Pellevé: What You Need to Know

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.

• Average Cost:
• $725

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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.