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Your Expert Guide to Vivace Microneedling

Written by Dermacare. Posted in Learning Center, Microneedling.

Have you heard? Dermacare now has Vivace! We’re excited to offer this cutting-edge microneedling treatment option. For years we’ve been the go-to professionals in the Hampton Roads area for everything microneedling. Vivace is a fantastic addition to our treatments with outstanding benefits all for you!

What Is Vivace?

Vivace is a microneedling treatment. Unlike many other microneedling options, it is a radiofrequency device that delivers immediate and long-term results. Microneedling works by triggering the skin’s natural repair process. During a treatment, the targeted area is subjected to very precise micro-injuries. These signal the skin to begin the healing process. Collagen and elastin production increases in the targeted area. The result is a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, scarring, and pore size. The skin will tighten and firm, and there will be an improvement to skin tone and texture.

Vivace vs. Other Microneedling Treatments

Vivace takes traditional microneedling, like our popular SkinPen treatment, to the next level. Here’s how:

Advanced Microneedling Technology: Vivace uses superfine, gold-tipped needles instead of stainless steel. They are designed to be more precise, even, and controlled during treatment.
Radio Frequency Energy: RF energy stimulates additional collagen and elastin production, ramping up immediate results and their longevity.
LED Light Therapy: Light therapy works to reduce post-treatment inflammation and redness during treatment, making any discoloration after treatment reduced and short-lived.

Vivace is revolutionary. It outperforms other microneedling treatments by providing a more comfortable patient experience while utilizing a robotic motor needling system with 36 gold-tipped needles. RF energy is used to heat deeper tissues, which leads to higher collagen production, elastin remodeling, and wound contractions. What does all this mean for you? Better, faster, more comfortable results. Safe for all skin types, Vivace offers results similar to laser procedures with less downtime, discomfort, and risk of complications. It distributes heat evenly during treatment thanks to those gold-tipped needles, which reduces redness, hot spots, burning, and discomfort – all of which can occur with other devices. Vivace also has 31 precise, multilevel adjustments up to a depth of 3.5mm at 0.1mm increments, making it more accurate than other RF devices. It also utilizes a variable pulse duration allowing for incredibly precise control based on your personal skin profile. Vivace enables us to customize treatment to your unique skin like never before.

What To Expect

Vivace is effective for alleviating fine lines and wrinkles, tightening skin, minimizing pore size, and improving skin tone and texture of the face and body. It is ideal for anyone seeking solutions to acne scars, enlarged pores, droopy eyelids, and even stretch marks. One of the most exciting benefits of Vivace is longevity. The microneedling and RF energy combo stimulate higher collagen and elastin production over a longer time period. Your skin will continue to enjoy the youthful vigor of greater production and even reap greater results after your treatment.

Is It Painful?

A typical Vivace treatment can be somewhat painful to some, but it is virtually painless for most. On the face, the majority of people feel the most discomfort on the upper lip, over highly vascular areas and scars, and around the eyes. The beauty of Vivace is that treatments can be tailored to individual goals, as well as pain tolerance. Anti-aging and maintenance treatments are virtually pain-free, while more aggressive skin rejuvenation and skin changing procedures can be more uncomfortable. The Vivace experience soars high above other treatments. It provides a more comfortable procedure by combining pre-treatment numbing, even heat distributed microneedling, and a post-procedure serum and mask. This surpasses other treatments by far.

What Does Vivace Feel Like?

While there are 36 needles on the device, many people only feel one or two needles (if any) during each 36-needle pulse. During treatment, you can expect to feel some needle prick sensations in some areas, maybe nothing in others.

What Should I Do Before Vivace Treatment?

A little preparation can go a long way. Avoid wearing makeup to your session if possible. Before treatment, it is essential for the skin to be cleaned of any makeup or debris. There cannot be any open wounds or infections of the skin to be treated. If you’re concerned about exactly how to prep for your treatment, talk to one of our qualified professionals when you schedule your first session.

