Genius radiofrequency (aka RF) microneedling uses an array of very tiny needles to precisely
deliver RF–which is essentially heat–to specific depths in the dermal skin layer. The RF
stimulates a huge production of collagen and elastin which thickens and tightens the skin over
time to combat laxity, sag, wrinkles, and thinning skin. It also treats acne scarring.
Preparation:
● Stop retinoids (retinol, tretinoin) & AHAs/BHAs (glycolic, salicylic acid, etc) 7 days prior
● Mild bruising can occur. While not very common, avoiding NSAIDs (non-steroidal
anti-inflammatories) reduces the risk. Avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen or aleve for 24 hours
prior. Avoid aspirin for 4 days prior. If you are prone to bruising consider taking over the
counter Arnica tablets (available online and at most drug and health food stores) starting
2-3 days prior as instructed on packaging.
● If you have a history of cold sores (herpes simplex) we can provide a prescription to
prevent an outbreak. This is ideally started 1-2 days before the procedure.
● Hydrate well the week of your procedure! RF works best when skin is well hydrated.
● There are multiple avenues for pain control during the procedure, but a small percentage
of patients require an additional oral prescription pain med for the day-of: If so, you must
arrange a ride home from the procedure as you cannot operate a vehicle for approx 6
hours after. Taking this medication would be discussed with your provider ahead of time
to ensure it is medically safe and allow time to transmit and fill the Rx.
Day of the Procedure:
● If you were prescribed something for pain (most will not), don’t forget to bring it with you!
● Please arrive on time to ensure full numbing time. Your appointment time will be
approximately 2 hours; plan to be here the entire time.
● Arrive with clean, make-up free skin if able. Minimal skincare and SPF is ok.
● Before photos will be taken for the medical record for your first treatment.
● A very strong topical anesthetic will be applied to the treatment areas for 75 minutes.
● You will be directed when to take any medications to best time them with the treatment.
● The procedure itself takes about 20-45 minutes depending on the areas being treated.
Post-Procedure:
● Immediately after, treated areas are red and mildly swollen. Skin feels warm to hot and
may sting, which usually resolves within 15 minutes. There may be mild irritation or
sensation of a sunburn for several hours.
● Anticipate 1-2 days of swelling that is mostly resolved by day 3. This can be minimized
by limiting salt intake, hydrating well, and if needed, taking an over the counter
anti-histamine such as Zyrtec, Allegra, Claritin, etc.
● Redness tends to fade in a patchy fashion over 3-5 days. You may notice tiny pinpoint
red dots or bumps on the skin. This is normal.
● If the LaseMD resurfacing procedure is done at the same time, there will also be several
days of sandpaper-like skin texture and some flaking / dry patches.
● Immediately start using sunscreen (>SPF30) on the treated area. You are more sensitive
to UV while healing and in the weeks after. Avoid direct or prolonged sun exposure,
reapply SPF as directed, and consider hats/visors. Continue daily SPF.
● Rarely acne breakouts occur after LaseMD. Avoid thick occlusive products like vaseline
and aquaphor in particular if you are prone to this. If a breakout occurs, avoid picking or
popping and reach out to your provider. If needed a prescription can be written.
● Note: neck and other body parts often take longer to heal than the face.
● Avoid swimming, strenuous activity, and exercising for 24-48 hours.
● Aloe vera gel may be used for skin irritation. Check with your provider before using other
over the counter topicals. Some patients like to purchase a special post-procedure sheet
mask to apply at home that evening, which can help expedite the healing process.
SKIN CARE POST GENIUS:
● Avoid makeup for 24 hours ideally. Then tinted sunscreens safe for post procedure skin
(EltaMD, Sente, etc) may offer makeup-like coverage. Jane Iredale or other high quality
mineral makeup may be worn if needed. We recommend avoiding other makeup while
healing due to risk of break outs or rashes. Do not use dirty makeup tools.
● Avoid retinoids (retinol, tretinoin, etc), AHA/BHAs (glycolic acid, salicylic acid, etc),
vitamin C serum, or other irritation prone active ingredients for about 7 days.
● Sunscreen should be applied at least 30 mins before going outdoors. Re-apply after
going into water and at intervals according to product instructions. We recommend
EltaMD or Sente brands which are specifically formulated for post procedure skin.
● During the first 3 days use: a gentle cleanser, gentle moisturizer, sunscreen, and any
post procedure specific skincare recommended to expedite your healing:
MORNING - FIRST 3 DAYS
EVENING - FIRST 3 DAYS
Results and Expectations
The massive collagen and elastin production evolves slowly over about 6 months, so maximum
benefit will be at least 6 months after your last treatment. For acne scarring, the number of
treatments needed depends on the severity of scarring. For aging related concerns the general
rule of thumb is one treatment per decade of life lived, but this is somewhat variable (ex. If you
are in your 50s, you may need 5 treatments). If these are spaced 1-2 months apart, then it will
be a year of slowly evolving results. Day to day change is not detectable, which is why we
encourage before and after photos. When collagen producing cells are stimulated via
treatments like this, they eventually return to being dormant (not producing collagen) within 4-6
months. At that point you resume the typical aging process wherein you break down ~1-2%
(more for women in perimenopause) of your skin’s collagen yearly. So, to maintain your results
long term after an initial “series,” a basic recommendation is to do a single Genius treatment
1-3x/year thereafter. However, this is also quite variable depending on your needs and goals.
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