Is it safe to have a skin tightening radio frequency treatment done if you have melasma?

Question

Is it ok/safe to have a skin tightening radio frequency treatment done with melasma and hyperpigmentation? I am looking to improve loss of firmness in my skin and understand that it is not a treatment for melasma but want to have some firming done. I am starting to see naso labial folds and loss of firmness in the jowls. Therma RF was recommended . I thought I was told to stay away from treatments with heat but my medi spa says Thermal RF is ok - nervous.

Brian Maloney, MD, FACS · Answer

I have performed many radiofrequency procedures uch as Thermi RFon the face and have not seen any worsening of pigment. Since the probe is under the skin, it would seem logical that the pigment should not be affected. I would discuss withthe doctor performing the procedure. You should wear sunscreen and consider a bleacing program if you want to give yourself an extra safety measure. I would not do a radiofrequency procedure applied to the surface of the skin, without bleaching.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I recommend a combination of procedures for optimal results.  Thermismooth is noninvasive and is good for resurfacing fine lines, but ThermiTight can actually lift and tighten your neck and lower face.
  
ThermiTight utilizes a small electrode inserted under the skin to heat tissue to a selected therapeutic temperature.  Literature has shown that elevating skin to a therapeutic temperature level can contract collagen molecules and stimulate collagen production, which may give the appearance of lifting or tightening.   Fat reduction is rare, unless set to high temperatures and kept at high temperatures for a significant amount of time .
  
To best answer your question,  it  depends on how much skin laxity you have.   ThermiTight can work well in the thigh area to tighten skin that is mild to moderately laxity.  Surgery may be a better option, if you have excessive laxity.   Results with ThermiTight vary from patient to patient.  You should experience some overall improvement.  In our center, I offer a procedure that we call ThermiSculpture. This combines some liposuction fat removal with ThermiTight. The radiofrequency probe is inserted into the same incisions that are used for the liposculpture. This combination removes fat, stimulates collagen, and tightens and lifts the skin. Consulting a board-certified plastic surgeon who knows how to effectively combine ThermiTight with liposuction will give you the most dramatic and long-lasting results
  
The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.
  
Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.
  
Best of luck!
  
Dr. Schwartz
  
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
  
#RealSelf100Surgeon
  
#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Richard E. Moore, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. To give you an accurate answer a study would need to be performed to see how the skin in patients with melasma reacts to the heat. There are studies which suggest that in addition to sun exposure coupled with hormone response, a similar exacerbation of melasma can occur with heat exposure coupled with hormone response. Development of nasolabial fold creases is usually the result of volume loss more than laxity and you might be better treated with dermal fillers. It is difficult to make this assessment without an in-person consultation.I hope this was helpful - Dr. Moore.

E. Ronald Finger, MD · Answer

I am personally not in favor of radio frequency treatments on the face above the level of the mouth. RF can de-volumize the face, and that is a problem. Loss of volume causes the face to sag. For nasolabial folds, a filler should be used in the nasolabial crease as well as the tear trough and mid face, in most cases.The mid face loses volume as well as under the eyelids, and in the area in front of the ear, temples, etc. Most of the face does lose volume.Thank you for your question , and good luck.

Mira Mahajan, MD · Answer

Hello belangerD,
If you are talking about injectable RF- ThermiTight- it won't affect melisma since it is working in a deeper plane.  I would say that the topical RF technologies- (Pelleve, Thermismooth) would not worsen melisma either.  If you have a darker skin type then certain lasers such as skin resurfacing- CO2- can create hyperpigmentation and skin will look worse.

Is it safe to have a skin tightening radio frequency treatment done if you have melasma?

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