Pelleve Skin Tightening

Detailed info

Science

Pelleve precisely delivers energy to the dermal tissue using advanced radiofrequency technology to induce collagen contraction without damaging the epidermis. The result is skin tightening and contouring with a noticeable improvement in skin quality and texture.

Pelleve's unique radiofrequency technology emits energy in the form of electromagnetic waves, which create a heated treatment zone. Increased resistance causes heat buildup at the subdermal junction. Heat induces collagen denaturation and collagen contraction. Protein stimulation causes new collagen formation and production in the dermis which also results in epidermal tightening. existing bands of collagen tighten in subcutaneous fat, creating a superficial tightening of the epidermis.

How do I know if I need Pelleve?

Good candidates for this procedure are anyone who would like to tone, firm or brighten his or her skin in a natural and immediate way.

Patients who are pregnant or who have taken isotretinoin (Accutane) in the last three months cannot have Pelleve. In addition, patients with pacemakers or defibrillators and metal implants in other parts of their body should not have treatments.

How does Pelleve work?

Pelleve firms the skin around the eyes (crows feet, under eye wrinkles and lax skin), cheeks, jowls, neck, lines on the forehead, nasolabial folds, sagging skin under the chin, wrinkles around the mouth, excess skin on the upper eyelid and wrinkles in the chest cleavage.

What benefits can I expect?

A gradual and constant increase of energy heats the skin causing collagen bundles to contract. As the cells called fibroblasts are heated, they become more active and generate new collagen, a process that takes about 3-6 months. The immediate collagen contraction causes visible firming at the conclusion of the treatment, whereas the cell stimulation results in a longer term tightening.

With a typical result, you will see an improvement in skin laxity as there is a visible improvement of skin tightness and your skin will look more radiant. The immediate effect is truly excellent. However, over a few days your skin will not look quite as good as it did immediately but you will see a difference and improvement in your skin than before the treatment. To see optimal results, you will need 1-2 additional treatments. At the end of 3-6 months, you should see a noticeable improvement in skin brightness, texture and firmness.

What are the risks and side effects?

Immediately after a treatment there may be some redness and/or mild swelling, although usually this dissipates before you leave the office or within a couple of hours. All medical devices have some risks. The skin could overheat causing a blister. The blister could get infected or heal poorly and cause a scar. If you do not report a metal containing object in your body, that object could become heated, which may or may not have consequences. If you have a pacemaker it is possible it could be activated or inactivated. Also, as with any cosmetic procedure, you may not receive as good result as you anticipated.

Prior to treatment all potential risks and side effects will be discussed with you by your medical provider and cosmetic coordinator.

How will I look and feel during and after the treatment?

After the treatment, the gel is wiped from the area, the grounding plate on your back is removed and because there is zero downtime, you are free to go about your daily business. Makeup and/or sunscreen may be applied immediately and you may return to work or any social engagements. You may also continue your skin care regimen.

Most people experience no swelling or redness post treatment, but for some mild sweling and redness may occur. This usually goes away within a few hours to a day.

Is there another way to get the same effect?

There are many other laser and light systems which can be used for rejuvenation. Other tissue tightening devices might produce similar results such asThermage, Titan, ReFirme and others. Sublative Rejuvenation (eMatrix)or Fraxel Re:store might also be good choices for certain skin types Wrinkles can also be improved with fillers or botulinum treatments. Resurfacing lasers such as erbium or carbon dioxide lasers can rejuvenate and tighten the skin. Since the landscape of treatments has become a more complicated one, an individualized consultation with an expert cosmetic dermatologist should be performed prior to choosing a specific treatment.

Pelleve is different from other tissue tightening devices due to the fact that a more visible result appears immediately, the skin seems brighter and there is less discomfort. In addition, it may be less expensive than other tissue tightening devices due to less disposable costs. With fractional laser resurfacing or Sublative Rejuvenation, there is usually 2-10 days of being unable to appear in public. These are good options when dealing with deeper wrinkles, scars or surface sun damage. Fillers andbotulinum toxinare another way to deal with wrinkles and firming. Medium potency chemicals have more downtime and low potency peels and microdermabrasion would not be expected to achieve the same degree of improvement.

Can this be combined with other treatments?

We can combine this treatment withBOTOX Cosmetic or Dysport, Injectable Fillers such asRestylane,Perlane, Juvederm and Sculptra Aesthetic andFractional Resurfacing or Sublative Rejuvenation (Fraxel Dual,QuadraLASe, eMatrix, Photofacials and thePanG Lift,chemical peels, and medical-grade facials. All of these procedures may complement and enhance each other.

What is the cost?

The fees for Pelleve are based on the areas being treated.

To learn more about Coolsculpting by Pelleve, please call 503-513-5533 or contact us to make an appointment with one of our cosmetic coordinators.

from Advanced Dermatology

FAQ

Safety of Pelleve

Is the Pelleve System FDA cleared?

Yes, in 2009, ellman received FDA clearance for the Pelleve System for the treatment of mild to moderate facial wrinkles.

Does the Pelleve System have a Ce Mark?

Yes, in 2005, ellman was awarded a Ce Mark for the Pelleve System.

Is the Pelleve treatment safe?

Clinical studies have proven that the Pelleve treatment is a safe and effective way to reduce wrinkles without surgery. The side effects and discomfort are minimal, and no drugs or anesthetics are used during the procedure.

Who is qualified to perform Pelleve treatments?

A physician or qualified medical personnel under the direction of a physician may perform the Pelleve procedure.

During Pelleve

How long does a Pelleve treatment take?

each treatment will be from 30 – 60 minutes depending on the number of areas being treated at one time.

What do I need to do before having a treatment?

There is generally no preparation required before having a Pelleve treatment but please arrive well hydrated. Ask your doctor if you should discontinue certain topical products or medications.

How is the treatment performed?

First, a conductive gel will be applied to the areas to be treated. Patients say they feel a deep warming sensation when the Pelleve handpiece is applied to your skin. You will act as a guide to describe the depth of the sensation as your clinician moves the handpiece gently across the treated areas.

Is the treatment painful?

No. Unlike other skin tightening systems, a Pelleve treatment does not require anesthesia. A Pelleve treatment is virtually painless and in fact, patients comment that it feels like a warm massage.

After Pelleve

What can I expect after a treatment?

There is no recovery time needed after a Pelleve treatment. You may be slightly pink with mild swelling for a few hours, you can wear makeup right away and resume normal activities, so it fits easily into busy schedules.

What will I need to do after a treatment?

Most doctors will instruct you to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 to prevent future photo damage and maintain the results of your Pelleve treatment.

How soon will I see improvement?

In most cases you will see a visible tightening and lifting effect immediately after one session. Your skin will feel firmer and smoother as the texture and tone improves.

How long do the results last?

The overall result of a Pelleve treatment is a noticeable improvement in skin quality and appearance with minimal side effects and no recovery time. Results continue to improve for six months.

How many treatments are needed?

Many people see results immediately after just one treatment. For many patients, a series of three treatments spaced about one month apart may be recommended for optimal improvement. Additional treatments may be undertaken at any time for long term maintenance.

Can a Pelleve treatment be combined with other cosmetic treatments?

Many physicians combine Pelleve treatments with other cosmetic treatments such as wrinkle relaxing agents and dermal fillers. Only your doctor can recommend the best treatment plan for you, based on your skin type, age, and your cosmetic goals.

from www.pelleve.com