What to Expect After Treatment

Unless you’re receiving PRFM/PRP or OmniCore Growth Complex growth factor serum after treatment, we provide a post-procedure serum and mask that helps with healing, improves outcomes, and enhances the Vivace experience. Most patients leave with minimal to no redness. They have bright, dewy, tight skin that they are eager to show off. The best news is that their results will continue to improve over the next three to six months!

Can I Wear Makeup After Treatment?

Makeup is not recommended for 24 hours after treatment. It is crucial not to put anything on the face for six hours after treatment that would clog the microchannels and compromise the healing of the skin. The channels being open after the microneedling treatment requires careful care.

Achieving Optimal Vivace Results

Most treatments are performed in a series of three, spaced four to six weeks apart, to achieve good results. Some body tightening treatments or treatments of severe scars or laxity may take four to six treatments.

The Importance of Maintenance

A minimum of annual maintenance treatment is highly recommended to maintain your achieved results, with many patients preferring maintenance treatments two to four times per year. As we age, our skin naturally decreases collagen and elastin production, and these building blocks of the skin become thinner and more fragile. Vivace offers the most precise and long-term solution with minimal maintenance. It really is a win-win!

Unleash Youthful Skin

Vivace microneedling is a more comprehensive and efficacious treatment versus traditional microneedling alone. The proven results seen by our patients and others is a testament to the adage that age is just a number. So, what are you waiting for? Unleash your youthful skin! Keep people guessing about how you manage to hold on to younger-looking skin. We can’t wait to introduce you to Vivace and turn back the clock on your skin challenges.

Is Vivace or SkinPen for Me?

Written by Dermacare. Posted in Learning Center, Microneedling.

Variety is the spice of life, and there is certainly plenty of variety when it comes to skin rejuvenation options. Non-invasive, non-surgical solutions to looking younger and reversing visible skin damage are on the rise. In this blog, we’ll discuss microneedling options and focus on the previous and current generations — SkinPen and Vivace.

What Is SkinPen?

SkinPen used to be the only FDA-approved microneedling device on the market. A non-laser treatment, it works by creating microscopic channels in the skin using tiny stainless-steel needles. In the simplest of terms, SkinPen needles puncture the skin creating a controlled “micro-injury.” The injury signals the skin to start the natural healing process, which causes the cascading effect of increased collagen and elastin production. Unlike other treatments that use heat, SkinPen is uniquely safe for all skin types. The device used during treatment is customizable, allowing penetration to be precisely controlled. SkinPen offers numerous benefits.

SkinPen Pros

Fast and convenient, non-invasive treatment
Targeted, consistent application
Able to treat hard-to-reach areas
Adjustable penetration depth ranging from 0.25 to 2.5mm
30 to 60-minute treatment sessions
3-6 treatment sessions spaced six weeks apart
1-2 annual maintenance treatments

Best Candidates for SkinPen

SkinPen microneedling is used to treat and improve the following conditions:

Fine lines and wrinkles
Acne scarring
Loose and mildly sagging skin
Pore size
Age spots
Pigment issues
Stretch marks

The controlled penetration depths allow for SkinPen to treat shallow, medium, and deeper depth skin issues.

What Is Vivace?

Vivace Fractional Micro Needle RF is the newest generation of microneedling. It is also FDA-approved. It combines radiofrequency energy with microneedling power and LED light therapy. It takes what SkinPen started and elevates it for broader use across even more unique skin situations.

Vivace Pros

All the pros of SkinPen apply to Vivace, but it offers a little more.

It can be virtually painless
It causes less post-procedure redness and discomfort
It’s safe for almost any skin type and gentle enough for use on sensitive body areas
It has adjustable penetration depth ranging from 0.1 to 3.5mm
Treatment sessions average 90 minutes including pre-treatment numbing and post-treatment mask
Three treatment sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart are recommended
1-4 annual maintenance treatments are suggested

Best Candidates for Vivace

Vivace microneedling is used to treat and improve the following mild to moderate conditions:

Fine lines and wrinkles
Acne scarring
Enlarged pores
Age spots
Pigment issues
Stretch marks
Mild to moderately sagging skin

What’s the Difference?

After reading about the pros and best candidates for SkinPen and Vivace, you may be left wondering what’s different. At a glance, these two treatments seem very similar. The subtle differences between the two are in the technology upgrades that created Vivace in the first place.

