ReFirme Skin Tightening

The ReFirme skin tightening treatment is a safe and effective solution for most skin types. Individuals with sagging or lax skin due to the depletion of collagen and elastin will see the best results from skin tightening treatments. This treatment can be done virtually anywhere on the body, as firming on the body is also effective in addition to the face and neck. During a complimentary consultation, we will review your medical history, evaluate the skin, and discuss your aesthetic goals to ensure that skin tightening is the best treatment for you.

You should wait to have this treatment if you…

• are pregnant or nursing
• are currently taking antibiotics or anticoagulants
• are currently taking certain medications or vitamins known to induce photosensitivity, such as Accutane
• have extremely tanned skin (wait at least 2 weeks or until tan fades otherwise treatment is less effective)
• have any active condition in the treatment area, such as sores, Psoriasis, eczema, or rash
• have had a mild chemical peel (wait at least 2 weeks according to healing)
• have had a deep chemical peel or laser resurfacing (wait 3 to 6 months according to healing)
• have had an injection with either Botox or natural fillers such as hyaluronic acid (wait 3 to 4 weeks)

You may not be a candidate for ReFirme Skin Tightening if you…

• have a pacemaker or any severe cardiac disorder
• have superficial metal or other implants in the treatment area
• have had any injections using synthetic fillers such as silicone or BAC
• have any of the following medical conditions: Lupus, cancer of any kind, poorly controlled endocrine disorders (Diabetes)

This treatment stimulates collagen production and restructuring, which produces a firming effect in lax skin. Fine lines and superficial wrinkles may be reduced and should appear smoothed out and shallower. Noticeable lifting can be observed as well, and the texture of your skin becomes smoother, more luminous and toned.

The degree of improvement after each treatment and the time it takes to see significant results varies from person to person depending on individual characteristics and the degree of skin laxity. However, most clients see noticeable results after several treatments. You will see gradual and cumulative results throughout a series of ReFirme skin tightening treatments. Existing collagen fibers will immediately contract as a result of each treatment, presenting a firmer skin appearance. This is usually seen within minutes of the treatment. Although the immediate impact may be subtle, this procedure stimulates long-term collagen production and remodeling, so the best results are usually seen 3 to 6 months post completion of your treatment series. Take advantage of a complimentary consultation to see what results you personally can expect from this treatment.

Elos stands for electro-optical synergy, where the electro part refers to bi-polar radio frequency energy and the optical part refers to light or laser energy. These two energies combined have a synergistic effect, meaning that the resulting benefit of their combination outweighs the resulting benefit of the sum of each part, separately. This synergy allows for a safer, more effective treatment.

The skin tightening applicator uses a combination of infrared light and bi-polar radio frequency to bulk heat the dermis and affect dermal collagen for improved skin appearance. The bulk heating of the dermal layers refers to the gradual and gentle accumulation of heat with each additional pass (the action of applying the pulsed energies to the target area one time) performed. When the applicator contacts the skin, cooling begins. Contacts on the applicator pre-cool the skin, protecting the skin from too much heat and allowing the radio frequency energy to penetrate deeper. The infrared light heats up the superficial and deep dermis, which stimulates the formation of new tissue layers of elastin and collagen fibers by initializing a fibroblast (cells in connective tissue that produce collagen and other fibers) repair response to tissue heating. The simultaneous combination of infrared and radio frequency energies provides deep dermal heating, causing immediate contraction of existing collagen fibers. This immediate tissue contracture (shrinkage) is generally seen within minutes of the treatment, resulting in a transient tightened appearance. As additional passes are performed, further heat is built up causing the denaturation (the alteration natural qualities) of collagen fibers, which stimulates collagen remodeling in all dermal layers. Subsequently, there is a long-term tightening effect due to the synthesis (combination or composition) and accumulation of new collagen fibers over time. These new fibers are histologically more and better organized, giving a less wrinkled, firmer and smoother skin appearance. Results are gradual and cannot be fully achieved in only a single treatment, and therefore a series of treatments at regular intervals is necessary for optimal results.

Safe and effective. elos technology increases treatment safety and effectiveness as compared to other alternatives.

Significantly less energy required compared to conventional lasers and IPLs.

Non-surgical procedure without downtime.

Enhanced patient comfort, convenience, and satisfaction.

