What is RF microneedling?

RF microneedling has all the skin resurfacing benefits of traditional microneedling, but with the added technology of insulated needles that deliver RF energy to the skin, creating new microchannels linking your skin’s layers. While the microneedles create tiny wounds in your skin to prompt your body to replace old skin cells with healthy new ones, the RF energy heats deep layers of your dermis to encourage collagen growth and tissue tightening, leading to visibly healthier skin that continues to improve over the following months.

RF microneedling can be used to address:

• Uneven skin tone & texture
• Fine lines & wrinkles
• Large pores
• Facial skin laxity
• Stretch marks
• Hyperpigmentation

What is radiofrequency? Is it safe?

Radiofrequency is a type of energy on the electromagnetic spectrum that is measured in “frequency,” or wavelengths per second. Though it may sound intimidating, RF energy is actually on the slow end of the RF range—about 100 million times slower than visible light, and over 1 billion times slower than an X-ray. RF also uses lower-frequency electromagnetic waves (the waves that make up light) than lasers, which allows it to target deeper layers of the skin.

If you’re thinking that the RF used in microneedling is the same that’s used in your smartphone or microwave, don’t worry—the RF used in non-surgical skin tightening treatments is much more controlled than other forms of RF. Numerous studies, like this one from the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, have touted the safety and efficacy of RF for non-surgical skin tightening. At The Swan Center, we use the FDA-cleared Lutronic Aesthetic’s Genius because it allows us to monitor and carefully control RF during treatment to ensure that targeted tissues reach the optimal temperature to induce new collagen production and cell regeneration without overheating skin cells.

What are the advantages of using RF in microneedling?

Microneedling is a powerful treatment on its own, but the addition of RF takes it to the next level in terms of skin rejuvenation. Some of the benefits of using RF with microneedling include:

• Faster cell turnover means quicker results than traditional microneedling
• Recovery time is much shorter compared to traditional microneedling, laser resurfacing treatments, and chemical peels
• RF helps break down scar tissue
• RF accelerates collagen production and skin tightening
• With the Genius machine, treatment can be customized for each patient thanks to its variety of needle tips
• Unlike some skin rejuvenation treatments, RF microneedling is safe for all skin types and tones
• Treatment can be performed on almost any area of the body that has wrinkles, discoloration, or acne scarring

How many treatments will I need?

Most of our patients notice significantly smoother, more even skin after just 1 RF microneedling treatment, however, we find that 3 is the optimal amount of treatments to see major skin tone & texture improvements. And since RF microneedling encourages your skin to produce collagen and elastin after it’s treated, you can enjoy results that will continue to improve for months.

Can I combine RF microneedling with other procedures?

Because the RF used in RF microneedling creates microchannels between your superficial and deep skin layers, your skin will be significantly more receptive to other facial rejuvenation treatments in the months following your RF microneedling treatment. To maximize your results, we recommend following up your treatment with a light chemical peel, HydraFacial, and/or BOTOX or dermal filler injection. We also recommend grabbing some quality skincare products, like those from ZO or SkinMedica, to indulge your newly rejuvenated skin.

Schedule your complimentary Atlanta skincare consultation

At The Swan Center, our goal is to help you love the skin you’re in. We invite you to schedule a consultation with one of our skin care specialists to learn more about how RF microneedling can help you achieve the healthy, glowing skin you deserve. Contact us online or call (770) 667-0904 today.

The 2016 stats for aesthetic plastic surgery are in, and among a boom in butt lifts and surge in non-surgical treatments lies one consistent winner that we shouldn’t ignore: the eyelid lift! Eyelid surgery, a.k.a. blepharoplasty, has ranked in the top 5 cosmetic surgeries for men and women for 16 years running. Last year, it hit #4 with nearly 174,000 procedures performed.

Why does eyelid lift surgery consistently top the charts in terms of both procedures performed and patient satisfaction (did we mention that eyelid surgery has a 94% Worth It rating on RealSelf)? Let’s look at a few reasons that this classic procedure remains a top pick:

Eyelid lift surgery is the only procedure to effectively address puffy or drooping eyelids.

