Virtue RF Microneedling

Many factors influence how the skin ages, including genetics, hormones, sun exposure, and more. With age, the skin loses not only volume but also elasticity and firmness. These changes result in sagging skin, jowls, deepening creases, and crepe-like skin, all of which can have a profound effect on our appearance. ICON Dermatology & Aesthetics is proud to offer Virtue RF to address these issues.

Virtue RF is also a great treatment for acne scarring in all skin types. It has become one of our favorite acne scarring treatments here at ICON Dermatology & Aesthetics. Outstanding results are achieved, especially when combined with other treatments such as subcision and fillers.

WHAT IS VIRTUE RF?

Virtue RF is the newest generation in radiofrequency microneedling. This FDA-cleared, minimally invasive treatment helps to stimulate the body’s natural production of collagen and elastin. It can be used on the face, neck, hands, knees, abdomen and more. RF microneedling is known for its ability to improve scars and acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration, minimize the appearance of pores, and smooth and brighten the skin — but Virtue RF doesn’t stop there! Virtue RF also works simultaneously to tighten the skin while addressing those lines and wrinkles, unwanted scars, and improving the tone and texture of the skin.

WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT VIRTUE RF MICRONEEDLING TREATMENT?

Radiofrequency energy has been used for decades to rejuvenate and tighten the skin. Heat created by radiofrequency waves causes the body to produce collagen and elastin, the main supportive proteins in the skin. Microneedling elicits a similar response from the body by creating tiny injuries within a treatment area that activate the wound healing cascade. This process also encourages collagen and elastin production. Virtue RF device combines these two processes for an effective skin rejuvenating treatment that smooths fine lines and produces younger-looking skin over a series of treatments.

 WHAT CAN VIRTUE RF TREAT?

 ·      Acne scarring

·      Uneven Skin Texture

·      Fine Lines & Wrinkles

·      Skin Laxity

WHAT PARTS OF THE BODY CAN BE TREATED WITH VIRTUE RF?

At ICON Dermatology & Aesthetics, we most often use Virtue RF to treat the face, neck and chest.  We also treat areas on the body such as lax skin on the abdomen and arms.   

AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR VIRTUE RF TREATMENT? 

This top-of-the-line microneedling technology is appropriate for anyone looking to improve their skin. The device can be used as a preventative measure for those who have youthful skin and want to keep it that way. It can also be used as a corrective treatment for patients who do show signs of aging and other skin issues.

Virtue RF can be used on both light and dark skin tones, on men and women, and as we mentioned, can be used just about anywhere on the body, although it is most often performed on the face and neck. If you have any questions or hesitations regarding your Virtue RF microneedling treatment, our board-certified dermatologists are happy to discuss the treatment with you at length and address all of your concerns.

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR VIRTUE RF TREATMENT?

Although Virtue RF can be performed on all skin tones, we still recommend limiting sun exposure before treatment.  Side effects of Virtue RF are typically limited to transient redness, tiny spots of bleeding and mild swelling. However, there is also a chance that bruising may occur. To reduce this risk, patients should avoid aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, fish oil, and vitamin E for the week prior to treatment.

Let us know if you have ever had filler, threads or any other procedure performed in the area you would like treated during your consult. Also let us  know if you have a history of cold sores or have ever had an adverse reaction to light, laser, or other similar treatments in the past. We may suggest medications before and after treatment for optimal healing.

Additionally, please discontinue use of Retin-A and other topical medications for 3-5 days prior. Avoid resurfacing and hair removal treatments for at least 2 weeks before and after treatment. Reschedule if a rash or blemish develops.  Please be well-hydrated by drinking extra water the day before and day of treatment.

HOW LONG DOES VIRTUE RF TREATMENT TAKE?

 The treatment itself is completed within 30-45 minutes. However, patients typically arrive one hour early to allow for proper anesthesia with topical numbing.

WHAT IS VIRTUE RF TREATMENT LIKE?

 Tiny, sterile needles are applied deep into the dermis of the skin, which is the layer that lies under the epidermis and is the thickest layer of the skin. These needles work to create microscopic channels deep within the dermis to stimulate natural collagen production and deliver radio-frequency heat energy that promotes remodeling of collagen and elastin to both tighten and lift the skin.

Your Virtue RF experience also includes a first in market electro current post-treatment mask to ensure a recovery response, unlike any other micro-needling experience. The mask calms and soothes the skin so there is no visible evidence that you even had a micro-needling treatment, to begin with. You will see little to no redness — just beautiful, bright, glowing skin. 

DOES VIRTUE RF HURT? 

Although the Virtue RF is stronger than many other RF microneedling devices, it provides a much more comfortable patient experience, with a noticeable difference in how the needles feel as they penetrate the skin. This is because of Virtue RF’s precise robotic motor, an exclusive robotic precision delivery (RPD) system, that is unmatched to comparative devices in the market. The insertion of the needles is so exact that there is no tearing or trauma done to the skin. Unfortunately, this can be the case with other microneedling pens or systems that may scratch the skin and cause bleeding and/or pain. Before your Virtue RF treatment begins, we will apply a numbing cream which also contributes to this virtually painless treatment.

HOW LONG DOES VIRTUE RF TREATMENT TAKE?

The length of the treatment is no more than about 30-45 minutes, depending on the area of the body being treated.

WHAT IS RECOVERY LIKE FOR VIRTUE RF?

There is virtually no downtime. You may have mild redness or swelling but typically, this is not noticeable after the first day. After your Virtue RF treatment, you will be able to resume your day as normal.

WHEN CAN I PUT ON MAKEUP AFTER VIRTUE RF?

It is important to note that skin should be kept product-free for at least 24 hours following a microneedling treatment. This means no make-up, no products other than those recommended in-office following treatment.  

Anything that could potentially aggravate the skin should be avoided. Sweating is also to be avoided, so no sauna visits or intense workouts right after a treatment. Microneedling opens the pores, making your skin much more susceptible to sun damage, so stay out of the sun. If the sunshine can’t be avoided, make sure to consistently wear plenty of sunscreen for at least two weeks following the treatment. Daily sunscreen use is always recommended, but it’s even more important after experiencing microneedling.

WHEN WILL I SEE RESULTS FROM VIRTUE RF?

After several weeks of increased collagen and elastin production, the skin appears smoother and tighter. New collagen takes weeks to form and will continue to form for months after each treatment.

HOW MANY VIRTUE RF TREATMENTS ARE REQUIRED?

We recommend a series of 3-4 treatments to achieve maximum results. However, some clients can see great improvement with only one treatment, especially if they combine that with proper use of at-home, medical grade skin care products and, in some cases, other aesthetic treatments designed to maintain good skin health. 

Our board-certified dermatologists are excited to be one of the only dermatology practices in the Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC are to offer VIRTUE RF. To learn what this treatment might do for your skin please schedule an appointment online or call us at 301-810- 3600.