Vivace™ RF

How does Vivace RF work?

Vivace uses a treatment tip containing very small needles that enter the skin at a carefully selected depth. The needles create controlled microchannels while delivering radiofrequency energy into the underlying tissue.

The microneedling process activates the skin’s natural healing response. At the same time, radiofrequency energy produces controlled heat that further encourages collagen and elastin remodeling.

Together, these processes can gradually make the skin appear smoother, firmer and more even. The depth and intensity of treatment can be adjusted according to the treatment area, skin condition and desired results.

What concerns can Vivace RF improve?

Vivace RF may be used to improve:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Mild to moderate skin laxity
• Rough or uneven skin texture
• Enlarged-looking pores
• Acne scars
• Other mild scars
• Crepey-looking skin
• Uneven skin tone
• Loss of firmness and elasticity
• Stretch marks on selected areas of the body
• Dull or aging-looking skin

Results vary according to the type and severity of the concern. More advanced skin laxity, deep scars or significant sun damage may require another procedure or a combination of treatments.

What areas can be treated?

Vivace RF can be customized for several areas of the face and body, including the:

• Face
• Forehead
• Cheeks
• Jawline
• Chin
• Neck
• Décolletage
• Hands
• Arms
• Abdomen
• Thighs
• Other areas affected by laxity, scarring or uneven texture

Treatment depth and energy levels are adjusted because skin thickness and sensitivity vary across different areas.

What happens during treatment?

Before the procedure, your skin will be cleansed and examined. A topical numbing medication is typically applied for approximately 30 to 45 minutes to improve comfort.

Once the skin is numb, your provider moves the Vivace handpiece across the treatment area. The microneedles enter the skin and deliver brief pulses of radiofrequency energy at predetermined depths.

You may feel light pressure, warmth, vibration or minor prickling during the procedure. A facial treatment itself commonly takes approximately 45 minutes, although the total appointment may last one to one-and-a-half hours when numbing and post-treatment care are included.

Are serum and LED therapy included?

The Vivace treatment experience may include a specialized serum, LED light therapy and a cooling peptide mask, depending on your provider’s protocol.

The microchannels created during treatment can temporarily enhance the absorption of approved topical products. A soothing mask or serum may then be applied to calm the skin and support the recovery process.

Your provider will determine which products are appropriate for your skin and treatment goals. Do not apply unapproved skin care products to freshly treated skin.

Is Vivace RF uncomfortable?

Most patients tolerate Vivace RF well. The topical numbing medication helps reduce discomfort and patients commonly describe the sensation as light pressure, warmth or occasional prickling.

Comfort varies depending on:

• The area being treated
• The depth of the needles
• The amount of radiofrequency energy used
• Individual sensitivity
• The intensity of the treatment

Tell your provider if you experience significant discomfort so the settings or comfort measures can be adjusted.

How many treatments will I need?

Many providers recommend an initial series of three treatments spaced approximately four to six weeks apart. However, the number of sessions needed depends on your skin, concerns and desired level of improvement.

Your treatment plan may be influenced by:

• The severity of fine lines or skin laxity
• The depth and type of scarring
• The size of the treatment area
• Your age and skin condition
• Your natural healing response
• Previous cosmetic treatments
• Your aesthetic goals

Some patients may benefit from additional sessions or periodic maintenance treatments.

When will I see results?

Some patients notice that their skin looks smoother, firmer or more refreshed soon after the initial redness resolves. However, the most significant changes develop gradually as the body produces and remodels collagen.

Improvement may continue over the following weeks and months. According to the manufacturer, collagen and elastin production may remain elevated for up to six months after treatment.

Results are progressive and vary from patient to patient. Completing the recommended treatment series generally produces more noticeable improvement than a single session.

Is there any downtime?

Vivace RF generally involves minimal downtime, but the skin still requires time to recover. Most patients can resume normal daily activities within one or two days.

Temporary effects may include:

• Redness
• Mild swelling
• Warmth or tenderness
• Pinpoint marks
• Dryness or flaking
• A slightly rough texture
• Mild itching
• Temporary sensitivity

The intensity and duration of these effects depend on the treatment depth, energy settings and individual healing response. More intensive sessions may cause more noticeable redness or swelling.

How long do the results last?

Vivace stimulates your body to produce its own collagen and elastin. Improvements can be long-lasting, but the treatment cannot stop the natural aging process or prevent future sun and environmental damage.

