EMATRIX

Pros

• eMatrix skin rejuvenation treatments can address a variety of concerns, from acne scarring to sun damage,  signs of aging to stretch marks.
• Since it’s RF and not a true laser treatment, eMatrix is suitable for all skin tones.
• It can be used on the neck, chest, hands, and face.
• Sessions take just 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of the treated area.
• Unlike the ablative lasers and chemical peels commonly used in dermatology, eMatrix doesn’t disturb the top layer of the skin, so there’s minimal downtime.
• Some patients prefer energy-based treatments to Botox and fillers, because nothing foreign is being placed in the skin. Rather, RF energy rejuvenates the treated area by stimulating more of your skin’s own collagen.

Cons

• Among RealSelf members who’ve reviewed their sublative RF treatment, 63% say it’s Not Worth It. Reasons include side effects like textural problems, inflammation, scarring, and even potential volume loss in the treated area. Because of these risks, it's essential to see an experienced provider who knows how to use this device safely, with the proper settings for your concerns and skin type.
• Other reviewers reported severe pain during the procedure, especially in areas like the neck or chest, but your provider should apply a numbing cream beforehand and leave time for it to take full effect. 
• Unlike more aggressive treatments, it's not a quick fix. Most people need a series of at least three eMatrix sublative rejuvenation treatment sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart, to see significant results. Some reviewers say they had as many as six treatments.
• Some reviewers on RealSelf say they saw little or no results, even after a full treatment series.
• You may need two days of social downtime, and mild roughness and peeling can continue for three to five days (sometimes longer). Some reviewers have even complained of redness for as long as a month post-treatment.

• Average Cost:
• $795

• Range:
• $25 - $1,500

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

	TempSure Envi nonsurgical	Pellevé nonsurgical	Vivace nonsurgical	Fractional Laser nonsurgical
Worth It Rating	75%	67%	86%	88%
Average Cost	$1720	Not yet available	$1115	$1482
Downtime	No downtime	No downtime	Little to no downtime	Up to 1 week of downtime
Anesthesia	No anesthesia	No anesthesia	Topical anesthesia	Topical anesthesia

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.