Are you concerned about the side effects of the aging process appearing on your face? Do you wish there was something you could do to make your skin look tighter, smoother, younger, and healthier? If so, you may benefit a lot from Secret RF, a non-invasive treatment offered by Dr. Whitney Shoemaker at The Medispa at the Gynecology Center in Ormond Beach, FL.
How Long Does Secret RF Take To Work?
Secret RF starts working right away. However, you should not expect to see your ideal results until roughly four months after your final treatment. As a general rule, people need between three and four treatment sessions to achieve their desired results.
These sessions are generally spaced anywhere from four to six weeks apart. Be advised, you should not be surprised if you don’t notice any improvement after your first session. It is usually not until after the second session that people start to see the differences in their appearance.
Is There Anything I Can Do To See My Ideal Results Faster?
Yes, there are steps you can take to see your final results as quickly as possible. The results of this treatment are derived from your skin producing extra collagen. Therefore, to see your results as quickly as possible, you need to make sure that your skin can produce collagen as efficiently and effectively as possible. One of the best things you can do to speed up your final results is to ensure that you remain hydrated.
Even slight dehydration will slow your body’s collagen production capabilities. In addition to staying hydrated, you can ensure you see your results as quickly as possible by getting your RDA of vitamins and minerals every day and aiming to eat at least half of your weight in grams of protein per day. Another effective step you can take is to protect your skin from UV damage. This maintains the efficiency of your collagen production system.
How Should I Prepare for My Treatment Session?
During your initial consultation, we will review your health, current aesthetic, and goals to verify that you are a good candidate for this treatment method. If you are deemed a good fit, we will give you a complete set of instructions regarding how to prepare for your treatment session. One of the most important steps you must take to prepare for your treatment is to protect your skin from sun damage in the four weeks leading up to your appointment.
Another important preparation step to take is to go three to five days without using any topical products containing AHAs, BHAs, or retinoids. In other words, you can’t get a chemical peel on a Wednesday if you’re getting Secret RF treatment on a Friday. Similarly, if you’re getting a radiofrequency-based anti-aging treatment on a Friday, you’ll have to skip your anti-aging creams and serums for the week to prevent skin irritation.
Can I Wax Before My Treatment Session?
No, you cannot wax before your treatment session. In fact, depending on how your skin usually responds to hair removal techniques, you may need to go one or two weeks without using a depilatory cream or waxing unwanted hair. Nevertheless, you should be aware that you can absolutely shave on the day of your treatment session. Just make sure that your razor is sharp and you use a gentle shaving cream.
Can I Take an NSAID Before My Treatment Begins?
No, you will not be able to take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug before your treatment session. In fact, you will need to stop taking any pharmaceutical that causes blood-thinning or may cause blood-thinning during the 14 days leading up to your appointment.
If you’re worried about the treatment hurting or feeling uncomfortable, rest easy. We will apply a topical anesthetic to the areas targeted for treatment, so your skin will be numb. Also, you shouldn’t expect any discomfort once the treatment is complete because the needles used are tiny and only penetrate your skin as deeply as necessary. If you need to take an analgesic for discomfort prior to your treatment, opt for one that isn’t an NSAID.
Am I a Good Candidate for This Treatment?
To find out whether you qualify for Secret RF, you’ll need to come in for an initial consultation. There is no way to say definitively whether you are a good candidate for this skin tightening treatment until your health has been reviewed thoroughly, your concerns have been evaluated, and your goals have been discussed. Nevertheless, we can give you a good idea of who usually qualifies for this type of treatment.
Generally, we look for individuals who are in fairly good health and concerned about the appearance of sagging skin, wrinkles, and other visible signs of the aging process. However, it is important to note that not all healthy individuals with visible aging signs qualify. For instance, regardless of how healthy you are, you will not be considered a good fit for this treatment if you are pregnant or nursing.
What Medical Conditions May Preclude Me From Qualifying for This Treatment?
You will be considered a poor candidate for this treatment if your skin is irritated at the time of your appointment. In other words, you will have to reschedule your session if you have such active skin problems as acne, sunburn, or a viral infection. Also, you will not be considered a good fit for this treatment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Moreover, a history of keloid scarring or bleeding disorders may prevent you from qualifying.
What Post-Treatment Guidelines Do I Need To Follow?
We’ve already touched on some tips regarding how to see your final results faster. However, you should be aware that there are some hard-and-fast rules that you will need to adhere to. For example, you must refrain from shaving the treated areas with a razor blade for 120 hours following your treatment. If you feel you need to shave, wait 72 hours after your treatment and use an electric razor.
Another notable restriction is you may not wear makeup within 48 hours of receiving your radiofrequency-based skin tightening treatment. If you want to wear makeup after 48 hours have passed, it is highly advisable to opt for mineral makeup. Also, be advised that when you decide what makeup to wear, consider how gentle it is on your skin and how easy it is to remove.
Do I Have To Wear Sunscreen After My Treatment?
Yes, you do have to wear sunscreen after your treatment session is complete. To reiterate, wearing sunscreen is a great way to see your results faster because it maintains the efficiency of your collagen production system. It also keeps all of your collagen, old and new, healthy.
However, you must understand that it doesn’t matter whether you are anxious to see your ideal results as quickly as possible. You need to protect against sun damage for no fewer than four weeks following each treatment, including your final treatment.
Can I Use Anti-Aging Cosmetics After My Treatment?
You can use anti-aging cosmetics after your treatment if they are free from AHAs, BHAs, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, retinol, and other skin irritants. If your usual anti-aging products contain chemicals that will or may irritate your skin, steer clear of them for seven days.
Can I Pick at Sloughing Skin?
No, you may not pick at sloughing skin. A common misconception is that picking at sloughing skin will help you see your final results faster. However, this is not the case. Picking at sloughing will not benefit you in any way. Additionally, picking at peeling skin can be harmful.
For example, you may irritate your skin significantly if you pick at it while it is peeling. This is because your fingertips, regardless of how well or frequently you wash them, have oils on them. This oil can lead to such problems as acne outbreaks. If you find yourself brushing your hair out of your face frequently, consider keeping it in a bun for three to five days until the sloughing is over.
Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today
While Secret RF starts working immediately, it may be a month or two before you start to see your results. All told, it may take around four months after your final treatment for you to see your final results. If you think this radiofrequency-based treatment would improve your self-esteem, we’re here to help. Schedule an appointment with us today at The Medispa at the Gynecology Center in Ormond Beach, FL.