Vivace uses superfine, gold-tipped needles (versus SkinPen’s stainless steel) that smoothly and evenly enter the skin. Treatment is cleaner, more comfortable, and more precise.
Vivace isn’t just microneedling. It uses radiofrequency energy to accelerate collagen production and skin tightening, which makes results visible faster.
Vivace also uses LED light power to calm inflammation during treatment and speed up healing time.
Penetration depths are even more controlled using Vivace, allowing for more customization per patient.

Can an At-Home Microneedling Product Be as Effective?

No, at-home microneedling rollers cannot compete with MedSpa-grade microneedling treatments. To be mostly safe for over-the-counter sales (and lack of a medically trained operator), at-home rollers are made with needle sizes so small that they are almost not worth using. Results, if any, are minimal. Also, if the roller is misused or isn’t designed for your skin type, the controlled “injury” won’t be controlled enough and could cause tearing and even unwanted skin pigmentation changes. While using an at-home roller might seem like a cost-effective option, it can often cause unwanted skin damage, especially with prolonged use. You could find yourself investing in a microneedling treatment at Dermacare to correct existing skin issues and those caused by an at-home roller. Why not avoid a product that may not be best suited to your skin and contact us about our specials and events?

Vivace or SkinPen?

Both microneedling options offer fantastic benefits and can treat a wide range of skin challenges. Vivace has surpassed SkinPen’s popularity because of how comprehensive it is thanks to the combination of microneedling, RF energy, and LED light therapy. Which treatment is right for you? The answer lies in what you aim to achieve and your unique skin. No two people have the same skin, which means your skin treatment should be custom-fit to you. Otherwise, how will you achieve quality results? Contact Dermacare today to schedule your consultation. One of our highly qualified medical professionals will discuss your goals and evaluate your skin. Together, we’ll create a treatment plan that fits YOU, from your budget to your skin’s needs, because you deserve the very best. You deserve to love the skin you’re in!

Is At-Home Microneedling Safe?

Written by Dermacare. Posted in Fine Lines & Wrinkles, Learning Center, Microneedling.

Microneedling is proven to rejuvenate skin effectively. It can help erase signs of aging, repair various skin blemishes, and even reduce the appearance of some types of scarring. If you’re investigating microneedling options, chances are you’ve seen some heavily promoted at-home products. You may wonder, are they a good investment? More importantly, are they safe to use? Let’s discuss.

How Microneedling Works

Microneedling is a collagen induction technique. It works by causing small “injuries” to the skin. These tiny “cuts” signal to the skin that more collagen and elastin production is needed to renew the skin cells and heal the damage. When targeted in an area with sun damage, for example, blemishes will reduce as the skin increases collagen and elastin production, naturally renewing. Microneedling has multiple uses. It can reduce the signs of aging by decreasing fine lines and wrinkles. It can treat post-pregnancy stretch marks. It can also reduce the appearance of acne scars and treat uneven pigmentation.

MedSpa vs. At-Home Microneedling

The most popular at-home product is the microneedling roller. You can find rollers of various sizes. Usually, the longer the roller, the deeper the penetration. There are a lot of reviews and YouTubers raving about at-home products. While microneedling rollers are cost-effective in the short term, comparing them to MedSpa-grade microneedling is, well, like comparing a luxury car to a moped. Penetration is a crucial factor in how effective microneedling is for the skin. If it’s too deep, the skin can suffer too much damage and react negatively. If it doesn’t penetrate deep enough, the visible results you want will be minimal at best, often unnoticeable. Microneedling rollers can tear at the skin, especially if misused or if they aren’t a good match for your skin type. Rollers usually penetrate at depths of 0.2 to 1mm, though some go up to 2mm. Depth needs to be adjusted based on the skin being treated, but at-home products don’t allow for proper adjustment. The microneedling options available at MedSpas like Dermacare are very customizable and operated by highly qualified medical professionals.