The duration of results depends on:

• Your age
• Skin condition
• Number of treatments completed
• Sun exposure
• Skin care habits
• Lifestyle factors
• Whether maintenance sessions are performed

Daily sunscreen, an appropriate skin care routine and periodic maintenance treatments can help preserve your results.

How should I prepare for treatment?

Before your Vivace RF appointment:

• Avoid tanning and excessive sun exposure
• Use broad-spectrum sunscreen every day
• Avoid self-tanning products on the treatment area
• Follow instructions regarding retinoids, acids, scrubs and exfoliating products
• Tell your provider about all medications and supplements you take
• Report medications that affect bleeding or healing
• Tell your provider if you are prone to cold sores
• Report any active rash, infection, open wound or skin irritation
• Tell your provider about recent fillers, injectables, lasers or other procedures
• Arrive with clean skin and no makeup when possible

Do not stop a prescribed medication unless the healthcare professional who prescribed it tells you to do so.

How should I care for my skin afterward?

Your skin will be more sensitive immediately following treatment. Follow the personalized aftercare instructions provided by your treatment team.

You may be advised to:

• Cleanse the skin gently
• Apply only approved serums, moisturizers or healing products
• Avoid picking, scratching or aggressively rubbing the skin
• Avoid retinoids, acids, scrubs and harsh exfoliants
• Avoid direct sunlight
• Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher
• Avoid strenuous exercise for approximately 24 hours
• Avoid hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms and very hot showers temporarily
• Wait before applying makeup

The manufacturer recommends avoiding makeup for at least six hours and preferably until the following day. Direct sun exposure should also be minimized during the recovery period.

What are the possible risks?

Vivace RF is generally well tolerated when performed by a qualified provider, but every procedure carries potential risks.

Possible complications include:

• Prolonged redness or swelling
• Bleeding or bruising
• Infection
• Acne or cold-sore flare-ups
• Temporary or lasting pigment changes
• Burns from radiofrequency energy
• Scarring
• Changes in skin texture
• Persistent tenderness or numbness

Following preparation and aftercare instructions can help reduce these risks. Contact the office if you experience increasing pain, blistering, drainage, spreading redness, significant swelling or another unexpected reaction.

Can Vivace RF be used on different skin tones?

Because radiofrequency energy does not depend on targeting pigment in the same way as many light-based treatments, Vivace RF can often be used on a broad range of skin tones.

However, every patient still requires an individual evaluation. Microneedling and inflammation can cause temporary or lasting discoloration, particularly when treatment is too aggressive or aftercare instructions are not followed.

Your provider will select the treatment depth and energy settings based on your skin tone, medical history and risk of pigmentation changes.

Who is a good candidate for Vivace RF?

Vivace RF may be appropriate for adults who want to improve fine lines, mild skin laxity, enlarged-looking pores, scars or uneven texture without undergoing surgery or an aggressive resurfacing procedure.

Good candidates generally:

• Have mild to moderate cosmetic concerns
• Are in good overall health
• Have realistic expectations
• Can follow preparation and aftercare instructions
• Are willing to complete the recommended treatment series
• Understand that results develop gradually

Patients with severe laxity or deeper structural concerns may benefit from a different treatment.

Who may need to postpone treatment?

Vivace RF may need to be postponed or avoided if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have an active infection, rash or open wound
• Have active cystic acne in the treatment area
• Have recently experienced significant tanning or sunburn
• Have a condition that interferes with normal healing
• Have a history of abnormal or raised scarring
• Have an implanted electrical device that may be affected by radiofrequency energy
• Take medication that significantly affects healing or bleeding
• Recently underwent another procedure in the same area
• Have an untreated or suspicious skin growth

Provide a complete medical history so your provider can determine whether treatment can be performed safely.

Can Vivace RF be combined with other treatments?

Vivace RF may be combined with injectable treatments, laser services, chemical peels, skin care treatments or other aesthetic procedures as part of a comprehensive rejuvenation plan.

Some procedures may be performed within the same treatment period, while others should be spaced apart to avoid excessive irritation and allow proper healing.

Your provider will recommend the safest order and timing based on your skin, treatment goals and the services being considered.

Schedule a Vivace RF consultation

Vivace RF offers a customizable approach to improving fine lines, wrinkles, skin laxity, scars, pores and uneven texture with relatively little downtime. The Dermatology Clinic can evaluate your skin, discuss your aesthetic goals and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve a smoother, firmer and more refreshed appearance. Contact us today to get scheduled.