What is Sublative Rejuvenation and What Does It Treat?

Our office is one of the leading ematrix treatment centers. We use the ematrix RF treatment to help with acne scars, textural scars, and to tighten skin. We also utilize the fractional CO2 laser. Raffy Karamanoukian MD FACS

Maybe that headline sounds a little odd, but sublative rejuvenation is a term given to the specific delivery of radio frequency energy that "spreads" once it's past the superficial skin layer.

Sublative rejuvenation is a tem applied to the Matirix/eMatrix radio frequency systems developed by Syneron.

The advantage is that you get heat distribution under the skin in a wider area than the original entry point  Siince a laser beam is straight, the diameter of the beam is the same through all layers of the skin it penetrates. eMatix enters in a thin column and expands....less superficial impact, more internal effect.

By having the majority of the heat manifesting under the pigment producing layers, typical laser-induced pigmentation in ethnic skins is reduced to a tiny fraction of ocurrence.

Sublative rejuvenation - eMatrix - is actually NOT a laser, though it accomplishes many of the same things. In our office we use eMatrix for the following:


Acne Scarring - particularly on skins with ethnic or mixed ethnic genetics

Sun Damage such as fine wrinkling, rough texture and discolored spots

Surgical or Accident Scars - again very friendly to skin with pigment

Neck Rejuvenation - multiple treatments tighten and retexture


RF energy enters the skin in a thin column and then "expands" - almost like an upside down pyramid. So you experience less disruption of the superficial skin surface and more benefit deeper in the skin where you want the action to occur.

It is effective on all skin types and tones, Sublative rejuvenation is a deeper treatment that fights fine lines and wrinkles, eradicates acne scars, and improves overall texture. Sublative rejuvenation harnesses the power of energy currents to penetrate the skin and stimulate collagen production (while keeping the outer layer of skin intact). Depending on the selected course of treatment, downtime can vary from two to five days—which can be customized to fit your schedule and your needs.

Thank you for your question.eMatrix is sublative radiofrequency (RF) energy and focused in the dermis. At appropriate energy levels, it spares the most superficial layers, i.e. the epidermis. There is no clinical evidence that it depletes underlying volume (fat tissue). There is no downtime with this procedure because it is sublative.We perform eMatrix in our Williamsville office for acne scar remodeling. Best,Dr. Karamanoukian

Sublative EMatrix skin rejuvenation works from "inside-out" thereby having minimal thermal effects on the outside of the skin.  In this manner there is minimal to no downtime in reducing wrinkles, improving acne scarring, decreasing pore size and improving skin texture. 

...Sublative is a marketing term used to describe the Ematrix process of BIPOLAR RF or radiofrequency. Sublative refers to the tiny ''sub ablation'' fractional holes it makes in the upper layers of the skin by an electrode. This delivers energy that stimulates collages (the second part of your question) for conditions like acne scarring, sun ageing, intrinsic ageing, and loose skin in general. Scars, skin laxity and improving skin tone = EMatrixregardsDr Davin LimLaser DermatologistBrisbane, Australia

The Matrix RF treatment is designed for use in dermatological procedures for ablation (removal) of soft tissue and resurfacing of the skin. The Matrix RF allows for a customized approach of fractional bi-polar RF (radio frequency) energy, allowing all skin types and locations (except eyelids and lips) to be treated. Benefits of this treatment include the reduction of wrinkles, skin laxity, scars, acne scars, textural irregularities, tone, and superficial skin lesions.

To perform the Matrix RF, a unique applicator head and one-time use treatment tip are added onto the Syneron treatment machine. Due to the unique nature of the treatment head and the RF delivery, the majority of the ablation from the procedure occurs under the skin, as sublative rejuvenation, allowing for less downtime for the patient, less surface skin removal, and better results than treatments done with traditional fractional lasers. The Matrix RF goes deeper into the skin and effects the underlying levels, as opposed to removing more surface skin and damaging the top level like with traditional Fraxel lasers.

200 pulses are done with each Matrix RF applicator tip and the program level (depth and power) can be changed as needed for more delicate areas. Because of the unique size and shape of the applicator tip, RF energy is delivered in a non-homogeneous fractional pattern to dry, non-moisturized skin. This allows some areas to have less impact than others, which promotes faster healing.

For more information and diagrams of how sublative rejuvenation differs from other fractional lasers, check out the website below.