Are results from Infini, Fractora and Profound the same?

Question

I am a 55 y/o male in Sydney. No deep wrinkles. Beginnings of jowls and neck laxity, lower eye bags. Three devices appear to be on the market - Infini, Fractora and Profound. It is difficult to work through the literature on the internet for facts. I question if reviews are representative of all those who have had the treatments. What is the history of the development of these device - has one superseded/improved upon the other? Are results of treatments the same? Qualifications needed?

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

I have recently completed the FDA trials for the Genius. It is the Infini, completely re-engineered. It was recently FDA approved. It makes all other RFM devices obsolete. I've become the leading authority on RFM and recently completed a book chapter to be published in the Facial Plastic Clinics of North America. What the Genius offers is impedance feedback. The needles measure the skin's resistance and adjust the RF current according to each individual's needs. Impedance is different between individuals and even within the same person, but on different areas of the face. The Genius lets the operator know exactly how much energy is given per pulse and throughout the treatment. It also gives feedback if the pulse is not fully delivered so the operator can make adjustments to the settings or technique. The needles and motor have been changed so that the delivery of energy is precisely to the level desired. Due to the inherent resistance to puncturing the skin, the needles don't always get to the depths that are dialed in for most devices. This is especially true for the deeper depths. Lutronic investigated this and came up with a much more powerful motor and sharper needles to overcome this problem. (If you look closely at some of the videos of other devices, the needles actually bounce off the skin surface and don't penetrate. These devices report no pain and no downtime - wonder why)
Profound has temperature feedback and not impedance feedback. Since the pulse durations are 3 seconds or longer, the procedure can only be performed with tumescent anesthesia. It's coagulation zones are much larger than any other RFM because there are only 10 needles and long dwell times. If you know about surface to volume ratios, the larger coagulation zones mean lower surface area to volume ratio. The Infini/Genius creates many more coagulation zones which are much smaller. This means the downtime/repair time will be higher in Profound and the risks will be higher. Profound is one procedure (by their report) while Genius is 3. The company feels that they want to keep the downtime and risks minimized. 
Fractora uses pins without mechanical insertion, they are done manually. The flow of current is from the pins back to the skin surface. If the handpiece isn't perfectly flush with the skin or there is blood/fluid on the skin surface, there is potential for arcing of the energy. This can lead to burns. It is a bulk heating as well which is more risky than fractional heating. The pins are uninsulated in most of their handpieces, which leads to a superficial skin (epidermal) injury that can lead to PIH in darker skin types and more wound care in all skin types. Profound, Genius, and Infini all use insulated needles. The company that makes Fractora has introduced the Morpheus8, which is more like the Infini with insulated needles and mechanical insertion. I believe the company will faze Fractora out and push customers towards Morpheus which is inherently less risky, less user error.
In summary, RFM has just taken a big step forward with Genius. Many of the "me too" RFM devices have done little to no research and have just tried to copy the Infini. The developers of Genius have analyzed each step in the process of delivering energy to the skin and have optimized the settings and mechanisms.

Pedram Imani, FRACS, MS, MBBS (Hons) · Answer

I think that it would be best for you to see a facial plastic surgeon or dermatologist to discuss your options. Its not about the machine its about your skin quality, age and needs/requirements.  Profound is safe and leaves no surface markings if used correctly and is a one off treatment with 3-5 days of down time. It does have realtime temperature feedback and heat the skin evenly and safely.  The other machines are catching up to the technology that Profound has patented.  It is a new machine which has improved on the older versions.  Needless to say that each machine has its place in treating the skin conditions and ageing. Hope this is helpful.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

I agree with Steve with his logic in regards to energy devices. Profound is extremely old, has many negatives. I do not use this device even though I have it. Infini is good, however settings are important. Fractora is also a good device. I firmly believe that settings and the context of use is much more important than a device itself, IF someone is going to utilise it ON LABEL. In the real world, Dermatologist and plastics will use devices off label to get the best results. Now, if you have jowls, neck laxity and eye bags, you may require different METHODS, not devices to address your concerns. This includes lasers (CO2 vs others), surgical and filling techniques. Everyone is different. A specialist will take into consideration your skin type, concerns, downtime and expectations, then come up with a treatment plan based upon YOU. All the best, Dr Davin S. Lim. Brisbane. Australia .

Are results from Infini, Fractora and Profound the same?

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Are results from Infini, Fractora and Profound the same?

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Everything you need to know about Profound RF

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.