Matrix Pro: What You Need to Know
Pros and cons
Safety and side effects
Downtime
The Matrix system
Fast facts
Matrix Pro by Candela is an FDA-cleared radiofrequency (RF) microneedling skin rejuvenation treatment. Part of the new Matrix system, this gentle but effective treatment is most commonly used on the face and neck, though it can treat any body area.Â
Boasting an array of 49 of the thinnest needles on the market (0.16 mm), the Matrix Pro applicator delivers short-pulse RF energy into the dermis to stimulate new collagen creation, so skin looks firmer, smoother, and younger over time.Â
Matrix Pro is unique for several reasons, starting with the fact that it treats up to three customizable depths (.08 - 3.5 mm) in just one pass. All RF microneedling creates micro-injuries, inducing a healing response that produces new collagen. Technologies that repeatedly penetrate the skin barrier to heat different depths create unnecessary tissue damage, which leads to more downtime and a heightened chance of side effects. Each pass also inflames the tissue, making subsequent passes more painful and less effective.Â
By heating three specific depths in one pass, Matrix Pro reduces discomfort, inflammation, and downtime, without sacrificing results.
Candela also touts the precision of the Matrix Pro’s smart “depth intelligence” technology, which automatically adjusts its output levels to deliver the most effective energy levels at each tissue depth.
The Matrix Pro device has real-time impedance monitoring, which adjusts the duration of its energy pulses in response to the resistance it encounters from different types of tissue. Some other RF microneedling devices have impedance monitoring, but they don’t give providers an exact measurement of how much heating occurs, with every pulse. Matrix Pro gives providers immediate feedback, helping them ensure that the right amount of energy has been delivered to each area.Â
This precision helps ensure that an effective dose of energy is delivered with every pulse, whatever the level of resistance in different areas of your face or body. It also allows providers to know when the Matrix Pro’s needles have hit fat, so they can either target it (if the patient’s goals include some fat reduction) or back out, to avoid fat atrophy—a common complaint with some other RF microneedling treatments.Â
Finally, the Matrix Pro’s superfine, insulated needles have a tapered design and patented delivery system that helps reduce discomfort and damage to the epidermis. The larger needles of some other RF microneedling devices require a fast “launch speed” to penetrate the skin’s surface, which can feel almost like a staple gun and create more trauma—including bruising, especially around the eyes. Matrix Pro’s thinner needles penetrate more gently, which makes the treatment more tolerable (with a topical numbing cream), helps protect the epidermis, curtails downtime, and helps reduce side effects.
As with all RF microneedling treatments, you’ll see the best results if you find a provider with the experience and skill to know the correct depths, energy settings, and technique for your skin type and concerns. But the advanced technology of Matrix Pro can help even the most experienced provider deliver a more comfortable and effective treatment than was possible with some previous-generation devices. Â
Pros
- Matrix Pro stimulates the production of new collagen to rejuvenate skin from within. In the weeks and months after treatment, skin becomes gradually smoother, firmer, more evenly toned and radiant.
- The device has ultra-thin, tapered needles that minimize tissue trauma, bruising, and downtime.
- This new-generation technology offers a real-time impedance monitoring system, which delivers precise doses of RF energy at three distinct tissue depths, simultaneously. This makes outcomes more consistent and reliable.
- Its patented needle delivery system (which makes insertion more comfortable than similar treatments), short-pulse RF energy (each “stamp” takes just milliseconds), and single-pass treatment make Matrix Pro more comfortable than previous technologies. Many patients find it tolerable with only topical numbing cream, avoiding the need for local anesthesia injections.Â
- Insulated needles make this a suitable treatment for most skin types.Â
- Most patients have just a few hours of flushing post-treatment, possibly with a few days of minor swelling.
Cons
- For most patients, this isn’t a one-and-done treatment: A series of three or more monthly sessions is often recommended, for best results.
- While benefits may be seen immediately or within a few weeks after treatment, it can take three months or more for the new collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid to fully develop, so you’ll need to be patient to see your final results.Â
- As with similar RF microneedling treatments, the skin-tightening benefits of Matrix Pro are relatively modest. The best candidates have early signs of laxity.
- Results aren’t permanent. You may want to plan for annual maintenance treatments depending on the intensity of your treatment, how your body responds, and your overall skin goals.
RealSelf Tip: At higher energy levels, both the Sublative RF and Sublime are limited to Fitzpatrick Skin Types I-IV. Patients with deeper skin tones need to be especially careful about choosing a practitioner who understands the best settings for a successful outcome, mitigating the risk of side effects like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
The FDA-cleared Matrix Pro is widely considered safe, in the hands of an experienced provider. Side effects are typically mild, with a few hours of redness and the possibility of mild swelling and bruising in the treatment area.Â
As we mentioned, all RF microneedling treatment results are known to be technique-dependent, so it’s important to find a well-trained provider who will understand the best settings for your skin type and concerns, and perform the treatment with skill and care.Â
All skin treatments that generate heat have the potential to flare up conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, and melasma. An experienced provider can ensure you’re a good candidate, while minimizing (or managing) any potential problems.
Let your provider know if you have a history of cold sores. They may prescribe an antiviral like Valtrex prior to your treatment.
Radiofrequency treatments are typically not recommended for patients who are pregnant, are taking Accutane (isotretinoin), or have metal implants, pacemakers, or internal defibrillators. During your consultation, your provider should take a detailed medical history to confirm that you’re a good candidate.
As we mentioned, downtime after a Matrix Pro treatment is usually minimal. Your skin will probably look flushed for a few hours after treatment, and you may have some swelling, bruising, and tenderness for a few days. Using cold compresses and applying arnica gel can help reduce swelling and discomfort.Â
That said, everyone’s skin reacts differently to heat-based treatments. If you have a big event coming up, it’s probably smart to schedule your treatment two weeks in advance, just in case.
Your skin will be especially sensitive as it heals, so switch to a gentle cleanser and moisturizer for the first few weeks post-treatment. Sun protection is also especially important during this period, so don’t skimp on a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.Â
The Matrix system includes three unique radiofrequency treatment modalities: the Matrix Pro, Sublime, and Sublative RF.Â
Sublime treatments use a noninvasive, needle-free handpiece that transmits infrared light (IR) and bipolar RF energy, to heat the superficial and deep dermis up to 3-4 mm. This tightens existing collagen fibers and stimulates new collagen growth, which gradually firms skin, reduces the appearance of fine lines, and improves its overall quality.
Sublative RF delivers bipolar RF energy to the skin via “multi-electrode pins” (not needles) in a fractional manner, ablating 5% of the skin’s surface while leaving the rest intact to stimulate healing. This “energy peel” resurfaces skin while stimulating new collagen production in the epidermis. The result: fewer fine lines and wrinkles, along with an improvement in the skin’s overall appearance, brightness, texture.Â
This treatment is even more potent when it’s combined with Matrix Pro: Sublative makes the skin’s surface more smooth, even, and radiant, while Matrix Pro remodels the underlying dermal matrix.Â
Updated September 26, 2023