The popularity of eyelid surgery has remained steadily high over the last few decades largely because there is no other procedure that can effectively remove excess, sagging skin from the upper lids. Blepharoplasty remains the best way to correct a myriad of problems caused by drooping eyelids, such as a persistently drowsy appearance or obstructed field of vision.

Likewise, lower eyelid surgery is the only way to sculpt away excess, herniated fat to reduce puffiness in the lower lids, an often-bothersome genetic trait.

“I just feel refreshed…it took 10 years off my looks. I also do not have tired eyes anymore.”

Swan Center eyelid lift patient

You can make dramatic upgrades to your appearance with subtle changes

Your eyes are often the first thing people notice about you, and their appearance communicates your feelings as powerfully as the words you speak. If sagging tissues are causing your eyes to look tired or haggard, just lifting the upper eye by a few millimeters, and/or reducing puffiness and excess skin of the lower eyelid, can provide a more youthful, brighter look to the entire face.

And men, don’t be put off by fears of looking feminized with overdone eyelid surgery. Just find a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in male eyelid lift techniques, which are designed to refresh your look while retaining masculine eyelid contours.

“Being a guy I wasn’t sure of the whole ‘cosmetic’ surgery thing, but at 47 years old I wasn’t getting any younger-looking. I had bags under my eyes as a result of heredity that made me look much older, so I went in for a consultation with Dr. Fardo and returned in three days to have the procedure done…My results are fantastic and definitely exceeded my expectations.”

Swan Center eyelid lift patient

Surgery takes less than 1 hour, and blepharoplasty recovery is surprisingly manageable.

An experienced plastic surgeon will only remove a tiny amount of skin and fat during surgery (check out our Atlanta eyelid surgery page for details on how the procedure is performed). As such, eyelid surgery is usually very easy on the patient from a comfort and recovery standpoint.

While your eyes will tire easily for a week or two after blepharoplasty, you will be able to see immediately after surgery—your eyes are not bandaged shut. Most patients are back to work within the first week, perhaps with camouflage makeup to help conceal any residual bruising—incisions are made in the eyelid crease or inside the lower lid, so they’re virtually undetectable when your eyes are open, even just days after surgery. While results adjust subtlely for up to 8 months, most eyelid lift patients are photo-ready within 3 to 4 months.

An eyelid lift can be the perfect complement to a facelift, brow lift or other facial procedure—without additional downtime

While many patients are satisfied with an eyelid lift alone, it’s often performed in tandem with a facelift or brow lift procedure to achieve a seamless forehead-to-chin rejuvenation. In fact, getting eyelid surgery at the same time as these other facial surgeries can improve your long-term result, as your plastic surgeon can “reset the aging clock” to the same “time” across your face, so that your eyes, cheeks, and jawline continue to age at a similar rate. Alternatively, filler injections can enhance eyelid surgery results without additional surgery by plumping the cheeks or smoothing lines and creases throughout the face.

Will an eyelid lift help me look younger?

Given all these benefits of eyelid surgery, it may seem like anyone wishing to look younger could use an eyelid lift. But, as with any procedure, the best results are seen by patients who meet certain criteria. Look into an eyelid lift if:

• You’re unhappy with a tired, angry or older appearance of your eyes caused by excess, sagging skin or fat around the upper or lower lids
• Or, you have trouble fully opening your eyes due to excess, sagging skin
• And, you are otherwise in good health

If lines like crow’s feet, frown lines, or deep brow furrows are your primary concern, eyelid surgery probably won’t help as much. These “expression lines” are caused by repetitive facial movements, not excess skin. BOTOX or Dysport injections are your best bet to treat these signs of aging.

Ready to rejuvenate your eyes? We can help!

Think an eyelid lift might help you get the refreshed look you want? The best way to find out for sure is to meet face-to-face with an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns and learn about all your options to achieve your goals for your appearance—and that’s exactly what you’ll get during a cosmetic consultation at the Swan Center for Plastic Surgery. Just give us a call at 770-667-0904 or contact us online to make your appointment with one of our board certified plastic surgeons. We can’t wait to meet you!