There are a variety of treatment options out there for treating skin concerns, such as uneven texture, wrinkles, large pores, scarring, and more.
As a minimally invasive option, microneedling can stimulate the skin’s healing process, slowly healing the skin in treated areas. Tiny needles puncture the skin, triggering a tissue regeneration process called collagen induction therapy (CIT). Results are gradual, but long-lasting, as the skin heals in the treated area and produces more collagen.
To perform microneedling, treatments with different types of devices are available. At Infinity, we offer treatments with SkinPen or Vivace RF, which both work using similar methods, but one device may be more suited to your needs than the other! It all depends on your personal needs and preferences.
Read on to learn more about how both technologies work, and which one may be more suitable for you. When you want to book your consultation, contact our team and book for either SkinPen at our Mosman Clinic or Vivace RF at our Surry Hills Clinic! If you’re not sure, a consultation with one of our experienced team members will help you decide which treatment will suit your needs.
What is Vivace?
Vivace RF takes a multi-mode approach by combining microneedling with radiofrequency technology (RF) and LED light technology. While the microneedles puncture the skin in the treatment area, RF technology will help increase the level of collagen production that occurs after the treatment. RF delivers heat to the skin in a controlled manner, which can have its own collagen-producing effects, while the microneedles themselves work to prompt the skin’s healing response. After the RF-powered microneedling step, LED light technology is used to increase moisture levels in the skin.
Vivace RF treatments take about 45 minutes, but will require an extra 30 minutes before the treatment if you would like to use a numbing cream. For about a day or two, you may notice some swelling, sensitivity and redness, but it should be mild and is typically a sign of your skin beginning to heal after the treatment. You will be able to resume your daily routine after the treatment, but you should avoid wearing makeup and aim to keep your skin clean. Gentle and hydrating skincare products are best to avoid irritating the skin, and you should always wear sunscreen (even if it’s not too sunny, UV rays can still affect the skin!).
What is SkinPen?
Using a small, pen-like device, SkinPen simply delivers a series of tiny needles into the skin as a more traditional approach to microneedling. Essentially, SkinPen achieves the same skin healing response, prompting the skin to produce more collagen.
Like Vivace, treatments take about 45 minutes and allow you to resume your normal routine afterwards. Mild swelling, redness, bruising and sensitivity may be experienced straight after your treatment, but this should subside soon after your session.
When compared to Vivace RF, SkinPen uses a similar method, but without the RF heat or LED light components. It may mean that the treatment can be a more suitable option for those who want to avoid the additional heat or LED. Some candidates may not be suitable for RF heat or LED light, having some contraindications to the treatments, so SkinPen may be a more suitable choice.
Who are suitable candidates for microneedling?
If you want to treat uneven skin texture, large pores, fine lines and wrinkles, scarring (including acne scarring) or other common skin concerns, microneedling may be a good option for you. However, before undergoing any treatment, you’ll need to have a consultation to have your suitability for the treatment assessed. We will need to discuss any health conditions, medications or supplements you are taking, and assess the skin in your chosen treatment area.
Those who are suitable for microneedling will have realistic expectations for what the treatment can achieve, understanding that results take some time to show (as the skin’s healing process slowly takes place). Suitable candidates will need to generally be in good health to ensure that the skin will adequately heal after treatment.
Some factors that can make a candidate unsuitable for microneedling include having an active skin infection or active acne in the treatment area, or having a skin condition that impacts the skin’s healing process. Bleeding disorders, skin sensitivities and allergies can also affect your suitability for treatment. We will always assess your skin and discuss health conditions before performing skin treatments, to prevent possible complications from occurring, and to determine if the treatment method will work for you.
While Vivace RF and SkinPen both use microneedling as a treatment method, their approaches vary when it comes to additional technologies. If you have a general idea of which treatment you may prefer, we can still help you decide during your consultation after discussing your needs and assessing your skin.
Infinity Skin Clinic in Sydney and North Shore
A consultation at Infinity Skin Clinic in Sydney or North Shore will allow us to provide you with personalised advice and help you choose your treatment. You can consult at your preferred location before undergoing your treatment with Vivace RF at our Surry Hills Clinic or SkinPen at our Mosman Clinic. Contact our team to book!