Agnes RF

Agnes RF Scottsdale

Although facial plastic surgery is highly effective at addressing many different types of concerns, there are many people who prefer nonsurgical treatments. They may not have the time to commit to a recovery period, or their concerns may not be severe enough to warrant surgery. Fortunately, advances in technology have now led to a variety of different options for nonsurgical facial rejuvenation.

One of our newest options is a system known as Agnes RF. This highly customizable system uses needles to deliver precise doses of radiofrequency energy into specific areas to produce powerful results.

How does Agnes RF work?

Agnes RF is a precision radiofrequency microneedling system. Very tiny needles are inserted into the skin. A current of radiofrequency (RF) energy is passed through the needle to create heating of the tissue. Depending on the specific tissue that’s being targeted, this can have different effects. In the skin, it can create tightening and lifting through increased production of the structural proteins collagen and elastin. If used on fat tissue, it can cause fat coagulation, leading to destruction of fat cells. These are then naturally removed by the body.

The Agnes RF needles are insulated along their length, except at the tip. This means that the RF energy is only delivered at the tip of the needle, and the tissues above it will not be affected. By ensuring that RF energy is delivered only to the desired tissue, side effects are minimized and the treatment is more targeted.

In addition, Agnes RF uses a square waveform for the RF. This means that the heating and cooling of the needle occur much more rapidly. Ultimately, this minimizes the amount of damage to surrounding tissues, resulting in fewer side effects. A microneedling device utilizing a square waveform has never before been available.

The Agnes RF system is highly customizable. There are nine different needle types, each with a different size, shape, and amount of insulation. This allows the provider to precisely target specific tissues with the RF energy. The provider can also adjust the amount of RF energy delivered with each pulse. This is part of why Agnes RF is such a versatile system, and can be used to address many different skin concerns.

What can Agnes RF be used for?

Because of the variety of different needle types and the ability to control the precise amount of RF energy that’s delivered, Agnes RF can be used to address a wide variety of different skin concerns, including:

• Sagging skin
• Wrinkles
• Acne scars
• Eye bags
• Fat under the jaw (submental fat)
• Jowls

Because of its ability to remove fat, Agnes RF can be an alternative to surgery for concerns about unwanted pockets of fat tissue, such as a double chin or eye bags.

Does Agnes RF work for undereye bags?

Bags under the eyes are a very common concern. They occur because aging weakens the tissues that hold the fat pads beneath the eyes in place. That causes them to migrate downward and bulge out beneath the eyes.

Traditionally, the only real solution to undereye bags was a surgery called lower blepharoplasty, in which fat tissue is repositioned or removed. However, Agnes RF now offers a nonsurgical alternative. The insulated needles can be used to deliver RF energy directly into the unwanted fat tissue, with minimal damage to the surrounding area. Over time, this causes the excess fat to melt away, leaving the undereye area looking smoother and more youthful. Research has found that the Agnes RF system is effective for treating undereye bags and produces very few side effects.

What is an Agnes RF treatment like?

The mention of needles makes many people understandably nervous. However, it’s important to remember that Agnes RF needles are quite small, with a thickness up to about 1.5mm, which is just slightly thicker than the screen protector on your phone. One to three needles may be inserted at a time. This is unlike some other microneedling procedures, which insert a much larger number of needles at a time. The depth of penetration of the needle has been calculated to the fraction of a millimeter, in order to allow the precise targeting of specific tissues.

To ensure your comfort, you’ll receive a numbing cream on the area to be treated. We sometimes inject a local anesthetic as well. This helps to ensure that you don’t feel discomfort during the procedure. The procedure itself only takes about half an hour or even less, depending on how large the treatment area is. You will feel some pressure, and some people notice a slight warming sensation as the device heats the tissues. However, you won’t feel any pain during the treatment.

What is recovery like after Agnes RF?

After having Agnes RF, the treated area will usually experience some swelling and bruising in the first few days following the procedure. This will generally last for about a week to ten days, gradually fading over time. Although you can continue with your usual daily activities, you may not want to schedule the treatment right before a major social event (like a wedding or graduation). Some people continue to notice a little bit of swelling for a few weeks after the procedure.

The effects of the RF energy develop gradually over time. If the skin was treated, then tightening will gradually occur over the next several weeks to months, as the body produces more collagen and elastin. If the treatment targeted fat tissue, then the tissue will be damaged at the time of the treatment, and the body will gradually remove it over the course of about three to four months. In general, you’ll be able to get a good sense of your final results about three months after having Agnes RF, although some additional improvement may occur for up to six months or even longer.

Is one Agnes RF treatment enough?

One treatment with Agnes RF will generally produce visible results. However, as with many nonsurgical cosmetic treatments, the best results are seen with a series of treatments. We usually recommend three to six treatment sessions. Treatments are spaced about 1 to 3 months apart depending on the area being treated. This will get the powerful results that most people are looking for.

After you’ve achieved your desired results, maintenance treatments once or twice a year may be beneficial, to help maintain your results over time.

Agnes RF Scottsdale

If you’re considering Agnes RF, we invite you to come in for a consultation. You’ll have the chance to talk with Dr. Henderson about your concerns. After an exam and a discussion, she’ll let you know what results you could likely expect from Agnes RF, and whether she believes it would be a good option for you. She’ll also let you know what the treatment alternatives would be, including both nonsurgical and surgical options if appropriate. This will allow you to make a fully informed decision about which treatment would be best for you. Please contact our office to schedule your appointment.