Minimally Invasive Anti-Aging | What To Expect From Fractional Skin Resurfacing
Using the body's natural healing processes, microneedling treatments have become increasingly popular for the prevention and correction of signs of aging. Better yet, skin rejuvenation procedures offer lasting results working from the inside out.
If you’re familiar with microneedling, we’re here to tell you about a new technology quickly gaining popularity amongst longer-term, minimally invasive solutions - Fractora by InMode.
Fractora uses microneedling, but goes a step further by emitting radiofrequency deep into the skin to boost the body’s collagen and elastin production. Fractora creates a controlled thermal injury to the skin. The RF energy stimulates new collagen to form and causes the existing collagen to realign and become stronger to help improve the support of the soft tissues of the face. Customized to address an individual’s goals, micro-pins are used to resurface and restore the skin and combines two proven therapies (microneedling and radiofrequency) into one.
Alongside our friends at Franklin Plastic Surgery in Cary, North Carolina we had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Franklin and patients about the experience to give readers a well-rounded view of what they can expect - and further if the treatment is right for them.
BEFORE & AFTER
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set your expectations:
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Who is a candidate for Fractora?
Fractora is available for all skin types and can treat everything that micro needling can in as little as three treatments for optimal results. Because of the radio frequencies it uses, it's also effective at treating conditions such as: deep lines, texture, pigment irregularities, acne, blood vessels and redness, and sun damage in one treatment. Fractora can be used on any area that can benefit from skin renewal. The most commonly treated areas are lower eyelid, smile lines, forehead, cheeks, mouth, and neck. Research providers in your area and request a consultation to learn more about their processes and procedures. Finding someone you feel comfortable with and trust can have an impact on your outcome and further, safety.
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How quickly will a patient see results?
The Fractora procedure requires approximately 1-hour numbing for the topical anesthetic agent and 30-minutes to be performed. While it’s relatively quick, visible results can be seen immediately with noticeable results after two weeks. Improvements continue up to three months after treatment as our body’ natural collagen continues to grow. Fractora treatment will improve skin complexion and texture for a more radiant and youthful appearance. Fractionated RF energy provides exceptional results with almost no downtime.
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What does it feel like?
Fractora uses a unique ablative system combining radio-frequency (RF) with deep, needle-based heat that penetrates the skin with 60 quick pricks in a square pattern. With numbing, we felt the comfort and pain levels were a 4 or 5 with the area near the bridge of the noses and under the eyes the most sensitive. As you can imagine some areas were more tender due to nerve endings so you may feel the eye or cheek twitch.
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Can it be combined with other treatments?
Fractora can be used in the same procedure session, a few days after other treatments, or combined with additional energy and injection treatments to achieve a more extensive full-face result.
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When can I put on make-up or exercise after treatment?
Since patient downtime is minimal, makeup can be applied 1 to 2 days after the treatment. Patients should expect to see micro lesions a few days after treatment and slight redness for up to 1 week depending on treatment parameters. You are free to exercise once your skin has healed, as early as one to two days after the treatment.
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Play by play
PROCEDURE DAY: Arrive 45-60 minutes early to begin the numbing process. Numbing feels a bit funny as you slowly start to feel your face, lips, etc. lose sensation! Use the wait time to relax and go into the procedure with a good mindset. Once the procedure starts, you’ll lay down, the solution will be removed, and the physician will familiarize you with the equipment. While it’s not terribly painful, it is uncomfortable but a good provider moves both precisely and quickly knowing which areas to focus on. After procedure, it feels like a strong sunburn on your face. You will be very sun-sensitive and may have mild pain, about a 4 on a scale of 1-10. OTC pain medications such as ibuprofen can assist with pain and swelling.
DAY ONE: Would definitely recommend sleeping on a silk pillow and trying to avoid laying on your face as much as possible. Keeping your face clean is key. The first morning expect to be somewhat swollen, especially in areas that were hyper-focused. Minimal to no pain but dryness is noted. Your face will feel tight and you’ll see small dots/scabs from where the points were made.
DAY TWO: Minimal to no pain, dryer than day 1, swelling may worsen. Mild scabbing but here is when you start to see the healing process begin.
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DAY THREE: Minimal to no pain, peeling and scabbing may worsen. Dryness at its peak.
DAY SIX: Mild breakouts may be noticed. Skin flaking off at this point with clear skin below. Less sensitive. Improvement in texture and tone already visible!
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2-4 WEEKS OUT: After the first week your skin looks back to normal for the most part. The healing process will continue to improve over the next 2-3 months as collagen continues to build beneath the surface. It’s important to continue your skincare routine and be diligent about using the recommended products for best results.
Overall, we would rate this procedure a 9/10 - the only point being given to the minimal downtime involved. The results were fantastic for someone with acne prone skin and another looking to solve for texture issues and the procedure itself was not terribly painful.
If you’re Interested in learning if Fractora is right for you, you can schedule a virtual consultation with Franklin Plastic Surgery to discuss your concerns and learn more about the InMode Fractora procedure.