If you’re reading this, you likely live in Denver, almost definitely in Colorado, and if you don’t… hi! How did you find our blog? But if you do, you are also likely experiencing the same concerns as other Coloradans when it comes to your skin: first and foremost, it’s dry! We are in a moisture-less climate and that can wreak havoc on our skin. Plus, we’re at high altitude, so sun exposure is a major concern. Sun exposure leads to premature aging, fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration, and the list goes on. Radio Frequency Microneedling, commonly referred to as RF Microneedling, could be the answer to your Denver skin problems! In this blog, you’ll learn what the heck RF Microneedling is, what sets it apart from other advanced skincare treatments, and if it’s right for you!
"I am so excited we have added Vivace microneedle with RF to our treatment menu! It is a game changer for guests who want firmer, tighter and more-even skin. With the Vivace, we’re able to skin map the face, neck and body with ultrasound technology allowing us to set the needle depth to the exact millimeter we need to get a very precise treatment.”
What Is RF Microneedling?
Let’s start from the beginning. Traditional microneedling is a minimally-invasive treatment that uses tiny sterilized, prepackaged, single-use needle cartridges to create controlled micro-channels in the skin’s surface (don’t worry, you are numbed!) to trigger the body’s natural healing response and increase collagen production. RF Microneedling combines the traditional treatment with radio frequency heat energy to penetrate deeper, tighten skin, help scar remodeling, and treat texture more effectively.
At Grand Salon & MedSpa, we use Vivace RF Microneedling plus UltraVision – the only USA-manufactured, FDA-cleared device to do what’s called “skin mapping” before the treatment. Using ultrasound technology, our skilled estheticians use the UltraVision machine to generate an image of the treatment area to create a personalized plan, achieving the safest depth of treatment safely and precisely.
"Vivace Ultra is the first microneedling system to combine radiofrequency energy, microneedling, and ultrasound imaging into one treatment platform. Ultrasound technology allows providers to map the layers of the skin to develop a personalized treatment for each client. When the energy is targeted at the exact depth needed the client will receive the most robust treatment and won’t have to worry about possible negative side effects."
What does RF Microneedling treat?
RF Microneedling treats the following concerns:
- acne scars
- fine lines/wrinkles
- skin laxity/elasticity
- enlarged pores
- stretch marks
- uneven texture
RF Microneedling can treat more than just skin on the face. Our guests have loved results on the neck, décolletage, and upper arms as well!
What to Expect at your Appointment
Your first RF Microneedling appointment starts with a thorough consultation with your esthetician. You will discuss your skin concerns and goals and ensure this is the proper treatment for you, as well as covering any contraindications that may interfere with the service. Then your esthetician will double cleanse your skin and prepare it for skin mapping. Using a cool ultra-sound gel, they will glide the machine handle gently from area to area, measuring and recording your skin’s specific depth. This process takes 10-15 minutes, and only needs to be done once every three or four sessions.
RF Microneedling Results Timeline
After a RF microneedling treatment, your skin goes through a natural wound cascade, similar to any other injury. There are 4 stages: the first stage is hemostasis; which happens immediately after treatment to stop bleeding. The inflammatory phase follows from day 1 to day 4, that helps prevent infection and releases growth factors. During the proliferative phase on days 4 to 21, fiber blasts are now at work with collagen production and restoring the skin barrier. Under the surface, your body is working hard to repair the controlled wounds by rebuilding tissue. The final phase is remodeling, and during this phase of healing, the body is increasing the tissue strength at the point of injury. Collagen is being produced for 30 days after treatment, which is helpful if you’re past your 20s, as your body naturally loses 10% of your collagen every decade. If you haven’t started naturally losing collagen, RF microneedling can help bank collagen reserves.
After the skin mapping, topical numbing cream is applied to clean skin. You then get cozy in the spa room while you wait for the numbing cream to take effect. This usually takes about 45 minutes, and you are welcome to bring a book, your computer, or even take a nap! Once numb, your service provider will begin the treatment. As opposed to a traditional microneedling pen that glides across the skin, the method for RF microneedling utilizes a 50% overlap with a stamping motion. The treatment may cause mild to moderate discomfort but the numbing cream helps keep it manageable. You may experience some warmth from the radio frequency heat waves and slight discomfort in areas where the skin in thinner. After your service, your skin will feel like you have a mild sunburn and will appear red. Some people see small red dots where the needles pricked the skin; this heals very quickly. You will want to avoid the sun, heavy exercise, sweating, hiking, hot tubs, saunas, and any activities that will cause sweating for 72 hours. You may experience sloughing skin (light peeling) 3-4 days after treatment.
