Viraj J. Mehta, MD, MBA is an Oculofacial Plastics and Orbit expert, who serves a local and an international community at his practice near Washington, D.C. Born and raised in Cincinnati, OH, Dr. Mehta attended Cornell University for undergraduate and business school. He went on to complete his medical education and training at top institutions across the country, including Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Mayo Clinic. Haute Beauty expert Dr. Viraj Mehta explains the Lutronic Genius Radiofrequency Microneedling device that effectively revitalizes and rejuvenates your skin.

Photo Credit: ShutterstockHB: What is Lutronic Genius RF Microneedling?

The Lutronic Genius Radiofrequency Microneedling is a device that precisely delivers radiofrequency (RF) energy to the deep tissue underneath the skin. Very fine needles are used to penetrate into the dermis while protecting the top layer of skin, known as the epidermis. The needles then deliver a precise amount of thermal energy to create controlled zones of micro-injuries. This ultimately results in new elastin and collagen production to heal these micro-injuries, which improves the skin. This treatment is safe for all skin types and can be done quickly and without any downtime.

HB: What areas does RF Microneedling treat?

The Genius RF Microneedling is designed for skin rejuvenation and tightening. It is perfect for acne scars, fine lines, scars, wrinkles, and sagging or loose skin all over the body, but especially for the face and neck. The settings can be fine-tuned to target even sensitive areas, like crow’s feet, marionette lines, and nasolabial folds.

HB: Who is a good candidate?

Because these exceptionally fine, insulated needles penetrate, target, and deliver energy under the epidermis, this treatment is safe for all skin types. This treatment is generally not recommended for patients with active HSV infections (cold sores), severe active acne, or other active infections. Your physician can also go over other conditions in which this treatment may not be safe. RF Microneedling can be used in younger patients to soften acne scars or to begin “prejuvenation” to prevent the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. Older patients can also benefit from total facial and neck rejuvenation and tightening skin crepiness. It is also a great addition to surgeries as you can sometimes see improvements to fine lines with just one treatment. This is why we wanted to offer this to our patients at Washington Eye Physicians & Surgeons as it is a powerful device that can treat many conditions in all patients.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Dr. MehtaHB: How do I prepare for the procedure and what is recovery like?

Preparation for this procedure is very easy. On the day of your RF Microneedling treatment, be sure to wash your face thoroughly and not wear any makeup, sunscreen, or other cosmetics. We will then apply a strong topical numbing crème to the treatment area for 20-30 minutes. You can take Tylenol before the treatment to help with any pain, and Xanax or Valium can help with any anxiety. After the treatment, we apply a post-treatment moisturizer. You will feel just fine after about an hour or so but will still appear a little red. Mild crusting may occur starting days 1-5 after treatment, and we recommend diligence in wearing sunblock for at least 2 weeks after the procedure. You will start to notice improvements in 4 weeks, and continued improvements for up to 6months. A series of 2 or 3 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart may be needed in some cases.

HB: How long do the results last?

Because RF Microneedling stimulates your body to produce new collagen and elastin, the results can last for years. After your initial series of treatments, most patients will simply need maintenance treatment once or twice a year as they continue to age. Results will vary, but RF Microneedling has the potential to truly revitalize and rejuvenate your skin.