The effectiveness of radiofrequency is highly dependent on patient cooperation. There are many things a patient can do to increase the safety of effectiveness of their treatment, as follows:
Before treatment:
- Patient must avoid skin irritation or intentional skin tanning. Sun-screen is advisable when outdoors during daylight hours.
- The patient should discontinue any irritant topical agents for 2-3 days prior to treatment.
- The patient should arrive for treatment with clean, shaven skin. There should be no lotion, make-up, perfume, powder or bath/shower oil present on the skin in the area to be treated.
- Hair-bearing areas to be treated should be shaven prior to treatment day.
- A topical anesthetic should be used only as directed by a physician and only if necessary.
- Areas of dental crowns, caps, braces, or other metal dental implants may be more sensitive to treatment and the clinician may use dental rolls, gauze or a tongue depressor to isolate the area and make the treatment more comfortable.
In order to maximize safety of your treatment, you will be asked to sign a consent form indicating that all of the pre-treatment recommendations have been followed and post-treatment recommendations have been reviewed. You will also be asked to confirm that you have no contraindications to treatment (listed below).
After treatment:
- Avoid very hot water for 2 days after the treatment & cooling the treated area
- Avoid scrubbing, pinching and etc. of the treated area.
- Moisturizer and makeup may be applied to the skin surface immediately post treatment.
- After each treatment session, contact the office if there is any indication of infection, excessive swelling, redness, pain, or any other unusual or untoward symptom.
The following contraindications should be discussed with your provider if any apply:
- Pregnancy or nursing
- Under 18 years of age
- Pacemaker or internal defibrillator
- Permanent implant in the treated area such as metal plates and screws, silicone implants or an injected chemical substance
- Current or history of cancer, especially skin cancer, or pre-malignant moles
- Impaired immune system due to immunosuppressive diseases such as AIDS and HIV, or use of immunosuppressive medications
- Severe concurrent conditions such as cardiac disorders, epilepsy, uncontrolled hypertension, and liver or kidney diseases
- A history of diseases stimulated by heat, such as recurrent Herpes Simplex in the treatment area
- Any active condition in the treatment area, such as sores, psoriasis, eczema and rash as well as excessively/freshly tanned skin
- History of skin disorders such as keloid scarring, abnormal wound healing, as well as very dry and fragile skin
- Any medical condition that might impair skin healing
- Poorly controlled endocrine disorders, such as diabetes or thyroid dysfunction
- Any surgical, invasive, ablative procedure in the treatment area in the last 3 months or before complete healing
- Active malignant lesions or lesions of concern.
Please also discuss the following with your provider:
- Existing or recent illness
- Recent hospitalization/surgery
- Medications
Please don’t hesitate to call our office at (203) 303-7170 if you have any questions or concerns.
