The treatment itself is relatively quick—one full session lasts between 15 and 40 minutes. First, your provider will apply a topical numbing cream to your skin to lessen any discomfort from the heat. Even so, you’ll probably feel a slight prickly or stinging sensation as the heat builds up on the treatment areas. The device has a built-in cooling system, to help regulate the temperature of your skin and prevent burns.Â
You can expect your skin to look like it’s sunburned immediately after treatment, but downtime is minimal. You can resume normal activities (including wearing makeup) the following day.
Mild swelling and redness may continue for a couple of days, but it will start to dissipate as your skin starts to repair itself. Though swelling often resolves after a few days, doctors on RealSelf say it may take as long as 10 days before most of the swelling goes away. Initially, the swelling may even make lines and wrinkles seem deeper—but this will go away as your skin recovers.Â
The final results will appear gradually. “Over the next few weeks, you should see continued improvement in the firmness and overall appearance of the skin,” says Dr. William Groff, a dermatologic surgeon in San Diego. “Keep in mind that you may need a series of treatment sessions to achieve full results with this device.”Â
According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, most patients benefit from a series of three to six treatments, typically spaced three to six weeks apart, for optimal results.Â
Results are temporary. To maintain the benefits, you’ll need follow-up treatments “once a season” to stimulate collagen production, advises Dr. R. Stephen Mulholland, a plastic surgeon in Toronto.
