Agnes Ultra RF

Agnes Ultra RF Scottsdale

Although facial plastic surgery is highly effective at addressing many different types of concerns, there are many people who prefer nonsurgical treatments. They may not have the time to commit to a recovery period, or their concerns may not be severe enough to warrant surgery. Fortunately, advances in technology have now led to a variety of different options for nonsurgical facial rejuvenation.

Dr. Henderson has recently upgraded to a system known as Agnes Ultra RF. This highly customizable system has multiple different handpieces, allowing the provider to deliver precise doses of radiofrequency (RF) energy into specific areas to produce powerful results.

How does Agnes Ultra RF work?

Agnes Ultra RF is a precision radiofrequency system that can deliver RF energy in a variety of different ways. The energy can be passed directly through the skin’s surface, or into deeper tissues using microneedling or cannulas. Four different handpieces allow the provider to choose exactly how to deliver the RF energy for each treatment.

During an RF treatment, a current of radiofrequency (RF) energy is passed into the target tissue. Depending on the specific tissue that’s being targeted, this can have different effects. In the skin, it can create tightening and lifting through increased production of the structural proteins collagen and elastin. If used on fat tissue, it can cause fat coagulation, leading to destruction of fat cells. These are then naturally removed by the body.

The Agnes Ultra RF microneedles and cannulas are insulated along their length, except at the tip. This means that the RF energy is only delivered at the tip, and the tissues above it will not be affected. By ensuring that RF energy is delivered only to the desired tissue, side effects are minimized and the treatment is more targeted.

In addition, Agnes Ultra RF uses a square waveform for the RF. This means that the heating and cooling of the needle occur much more rapidly. (By contrast, many other RF systems use sine waves, which heat and cool more gradually.) Ultimately, this minimizes the amount of damage to surrounding tissues, resulting in fewer side effects. 

The Agnes Ultra RF microneedling system is highly customizable. There are nine different needle types, each with a different size, shape, and amount of insulation. This allows the provider to precisely target specific tissues with the RF energy.

Instead of microneedles, the system can also use cannulas (very small hollow tubes) to effectively deliver RF energy into specific tissues, which gives it a greater ability to be used for contouring or fat tissue removal. The cannulas also come in different sizes to allow customization of the treatment.

Additionally, Agnes Ultra RF can also be used to enhance the penetration of topical treatments, using vibration along with RF energy. These different delivery systems make Agnes Ultra RF the most versatile RF system currently available.

The provider can also adjust the amount of RF energy delivered with each pulse, which helps to achieve the desired results while minimizing side effects.

What can Agnes Ultra RF be used for?

Because of the variety of different delivery methods and the ability to control the precise amount of RF energy that’s delivered, Agnes RF can be used to address a wide variety of different skin concerns, including:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Sagging or loose skin on the body
• Under-eye bags
• Jowls
• Double chin
• Pockets of fat on the body
• Active acne
• Acne scars
• Large pores
• Benign growths on the skin

Because of its ability to remove fat, Agnes Ultra RF can be an alternative to surgery for concerns about unwanted pockets of fat tissue, such as a double chin or eye bags. It can also help to remove growths that might otherwise have required a minor surgical procedure for removal.

Does Agnes Ultra RF work for undereye bags?

Bags under the eyes are a very common concern. They occur because aging weakens the tissues that hold the fat pads beneath the eyes in place. That causes them to migrate downward and bulge out beneath the eyes.

Traditionally, the only real solution to undereye bags was a surgery called lower blepharoplasty, in which fat tissue is repositioned or removed. However, Agnes Ultra RF offers a nonsurgical alternative. The insulated needles or cannulas can be used to deliver RF energy directly into the unwanted fat tissue, with minimal damage to the surrounding area. Over time, the body will naturally resorb the treated fat tissue, leaving the undereye area looking smoother and more youthful. Research has found that the Agnes Ultra RF system is effective for treating undereye bags and produces very few side effects.

What is an Agnes Ultra RF treatment like?

The mention of needles makes many people understandably nervous. However, it’s important to remember that Agnes Ultra RF microneedles and cannulas are quite small, with a thickness of up to about 1.5mm, which is just slightly thicker than the screen protector on your phone. The depth of penetration of the needle or cannula is calculated to a fraction of a millimeter, in order to allow the precise targeting of specific tissues.

To ensure your comfort, you’ll receive a numbing cream on the area to be treated. We sometimes inject a local anesthetic as well,  to ensure that you don’t feel discomfort during the procedure. The procedure itself only takes about half an hour or even less, depending on how large the treatment area is. You will feel some pressure, and some people notice a slight warming sensation as the device heats the tissues. However, you won’t feel any pain during the treatment.

What is recovery like after Agnes Ultra RF?

After having Agnes Ultra RF treatment, the treated area will usually experience some swelling and bruising in the first few days following the procedure. This will generally last for about a week to ten days, gradually fading over time. Although you can continue with your usual daily activities, you may not want to schedule the treatment right before a major social event (like a wedding or graduation). Some people continue to notice a little bit of swelling for a few weeks after the procedure.

The effects of the RF energy develop gradually over time. If the skin was treated, then tightening will gradually occur over the next several weeks to months, as the body produces more collagen and elastin. If the treatment targeted fat tissue, then the body will gradually remove the treated tissue over the course of about three to four months. In general, you’ll be able to get a good sense of your final results about three months after having Agnes Ultra RF, although some additional improvement may occur for up to six months or even longer.

Is one Agnes Ultra RF treatment enough?

One treatment with Agnes Ultra RF will generally produce visible results. However, as with many nonsurgical cosmetic treatments, the best results are seen with a series of treatments. We usually recommend three to six treatment sessions. Treatments are spaced about 1 to 3 months apart depending on the area being treated. This will get the powerful results that most people are looking for.

After you’ve achieved your desired results, maintenance treatments once or twice a year may be beneficial, to help maintain your results over time.

Agnes Ultra RF Scottsdale

If you’re considering Agnes Ultra RF, we invite you to come in for a consultation. You’ll have the chance to talk with Dr. Henderson about your concerns. After an exam and a discussion, she’ll let you know what results you could likely expect from Agnes Ultra RF, and whether she believes it would be a good option for you. She’ll also let you know what the treatment alternatives would be, including both nonsurgical and surgical options if appropriate. This will allow you to make a fully informed decision about which treatment would be best for you. Please contact our office to schedule your appointment.