastin increase production within your skin, until you reach the peak of your results about four weeks after your last treatment.
How Many Treatments Will You Need?
The majority of patients require one to three consecutive treatments spaced about four weeks apart to achieve optimal results. Depending on the condition of your skin, you may require fewer treatments; it’s common for younger patients or patients with only minor concerns to require only one treatment, while patients with moderate concerns may require two or three.
How Long Do Results Last?
The results of this treatment will last for an average of six months after your final treatment appointment. Some patients experience results for several more weeks, sometimes as long as eight months at a time.
The length of time you can enjoy the results of your treatment will depend on your age, your skin condition, and how well your body responds to the treatment. Most patients opt to have this treatment twice a year to maintain the desired results.
Is There a Best Time for Treatment?
Yes and no. While this treatment can be successfully performed throughout the year, it’s strongly recommended that women who are pregnant or breastfeeding postpone treatment.
What Are the Benefits of Pelleve?
Pelleve was first approved by the FDA in 2009 and has since grown a reputation for producing safe, effective, and reliable results. But there are plenty of other benefits to this treatment, including:
Non-Surgical and Non-Invasive
This is a non-surgical treatment, meaning there is no use for invasive methods, no pain, no anesthesia or sedation, and an overall quicker recovery time.
Multipurpose and Versatile
This treatment can be used on all areas of the face, making it more versatile than other similar treatments. This is because the thermal energy used for this treatment is gentle and can safely be used on tricky parts of the face, especially the area around the eyes.
Tightens and Tones Skin
In addition to tightening the tissues of the face, this treatment can also correct mild superficial skin concerns, such as uneven skin tone and texture. Mild skin-tone-related issues, such as uneven complexion, dark spots, blemishes, and pigmentation, can all be corrected by the thermal heat involved in the treatment.
This is because thermal heat stimulates both collagen and the body’s natural healing properties, meaning that skin is turned over more quickly to create a naturally glowing complexion.
Safe for All Skin Tones and Types
Unlike some other energy-based treatments, radiofrequency cosmetic treatments are generally considered safe for all skin types and tones. This means that if you have a medium-to-dark complexion, this treatment is safe for your skin without the risk of causing pigmentation.
Results Are Easy to Prolong
The results of this treatment are also easy to prolong. With the right combination of skincare products and hydration, the anti-aging effects of this treatment can last much longer than the already-impressive six-month-long results.
Is This Treatment Right for You?
This treatment can successfully reverse aging in the majority of patients, so the chances are high that this treatment is suitable for your aesthetic needs and goals. You are likely a good candidate for this treatment if you’re anti-aging concerns include:
- Correcting skin laxity
- Diminishing fine lines
- Reducing wrinkles
- Perfecting skin tone and texture
Reverse Visible Signs of Aging With Pelleve!
Aging might be inevitable, but living with the visible signs of aging doesn’t have to be. It’s time to reverse the visible signs of aging and win back your youthful, radiant glow. Please call Advanced Clinics in Oklahoma City, OK to schedule your consultation appointment today!