The first session takes about 2 hours, which includes the skin mapping and numbing time. Each session after that takes about an hour and a half. Any additional areas such as neck, chest, or décolletage will add extra time to the appointment. For best results, we recommend a minimum of 3 treatments, 4-6 weeks apart. The greatest amount of benefits and change will come with consistency with treatments in-spa and at-home skincare. At Grand Salon & MedSpa, we offer exceptional savings when you purchase a package of 3 or more treatments.
RF Microneedling vs Alternatives
You may be asking yourself, “Why should I choose RF microneedling over other advanced treatments such as laser treatments, traditional microneedling, or a chemical peel?” The simple answer is that each treatment addresses concerns differently, and your concerns and goals will determine which services are best for your personal treatment plan. RF Microneedling, ADVATx Laser, VI Peels, and other advanced treatments can work beautifully together to create a comprehensive plan, and the best place to start is with a Full Skin Consultation with Grand’s skin experts.
Cost of RF Microneedling in Denver
In the Denver metro area, the cost of RF microneedling can vary widely. A single session starts at around $700 and can go up to $2500 based on the number of areas treated. Grand Salon & MedSpa offers 1 area (face) for $750, 2 areas (face and neck) for $900, and 3 areas (face, neck, and décolletage) for $1050. We have exclusive deals listed at the end of this blog, so if you’ve made it this far – keep reading!
Is RF Microneedling Right For You?
If you are looking to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, soften acne scars, tighten and improve the elasticity of the skin, reduce the appearance of large pores, soften stretch marks and minimize scars, RF microneedling might be a great treatment option! However there are certain contraindications that prevent the service from being performed, including but not limited to: pregnancy/lactating, severe autoimmune diseases, diabetes, pacemakers, neurostimulators, metal implants in the treatment area, active infections or lesions, Accutane use in the last 6-12 months, and cutaneous malignancies (skin cancer). Additionally, our estheticians may use caution if you experience any of the following: cold sores, recent injectables like filler or Botox, blood thinners, recent aesthetic procedures, recent sun exposure or burn, and high Fitzpatrick skin types.
RF Microneedling FAQ
Q: Does RF Microneedling hurt?
A: RF microneedling may cause mild to moderate discomfort, but we use a topical numbing cream to make the experience as comfortable as possible.
Q: How many sessions do I need?
A: 3-4 sessions is recommended, spaced 4-6 weeks apart. After that, a maintenance schedule of 3-4 per year is encouraged for optimal results.
Q: How long do results last?
A: Initial results after the first treatment will last 3 to 4 weeks, with peak improvements seen in 3-6 months. After 3-4 treatments, the improvements will last 12 to 24 months. Results will vary depending on factors such as age, home care, sun exposure, and lifestyle.
Q: Is RF Microneedling safe for darker skin tones?
A: Yes, it is safe for darker skin tones. An insulated tip is used in the needle to protect pigment.
Q: What’s the difference between RF microneedling and Morpheus8?
A: Morpheus8 is a name brand machine. At Grand Salon & MedSpa, we use Vivace. They offer the same treatment.
Conclusion:
If you feel like you just finished a chapter in your biology textbook, good! I feel like I just wrote a chapter in a biology textbook. Our estheticians are passionate about effective treatments and RF microneedling can deliver serious results. Stacey, Carrie, and Vanessa can answer all of your questions during a Full Skin Consultation, and create a customized treatment plan to achieve your goals.
DEALS!
Mention this blog when booking and get your first 1 Area RF Microneedlng for $500 ($250 savings), or purchase 2 sessions, get the 3rd free ($750 savings), or a package of 4 for $2000 ($1000 savings). Call our friendly Guest Relations team at 303-572-1435 or visit us online at www.grand-salon.com to schedule today.
Bekah is a Colorado native with a passion for helping others look and feel their best. She spent 8 years working behind the chair as a hairstylist in Boulder before she moved to Denver. She then worked in the bridal sphere before she came to Grand Salon & Medspa managing the front desk/guest relations and social media.
When Bekah’s not helping guests have the best experience possible at Grand, you can find her exploring a new coffee shop or happy hour, or at home with her two cats Brad and Leo. Follow @bekahgalhair | @grandsalondenver
In-spa Photography by Joseph Ratcliff Follow @Joseph_Ratcliff
