eMatrix is an FDA-cleared skin-resurfacing treatment that uses fractionated bi-polar radiofrequency energy to generate heat under the surface of the skin and stimulate collagen and elastin production, while leaving the top layer of the skin intact.
Also called Matrix Skin or sublative rejuvenation, this nonsurgical procedure is intended to treat these skin concerns:
It may also tighten mildly loose skin and improve textural irregularities.
Because eMatrix boosts skin’s natural production of collagen and elastin over time, benefits can develop for up to five months after your last treatment, with results that last up to a year.
Unlike laser treatments for skin rejuvenation, this device is said to be safe for all skin types and tones, including olive or brown skin, which is often at higher risk of hyperpigmentation. However, RealSelf reviewers with a range of skin tones (from light to brown) have reported side effects like scars. Read on to learn more about the benefits and risks.
Pros
Cons
Your cost will depend on your provider’s location and level of experience, as well as how many treatment sessions you have.
After sufficiently numbing your skin with a topical anesthetic cream, your dermatologist applies the eMatrix applicator directly to your skin's surface and moves over the treatment area in a gentle stamping motion. If this feels too painful, ask them to leave more time for the numbing to take effect. You can also request an oral sedative.Â
During the treatment, you'll feel a prickly sensation and heat as the device delivers RF energy in a grid pattern of controlled injuries into both the dermis and epidermis, triggering a healing response.
Healthy, undamaged skin cells in between the grid points will help accelerate the healing process.
Most patients need three to five treatments, four to six weeks apart, for optimal results.
RealSelf Tip: For a week before an eMatrix treatment, avoid direct sun exposure, wear sunscreen with SPF 30+, and don’t use any harsh skin care products, like exfoliating scrubs, glycolic acid, retinoids, or bleaching cream (hydroquinone).
eMatrix treatments are generally considered safe, but outcomes are highly operator-dependent. As with any energy-based or laser treatment, the qualifications of the person performing the treatment can dramatically influence your results, for good or ill.Â
To start, the procedure should be performed only on healthy skin that’s free of active acne, infections, eczema, or rosacea. The heat generated by the device can flare melasma, causing brown patches to darken over time, so talk to your provider about this risk if you have heat-sensitive melasma.
Common eMatrix side effects include redness, inflammation, flaking, itching, slight swelling, and visible grid marks for the first one or two days of your healing process.Â
In untrained hands, eMatrix sublative rejuvenation can cause scarring and textural irregularities, so be sure to see a licensed and experienced healthcare provider, who can minimize and manage any potential problems.Â
eMatrix skin rejuvenation treatment is contraindicated for patients who are pregnant, on Accutane, or have metal implants, pacemakers, or internal defibrillators.
People with sensitive skin or those who get the highest-energy application should plan on four to five days of social downtime, when peeling or flaking will be most obvious.
Follow your doctor’s specific after-care instructions, which may include intermittent icing and gentle skin care in the days following treatment.Â
Avoid sun exposure for at least a week and resume sunscreen use as your provider advises.
You may start to see a subtle brightening within a week of your first treatment, as cell turnover picks up.Â
Textural changes or improvements in acne scars generally take longer to see, since they’re dependent on new collagen production. Results will continue to improve for up to five months after your final treatment session.
Benefits can include a reduction in fine lines, wrinkles, skin discoloration, acne scarring, and stretch marks, as well as increased elasticity and a smoother texture.
Results typically last for up to year. After that, you’ll have to return for annual maintenance treatments.
RealSelf members say the best alternative RF treatments that stimulate collagen production through heat are TempSure Envi and Pellevé, as well as the more intensive and deeper-reaching Thermage, which generally requires only one session compared to the series of treatments needed with less aggressive treatments.
Your provider may also recommend higher-intensity treatments that involve both RF and microneedling, such as Morpheus8 or Vivace.
You can also consider an ablative or nonablative fractional laser treatment, which stimulates collagen and resurfaces the top layer of the skin.
Updated June 13, 2023