Microneedling Radiofrequency INFINI
What is INFINI?
INFINI is a new dimension in radiofrequency (RF) technology used to address sagging skin, wrinkles, skin textural changes. Although not FDA-cleared for this indication, INFINI is used to improve acne scarring. It uses a 3-dimensional approach of delivering RF energy to create tissue volumization. Dr. Melanie Palm was the first physician to receive training and use INFINI in the United States.
How does INFINI work?
INFINI combines fractional radiofrequency technology with microneedling. As opposed to other radiofrequency platforms that treat the skin from the outside in, INFINI uses flow needle technology to deliver RF where it needs to be – the dermis. The dermis, our second layer of the skin, contains collagen – the supporting structure of our skin. By delivering heat energy from RF to the dermis, INFINI encourages collagen growth and tissue tightening precisely at predetermined depths in the skin. The result is a little to no downtime, nearly painless procedure that can greatly improve wrinkling, scars, and skin laxity.
What is Radiofrequency (RF) technology?
Radiofrequency (RF) energy is sometimes compared to radio waves because they both occur at the same frequency. However, RF is essentially electrical energy. RF technologies used in the skin deliver this electrical energy into the skin, heating the targeted area. The intended target is collagen. Collagen must be heated to approximately 60 degrees Celsius to produce new collagen and subsequent tissue tightening and remodeling. Radiofrequency technologies used in the skin are further divided into subcategories. The “polarity” of the device is described – most technologies being monopolar or bipolar. INFINI is multipolar, meaning it is a bipolar device with multiple paired needle electrodes. RF devices can also be classified by how they affect skin. Traditional categories have been non ablative, sublative, and ablative, depending on whether the RF technology injures the top layers of the skin. INFINI is in a category of its own as it delivers multidimensional energy delivery in many layers of the dermis. Finally, some RF devices are fractional, including INFINI. Fractionated devices deliver many discrete zones of energy delivery, rather than a single large treatment stamp. Fractionated devices, RF or carbon dioxide lasers, allow skin following treatment to heal faster.
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling is the process of using sterilized, very small needles on the skin for collagen induction. Traditional micro needling utilizes a stamp or roller and is not associated with a light or energy device. The INFINI handpiece contains 49 microscopic needles that are deployed through the skin’s surface. Once deployed, the INFINI microneedle tips conduct radio frequency energy into predetermined depths of the dermis, a huge advantage over traditional micro needling devices.
What skin conditions can be treated with INFINI radiofrequency microneedling?
What areas can be treated with INFINI radiofrequency microneedling?
Many areas of the skin are amenable to treatment with INFINI. The face is the most common area of treatment, in order to correct wrinkles, scars, or textural changes. However, neck aging and skin crepiness of the neck respond well to INFINI treatment. Vertical wrinkles of the decolletage area may be treated with INFINI for chest rejuvenation, often in conjunction with Dermasweep or Sculptra Aesthetic.
Can INFINI radiofrequency micro needling be combined with other procedures?
Yes. INFINI radiofrequency treatment is often used as a complement to other laser devices or injectable procedures. In facial treatments for wrinkling, Botox or Dysport may be administered 2-4 weeks prior to INFINI to relax overactive muscles. INFINI may also be used in conjunction with fractionated laser skin resurfacing to further encourage collagen production and wrinkle improvement. INFINI can be combined with fillers such as Radiesse, Voluma, or Restylane Lyft (formerly Perlane) for global facial rejuvenation. Wrinkles around the eyes can be treated with INFINI followed by Belotero. For rejuvenation around the mouth for vertical lip lines, INFINI treatment can be combined with hyaluronic acid fillers such as Restylane or Juvederm. To address skin laxity, Ultherapy may be performed first to address deep tissue layers, followed by INFINI to tighten the dermis of the skin. This is particularly helpful in rejuvenation around the eyes, jawline, jowls, and neck. For chest rejuvenation, as mentioned previously, volumizing agents such as Sculptra can augment the collagen induction process of INFINI RF micro needling. To address photodamage more completely, the chest may be treated with INFINI and photodynamic therapy using IPL.
Is INFINI safe in darker skin types or tanned skin?
Yes. Because of INFINI’s unique smooth needling technology, RF energy from the device bypasses the skin’s surface and is delivered directly to the collagen-producing dermis. By avoiding treatment through the top layer of the skin, post-treatment pigmentation is greatly reduced. Unlike many laser and light technologies, INFINI is a much safer technology to use on tanned skin. INFINI is approved for treatment in all skin types, and it is ideal for Hispanic, Asian, and African American patients that are not good candidates for other RF devices or laser procedures due to the risk of pigmentary problems.
How many treatments are typical with INFINI radiofrequency micro needling?
Typically two to four treatments are recommended. INFINI treatments are typically spaced approximately 4 weeks apart.
Does INFINI hurt?
No. A topical numbing ointment is applied prior to the procedure. According to a large study of almost 500 patients on three continents, INFINI patients reported discomfort as mild in nature and similar to a mild sting or snap.
Are there any side effects from INFINI radiofrequency micro needling? Is there downtime?
Side effects following INFINI are mild in nature, making this a minimal downtime treatment. For patients with very vascular skin, there may be mild pinpoint bleeding and a very small chance of bruise. More typically, the skin is mildly red for approximately 24 hours. The skin may feel slightly rough like sandpaper for 2-3 days. Many patients can resume their normal routine within a day.
If you are looking for a non-surgical way for getting rid of wrinkles and volumizing your face in the San Diego area, call Dr. Melanie Palm at 858.792.SKIN (7546) to schedule your appointment.
