Accent®

Radiofrequency is a technology that has been used in surgery for the last 70 years. It can be used to tighten skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. The Accent® form of radiofrequency treatment has been designed exclusively for cosmetic use, either for cutaneous facial remodelling or for the treatment of acne or cellulite on the body. More generally, it is used in the controlled heating of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue, preserving the epidermis. Both treatments can be performed without needing time off work for recovery, and can create dramatic changes without the need for invasive surgery.

How does the treatment work?

Radiofrequency has been used for over three years in facial skin remodelling. The heat produced by the system causes instant tightening of collagen and increases collagen production in the dermis. The effect is to tighten and rejuvenate the skin in the treated area. With regards to the body treatment, thermal tightening also takes place with increased local blood circulation, promotes fibrous tissue breakdown, drainage of fatty deposits into the lymphatic system and disintegration of fat cells.

The radiofrequency is applied through a hand-piece in a rapid, uninterrupted circular movement onto the surface of the skin.

How long does the treatment take and how many sessions will I require?

Your first treatment will take 45 minutes, allowing for 'before' photographs to be taken by the cosmetic doctor or nurse. Ongoing treatments will typically be 30-minute appointments. For facial remodelling, a course of 2-4 sessions is usually required at intervals of 2-4 weeks. Body treatments usually require a course of 6-8 treatments at 7-day intervals. In the case of stubborn cellulite, however, treatment may be applied more frequently.

Is the treatment painful?

Tolerance to the treatment is very good and there is no need for the use of topical anaesthetic creams beforehand. Patients will generally experience a warm sensation on the surface of the skin as heat builds up; however, continuous contact cooling provides additional patient comfort and epidermal protection.

Are there any side effects?

The side effects observed have been slight discomfort, which is nonetheless very well tolerated, oedema (swelling) and erythema (redness) which disappears in a few hours. These side effects apply to both facial and body treatments. Post treatment care involves the application of an aloe vera gel and it is also essential that the area is protected from direct UVA and sun exposure, in particular for 24-48 hours immediately following treatment. We therefore recommend that you purchase a total daily protector (TDP), which must be applied to the skin daily to prevent further damage. TDP15, TDP20 and TDP30, along with aloe vera products, may be purchased from any sk:n clinic.

Is the treatment effective?

The immediate effect of the treatment is a contraction of collagen fibres, increasing and retracting the skin tissue. It also has a progressive effect, with the heat generated leading to an increase in collagen, thereby remodelling the skin. The full effect will not usually be seen for 2-3 months. After a facial treatment, patients generally describe having firmer, more compact skin, and an improvement is seen in 90% of all cases. With body treatments, clinical trials show that 70% of patients report an immediate improvement in body shape.

How long will the results last?

Following a course of treatment, results are expected to last 1-2 years.