Scottsdale Evoke and Morpheus8

As a specialist facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Henderson offers a variety of surgical approaches to the problem of facial aging. Procedures such as facelifts are highly effective ways to rejuvenate the face. However, a surgical procedure also represents a significant commitment and requires planning for a recovery period. Many people would prefer a nonsurgical approach.

We offer a few different treatments that use radiofrequency (RF) energy to rejuvenate the skin. These treatments require virtually no downtime and cause little to no discomfort. How does RF energy work for facial rejuvenation?

RF energy stimulates collagen and elastin production

Radiofrequency energy ultimately works by stimulating the body’s own healing processes. The two main structural proteins of the skin are collagen and elastin. These are both constantly being produced by the body. They are also constantly being broken down by factors in the environment (including sunlight).

As we age, the body produces less collagen and elastin. It becomes unable to produce enough to make up for what is lost. Gradually, as the amounts of these proteins decline, the skin loses its structure. It begins to wrinkle and sag. We notice this as the visible signs of aging.

However, when the body’s healing response is stimulated, then more collagen and elastin will be produced. With greater amounts of these proteins, the skin can regain more of its “bounce.” It will appear tighter and smoother. When we stimulate the body’s healing response, it’s important to be careful not to cause excessive damage, which could lead to undesirable effects such as scarring. We want to provide a stimulus that’s just strong enough to cause production of collagen and elastin, but not strong enough to damage the tissues of the face.

Radiofrequency energy does this. Electrodes are used to deliver this energy to the skin. As the energy passes through the tissues, it causes a rise in the temperature of the area. This heat stimulates the body to heal, and collagen and elastin are produced as part of the process. It’s important to monitor the temperature of the tissues during the treatment because heating them too much will lead to burns and tissue damage. 

How is RF energy delivered?

There are a few different treatments that use radiofrequency energy. Evoke is a new rejuvenation treatment that delivers RF energy through a device on the surface of the skin. This device automatically monitors the temperature of the treated area and adjusts the delivery of the RF energy as necessary, to keep the patient safe from burns. Evoke is an entirely painless treatment.

RF can also be added to other treatment modalities. For instance, during a microneedling session, RF energy can be delivered through the needles. This will enhance the results of the treatment. Morpheus8 is an RF microneedling treatment that can offer great results.

Scottsdale Evoke and Morpheus8

If you’d like a nonsurgical facial rejuvenation method, then you may want to consider an RF treatment. We offer a variety of treatments that incorporate the power of RF energy to stimulate the body’s natural healing response to tighten the skin. Many patients appreciate an antiaging treatment that causes little to no discomfort and doesn’t require downtime. To learn more about your options so that you can choose what’s right for you, we invite you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Henderson.