Q: What are the pros and cons of Pellevé?

Pros RealSelf members give Pellevé a significantly higher Worth It Rating than similar radiofrequency skin rejuvenation treatments ( Ultherapy and Thermage ). This RF wrinkle reduction treatment doesn’t require any downtime. It can treat the entire face and neck, including the delicate areas around the eyes and mouth. It's suitable for all skin tones, with a low risk of hyperpigmentation. It's also painless. Some RealSelf members even say it feels like a warm massage. Cons Like other treatments that rely on your body's healing response to rebuild collagen, it's not a quick fix. You can expect to need three to five treatment sessions for optimal results (some people have as many as eight), and you'll have to wait up to six months for your results to fully develop. While Pellevé was cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2009, there was an FDA recall of the device in 2012 due to “possible cable failure and sparking.” Make sure your provider has the newest device. Some RealSelf members rated their treatment Not Worth It , with some even saying it made their face look worse due to volume loss.

Question 1

What is Pellevé?

Accepted Answer

Pellevé nonsurgical skin-tightening treatments use radiofrequency energy to stimulate new collagen production. Over time, this plumps and firms the skin, helping minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and laxity, including common concerns like eye bags, crow’s feet, and jowls.

The radiofrequency device comes with handpieces in two sizes: one that’s suitable for skin rejuvenation on the face and neck, as well as a smaller one that’s used to treat more delicate areas, like around the mouth and eyelids.

Pellevé works by heating the skin to 40°C (104°F). This tightens the existing collagen fibers and triggers a natural healing response that boosts the rate of elastin and collagen production. Over the coming weeks and months, skin looks smoother and firmer, with improved elasticity.

Doctors recommend an initial series of at least three to five monthly treatments, for optimal skin tightening and wrinkle reduction results. Pellevé treatments can be performed in-office by a doctor or a certified technician.

Question 2

What are the pros and cons of Pellevé?

Accepted Answer

Pros

RealSelf members give Pellevé a significantly higher Worth It Rating than similar radiofrequency skin rejuvenation treatments (Ultherapy and Thermage).
This RF wrinkle reduction treatment doesn’t require any downtime.
It can treat the entire face and neck, including the delicate areas around the eyes and mouth.
It's suitable for all skin tones, with a low risk of hyperpigmentation.
It's also painless. Some RealSelf members even say it feels like a warm massage.

Cons

Like other treatments that rely on your body's healing response to rebuild collagen, it's not a quick fix. You can expect to need three to five treatment sessions for optimal results (some people have as many as eight), and you'll have to wait up to six months for your results to fully develop.
While Pellevé was cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2009, there was an FDA recall of the device in 2012 due to “possible cable failure and sparking.” Make sure your provider has the newest device.
Some RealSelf members rated their treatment Not Worth It, with some even saying it made their face look worse due to volume loss.

Question 3

How much does Pellevé cost?

Accepted Answer

Your cost will also depend on the size of the area being treated, your provider’s level of experience, their practice location, and how many treatments you have.

It's often most cost effective to purchase a package of Pellevé treatment sessions up front, rather than pay for each session individually. Some providers also offer seasonal specials.

Like all cosmetic procedures, this one isn't covered by insurance.

Question 4

Pellevé before and after pictures

Accepted Answer

The Pellevé photos in our gallery have been shared by the provider who performed the procedure, with the patient's consent.

Question 5

Who’s a good candidate for Pellevé?

Accepted Answer

Pellevé is suitable for people of all skin types and tones, with mild skin laxity, fine lines, and facial wrinkles.

Many radiofrequency technology devices have contraindications, so check with your physician before signing up for a treatment. People who are pregnant should avoid any type of radiofrequency treatment.

The manufacturer also warns that people who have taken isotretinoin (Accutane) in the past three months shouldn’t have a Pellevé treatment.

If you have a history of cold sores or fever blisters, let your provider know beforehand so that you can take an antiviral prescription medication.

Question 6

How should you prepare for a Pellevé treatment?

Accepted Answer

While the process is straightforward and complications are rare, there are some rules to follow prior to having a Pellevé skin-tightening treatment.

Avoid excessive sun exposure for several weeks ahead of time.
A week in advance, stop using skin care products that contain vitamin C, glycolic or salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or retinoids (which can increase skin irritation).
If you’re on antibiotics, let your provider know. Some cause photosensitivity, so you may need to wait two weeks after your last dose.
The day before your treatment, hydrate as much as you can.
Don’t wear makeup or apply moisturizer the morning of your appointment.

Question 7

What happens during a Pellevé treatment?

Accepted Answer

First, your provider (a doctor, nurse, or certified technician) will place a grounding plate on your back, to reduce the risk of burns. Then they’ll apply a gel to help the device’s handpiece move smoothly across the skin.

When the treatment begins, the tip of the Pellevé handpiece will be cool at first, growing warmer as your provider glides it over your face and neck.

Most people don't feel pain, only warmth (often compared to a hot-stone massage). Your skin may turn slightly red or inflamed from the heat. That usually fade quickly after your treatment.

They’ll do four or five passes, lasting about 15 minutes for the eye area, 30 minutes for the face, or about an hour for the full face and neck.

When you’re done, you may have some skin inflammation or mild swelling. Your provider will likely apply a soothing serum and sunscreen.

You can return to your normal activities afterward and apply sun protection, skin-care products, and makeup as usual.

Question 8

How soon will you see results?

Accepted Answer

You may see some immediate skin tightening benefits from the collagen fibers contracting, but you’ll have to wait up to six months to see your final results from the increased cell turnover and new collagen production.

“The body's response can take six months to produce the maximum collagen and tightening,” says Dr. Ronald Shelton, a New York City dermatologist.

Question 9

How long do Pellevé treatment results last?

Accepted Answer

“Pellevé results can last for a few years,” says Dr. Shelton. Providers recommend follow-up treatments once or twice a year, to maintain your results. You can also prolong them by wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ every day, and using medical-grade skin care.

Some providers also recommend pairing Pellevé with other anti-aging treatments, like Botox or injectable fillers.

Question 10

What are potential side effects of Pellevé?

Accepted Answer

Pellevé has few reported side effects, with the most common reactions being mild swelling and redness or inflammation.

Some RealSelf members say that they look worse post-treatment, due to facial fat loss. This is a rare side effect, but it is a risk with radiofrequency facials, particularly if you have an inexperienced or inattentive provider who heats the tissue too long in one area.

It's also possible for the tissue to be burned, though again, this is rare.

Unsatisfactory results and side effects are more likely to occur due to an inexperienced provider, so it's worth taking the time to read patient reviews and do your research before booking your appointment.

Question 11

What are the alternatives to Pellevé?

Accepted Answer

Ultherapy uses ultrasound energy to lift and tighten loose skin on the face, neck, and chest. Typically, effective treatment takes only one or two sessions.
Thermage similarly stimulates collagen production with radiofrequency energy, primarily to tighten sagging skin. It can be used on the body in addition to the face.
A facelift is a much more invasive procedure to correct sagging skin. However, facelift results are far superior to any type of noninvasive skin tightening treatments, particularly for people with moderate to severe skin laxity. Even though downtime is longer and the up-front cost is more significant, results are more dramatic and last longer.

PELLEVÉ

Colleen Williams

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Colleen Williams

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