I had my first consultation a year ago to inquire about correction for my under-eye bags. At that time, I was told lower blepharoplasty was the only solution. Last month, at the clinic's open house, they talked about addressing under-eye bags using Agnes RF. I was excited to learn more, and went in for a second consult.
Had my first Agnes rf treatment yesterday. His assistants did all the prep, and were friendly and worked to make me comfortable. It was my first time meeting Dr. Ritacca. He was all business when he walked in. I sat up to say hello, and he came right up to me and said, "frown." He didn't even say hello! After telling his assistant, Steph, a few things he would need her to prepare, he walked to the door saying he'd be right back. I said, "oh, by the way, hello, and very nice to meet you." He said it was nice to meet me, and left! Well...I wasn't there for warm fuzzies, but I have to say I was a little surprised.
They offered me laughing gas (at an extra cost), and I was like, "hell, ya, of course!" They administered that, and then some local anesthesia under my eyes, and waited until I was numb and loopy to start the treatment. After my first, I asked if anyone ever said no to the laughing gas. They said no, never. I wondered why they didn't just include it in the price?
Anyway, the treatment was VERY uncomfortable, and I couldn't imagine doing it without the laughing gas!! The first eye was somewhat uncomfortable. The second was a lot worse. I can't really think of a good way to describe it, but, if you've ever had a tattoo, imagine that discomfort, multiply it by three, and then imagine how that would feel in the skin just under your eye. I was sucking on that laughing gas like a fiend.
The difference immediately after treatment was phenomenal. This morning, 24 hours later, it looks like I was in a brawl, and I have 2 black eyes. The left eye (which was the second eye he did) is a lot more swollen than the right.
Afterwards, as I was checking out, Assistant Steph came out and brought over a tube of ointment called Alastin, and said I needed it for post care, and nothing else would do. It was $199!!!! Well, I couldn't spend all the money on the procedure, and then not do the aftercare properly, so I felt like I had to buy it. But, again, I feel they should build these things into the overall pricing, and it would be far more customer-friendly. She did give me 10% off. But at that price, this stuff better give me some high-end results!
Steph called and checked in with me 24 hours after treatment, to see how I was doing and if I had any concerns or questions. By then, I looked like I'd been in a brawl! But each day since then has been better, as you can see from the accompanying photos.
I have a follow up at week. I'm optimistic about the end results. Overall, the experience was ok. The staff was friendly and helpful, even if the doctor had no bedside manner. The add-on sales approach was a little cheezy. The treatment was uncomfortable, but I didn't expect it not to be. The total cost was about $1400.00. The doctor said I would likely need a second treatment, followed by some filler at the tops of my cheeks. At the moment, I do not plan on doing this again. I think full results can take 3-6 months, so we'll see how I feel and look then.
Updated on 5 Jan 2021:
Actually, I've been meaning to post an update for a while, so thanks for the prompt! It's been about 3 weeks since I had the procedure, and I am scheduled to go back for a follow up this coming Friday. I definitely can feel that I am still healing-there are still tender 'bumps' of tissue under my skin that are slowly diminishing in size. I think it takes the body quite some time to fully dissolve and remove the treated tissue, which is why they say it could take up to 2 months to see final results. Overall, though, I am very pleased with the results I'm seeing. You can judge for yourself with the attached photo, taken yesterday.
Updated on 14 Jan 2021:
It's been one month since Dr. Ritacca performed the Agnes RF procedure under my eyes to improve the appearance of under-eye bags, and am very happy with the results. The final results can take up to 2 months, and I can tell I still have a little healing and swelling remaining in the area, but very minor at this point. I am expecting to see a little bit more improvement, but again, probably minor. I had a follow up appointment last week, and Dr. Ritacca suggested injecting a small amount of filler or fat at the top of my cheeks as a final step, when I am ready. I'm attaching a before & after, and will let the photo speak for itself. Going back to my first review on this procedure, I will say this procedure was WORTH IT! But please do your homework and seek out a highly-qualified, highly-experienced professional to perform the work!!!
Updated on 14 Mar 2021:
It's been a solid 3 months since my procedure, and I'm still happy with the results. Right after I had it, I was convinced I would not consider another treatment nor a filler. Now, I would consider either. I'm glad I waited though, because every now and then, I still feel a little "twinge" that tells me there is still healing/changes going on. With spring arriving, I spent the day in the yard doing cleanup the other day, and for the first time, I saw the affect of allergies---24 hours afterwards, my undereye bags were packed and ready to go! LOL! But what a difference from a year ago, when I wouldn't have noticed the difference.