By STEVENFWEINERMD

What makes Infini different than other RF devices?

The long answer can be found at myblog post.  The short answer is:  fractional not bulk heating, needles are insulated, needle depths are variable, coagulation occurs for maximal collagen stimulation, and the epidermis is safely protected from the heat.  This allows for a very safe treatment for all skin types, that is also very effective.

What long term complications have you (Dr. Weiner) seen?

With over 1000 treatments, I have seen no long term complications.  No skin atrophy, no unintended fat loss, no scarring, and no pigment changes.

How long does a treatment take?

With an experienced provider, the face treatment takes about 45 minutes, and if the neck is included, add another 15 minutes.

How long is recovery?

The initial redness subsides very rapidly in the first hour.  It takes about 24-36 hours to resolve, as does the swelling. Rarely, patients report extend redness for a few more days.

What are the restrictions after the Infini?

Skin care must be only the prescribed creams.  No make up until the morning and care with touching the skin with unclean hands or towels.  There are no activity or sun restrictions!

Is ice or steroids used after the treatment?

It is not recommended to use either of these after Infini. Although there is no data, it is Dr. Weiner’s opinion that the results can be compromised if ice or steroids are used. The results are dependant on inflammation, and “heat shock proteins”, both of which are inhibited with ice and steroids.

How many treatments are needed?

 Good question.  It is variable.  To get maximum benefit, the general consensus is 3.  Some people might be happy with only one, but that is uncommon.  Younger patients wanting only preventative treatments can get one yearly. Acne scarring clients should consider at least 3, and might be more satisfied with 5 or 6.

How long should I wait between treatments?

Consecutive treatments can be done as close as 3 or 4 weeks. If this is not possible because of your schedule, don’t worry, the final results are not affected.

How painful is the Infini?

Most patients will rate the majority of the procedure a 3 or 4/10.  The areas which might be higher are over the bone, such as the forehead, cheeks, and jawline.  We have recently implemented changes in technique to make all but the forehead more comfortable.  The forehead can be excluded if desired.  All patients report no discomfort when the procedure is complete.

Can the Infini be used on other parts of the body?

We routinely treat the neck and chest in conjunction with the face treatment.  Other areas we have treated are arm laxity, knee area, and scars from abdominal surgery.  Stretch marks have been treated but results are variable.  We have successfully treated hyperhidrosis with the Infini as well. Bottom line is that when appropriate depths and settings are used, the Infini can be used on all areas of the body.

How many passes are performed on each area?

Each area is treated at least with 3 depths and 2 passes for each depth.  Some areas area treated at 4 or 5 depths.

What patients would you exclude?

Very few patients wouldn’t be candidates.  Patients with pacemakers should not be treated.  If there is metal in an area of the face, the skin overlying this area can not be treated.  Patients on blood thinners can be treated but will get bruising.  We try to hold all thinners if it is possible prior to treatment.  Aspirin needs 12 days for it’s action to be completely reversed on the platelets.  Patients with severely sun damaged skin will theoretically respond less than a person with healthy skin.

Why is Infini safe for darker skin patients?

The Infini is protective of the epidermis, where the pigment cells are, because it’s needles are insulated. Also, the depth can be adjusted so the heat from the RF stays in the dermis, below the most superficial layer.  Other devices are either not insulated, or try to push heat through the skin, potentially damaging the pigment cells.

How does the Infini compare to lasers for treating acne scars?

The Infini is safer than a laser, with less downtime, and no risk to the eyes.  As stated above, the darker skin patients can be treated more safely with the Infini when compared to a laser because a laser will heat the upper layer of skin, the epidermis. Lasers have the risk of pigment changes (darker or lighter).  Results from Infini appear to be better than lasers for acne scars. It is postulated the the increased depths of the Infini (up to 3.5mm) vs lasers (maximum about 1.8mm) seems to the difference. Also, elastin is produced (elastinosis) in response to a RF treatment, and this is not the case in laser resurfacing.

How long do results last?

This is a difficult question and will be different for each patient.  The collagen created will last at least 7 years.  However, the amount of collagen is variable, and depends on the overall skin health, patient’s health, smoking habits, age, tanning, sun exposure, and lifestyle.  It is usually recommended to have a “touch up” performed every 12-18 months.

How can I get started?