During your treatment series, you should refrain from tanning. Avoid self tanners, and if sun exposure (natural or artificial) cannot be avoided, you should use a high factor broad spectrum sunscreen to protect the skin. If you already have tanned skin, it is recommended that you wait at least 2 weeks or until the tan fades before starting the treatment process, as tanned skin will make your treatments ineffective. You should discontinue use of any products that cause heat sensitivity, such as Retin A for at least one week prior to treatment. Avoid using fragrant lotions or perfumes on the treatment area the day of your treatment. Facial or body hair can make the treatment less effective because it will absorb the optical energy that should instead be absorbed by the targeted tissue. If we are treating the face, we will do dermaplaning right before the treatment to rid the face of soft vellus hair. However, for treatment areas on the body such as the arms, you will need to shave the day prior to your appointment if visible hair is present.

First, the skin is cleaned. Then when you are ready to start, a gel is applied to the treatment area. A cooling machine is used to minimize any discomfort. A steady flow of cooled air is focused on the treatment area to counter heat from the laser’s pulsed light, making the treatment much more comfortable. You will be provided with proper eye protection to wear during the session. Then, one of our trained professionals will make adjustments and use the applicator to conduct several test spots to monitor the skin’s reaction to the pulse and ensure the settings are appropriate for comfort as well as effectiveness. You will feel light pressure from the applicator, as it must have full contact with the skin. Each laser pulse, which lasts only fractions of a second, introduces heat to the skin. With each pass (the action of applying the pulsed energies to the target area one time), there will be a gradual accumulation of heat. The contacts on the applicator are cooled for increased comfort and effectiveness. The pulse delivered by the laser consists of light and radio frequency energies, which precisely heat the tissue. After the settings have been established, the entire area is treated by pulsing the laser applicator as it is moved over the skin. Immediately after treatment, the skin may feel slightly warm on the surface, and additional cooling often relieves any lingering discomfort. You may experience slight redness and swelling over the treated area immediately following a treatment; this is normal. ReFirme is a well-tolerated treatment, and although the treatment may not feel good, it should always be tolerable and never painful.

There is NO downtime with this treatment. You can wear makeup and return to your regular activities right after your appointment. Immediately following a treatment, the skin may feel somewhat warm on the surface. Additional cooling of the skin by use of the cooling machine or application of a cold pack (not frozen) will ease any lingering discomfort. You may experience slight redness and swelling over the treated area for a few minutes to a several hours after a treatment; this is normal. Avoid any trauma to the treated area such as hot baths, massage, scratching, etc. during the first two days following a treatment. Wash the area gently, without the use of abrasive and harsh products or excess heat. If scabbing occurs, keep the skin soft with a gentle moisturizing cream, and let scabs shed off naturally - never rub, scratch, or pick them. Softly pat area dry after cleansing. You should use a high factor broad spectrum sunscreen (at least SPF 30) for at least 2 weeks following treatment, especially if sun exposure (natural or artificial) cannot be avoided. Continue to avoid sun exposure when you are in between treatments. Feel free to call our office if any questions or concerns arise post-treatment.

For optimal results, we recommend that you have one maintenance treatment every 6 months or so following your initial series of treatments. This maintenance treatment can also serve as a preventative measure due to the natural processes of aging. Frequency of maintenance sessions will ultimately depend on the individual – treatment response, habits, genetics. The best thing you can do post-treatment is to take good care of your skin. Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle, wear sunscreen as often as possible, and use a good skin care regimen on a daily basis.

The total number of treatment sessions needed will depend on your skin’s condition and the results you wish to achieve. Gradual and cumulative improvement is typically achieved in 3 to 5 treatment sessions. Skin tightening treatments are scheduled 3 to 4 weeks apart. Treatment time will depend on the area to be treated. Take advantage our consultation to establish your personalized treatment schedule.

Treatment costs will vary depending on the area of the body to be treated. We will adjust the price accordingly depending on how large the treatment area is. Schedule a personalized consultation with one of our trained professionals, walk through the process, and establish how much your treatment will cost. We do our very best to be competitive and make skin tightening treatments affordable for our clients. Pay as you go or take advantage of our package pricing - prepay for your treatment series and receive a discount!

The ReFirme skin tightening applicator is FDA approved. Laser and light-based treatments have been safely used for many years for a variety of medical and cosmetic procedures. Our skin care professionals are highly skilled and professionally trained to use this equipment. You will be provided with proper eye protection to wear during your treatment sessions. The glasses are specifically designed to prevent any damage to your eyes that may be caused by looking directly at the laser’s intense pulses of light. Contact cooling on the skin’s surface via the applicator increases safety during treatment by preventing over-heating and minimizes any risk of side effects. However, there are several low risk side effects that could possibly occur including superficial blistering, crusting, and pigment changes in the skin, but these risks are usually rare and quickly resolved. As always, feel free to contact us if any concerns arise post-treatment.