SkinPen enters the skin at a controlled depth of up to 2.5mm. It provides a comfortable experience and is safe for all skin types.
Vivace can treat up to a controlled depth of 3.5mm, and it isn’t just a microneedling treatment. It delivers a bipolar radiofrequency, making it an exponentially more comprehensive and efficacious treatment option.

Microneedling is often best used in combination with other treatments and skincare products to achieve maximum results. Dermacare experts are trained to help you find the right combo for you.

The Bottom Line

At-home microneedling, while generally safe, can be ineffective and lackluster. If misused, they can even cause more harm than good. At-home products can’t produce customized, professional results. While at-home microneedling may appeal to your short-term budget, contacting your local MedSpa for a free personal consultation and asking for information on specials, memberships, and other discount options is the smartest investment. At Dermacare, our trained medical specialists will discuss your desired outcome, evaluate your unique skin, and recommend the optimal options based on your consultation. It’s the kind of one-of-a-kind, custom care you can’t achieve through mass-produced products. You may be surprised by just how affordable microneedling (and other skin rejuvenation treatments) can be over the long run and how invaluable the medical expertise of our qualified staff is – we never recommend treatments that we don’t know intimately and believe will generate the results you need. Contact us today!

How Long Does Vivace Microneedling Last?

Written by Dermacare. Posted in Learning Center, Microneedling.

It’s never too early or too late to take measures to renew your skin. The number of non-invasive, non-surgical treatments for reducing the signs of aging and improving your skin is constantly growing. One of the latest treatment methods is called Vivace. You can learn all the ins and outs of this cutting-edge technology in our Vivace Guide. In this blog post, however, we want to zero in on one of the most commonly asked questions regarding this treatment method: How long does Vivace microneedling last?

Dermacare’s Tailor-Made Vivace Treatments

Microneedling can treat a variety of skin challenges. Depending on your skin and desired outcome, we customize treatments to achieve maximum results. It’s most commonly used for:

Anti-Aging/Rejuvenation

We recommend a series of three treatments spaced four to six weeks apart to achieve the best results.

Scarring

To better address scarring or more extensive textural issues, more than three treatments may be used to achieve the desired results. Initial results can typically be seen after the first treatment. When treatments have concluded, new collagen and elastin form over roughly three to six months. Collagen and elastin production decrease with age and your skin becomes more fragile. Stimulating new production is important for lasting results, which is why maintenance is crucial.

Building in Maintenance

After the desired results are achieved, we recommend an easy-to-tackle maintenance schedule. Usually, patients seek maintenance treatments two to four times per year but at least once annually.

Combining Other Treatments

Vivace can be combined in a treatment plan to address uneven pigment and scarring, generating even better results. For skin tightening needs, Vivace combines well with Exilis Ultra, our premiere skin tightening and body contouring treatment. Additionally, SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum / Recovery Complex can be an excellent boost to your Vivace experience. It’s a growth factor that will enhance collagen stimulation. At Dermacare, we go above and beyond to help you achieve and even exceed your desired results. Our staff is medically trained, and we specialize in everything skin!

Results You’ll Love

Everyone’s skin is unique, so exact results will vary from person to person, but there’s no doubt in our minds, that we can help you achieve results you will love. Some people see results after the very first treatment session. When Vivace is paired with additional treatments that complement your skin goals, the results are powerful. We all want to age gracefully and beautifully. Vivace RF microneedling results in the added boost you need to do just that. Perhaps the best part is how Vivace stimulates natural skin renewal.

Ready to Try Vivace?

Dermacare has been performing microneedling in Hampton Roads, Chesapeake, and the surrounding areas for years. You won’t find a more knowledgeable and professional team anywhere. We genuinely care about helping our patients achieve the results they want. The confidence and joy we bring our patients with excellent treatments like Vivace drives what we do, but don’t take our word for it! Check out the Faces of Dermacare that make up our fantastic team and read about their drive and passion for helping you look and feel your best. You won’t be in better hands anywhere else. Let’s find out if Vivace is right for you. Learn more about it in our Vivace Guide or reach out of today to schedule a visit.

Tag: microneedling

Your Expert Guide to Vivace Microneedling

What Is Vivace?

Vivace vs. Other Microneedling Treatments