“The Virtue RF device delivers radiofrequency using microneedling,” says Dr. Madnani. Tiny needles create microchannels that trigger a wound-healing reaction, which produces new collagen.
Unlike regular microneedling, Virtue RF needles also emit controlled pulses of RF energy from their tips, creating heat in the dermis that ramps up the new collagen and elastin production. Over the next several weeks, the increased level of collagen creates firmer, smoother, more youthful skin.
The heat also contracts existing collagen fibers, which produces some immediate skin tightening.
While it’s most commonly performed on the face, neck, and decolleté, Virtue can be used anywhere on the body, including the arms, abdomen, glutes, and thighs.
The Virtue RF microneedling platform includes three handpieces, giving it a versatility that allows providers to target specific skin concerns and conditions.
• The Smart RF 36-needle handpiece treats the face, hands, and decolleté.
• The Deep RF 36-needle handpiece has a cooling plate, making it better for body treatments.
• The Exact RF single-needle handpiece precisely targets small, delicate areas, like around the mouth, jawline, and eyes (to address concerns like eye bags).
You may feel light pressure from the device wherever it’s used, but there’s virtually no pain during the treatment, for a few reasons:
- A robotic precision delivery (RPD) system inserts the needles into the skin precisely, so they don’t tear or traumatize it. This helps prevent the textural problems that can sometimes happen with similar treatments.
The insulated needles ensure that only the deepest layers of the skin are heated. This helps protect the top layer of the skin from unnecessary damage, minimizing downtime and decreasing discomfort. This also helps protect patients with olive, brown, or deep skin tones from complications like hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, since melanin-producing cells are located in a more superficial layer that’s not heated.