Energy-Based Applications
Energy-based treatments are medical aesthetic procedures used for a range of purposes, including supporting skin quality, improving firmness, stimulating collagen production and treating suitable superficial skin lesions.
The type of energy used, the depth reached within the tissue and the intended effect vary between technologies. For this reason, the most appropriate treatment is determined according to the patient’s skin type, age, concerns and clinical examination findings.
At our clinic, energy-based treatments are planned under three main categories:
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RF Microneedling
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Focused Ultrasound – HIFU
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Plasma Energy for the Removal of Benign Skin Lesions
RF Microneedling
RF microneedling is a treatment that delivers controlled radiofrequency energy to selected depths within the skin through fine microneedles.
The controlled micro-injuries created by the needles are combined with the thermal effect of radiofrequency energy to support the skin’s natural repair processes and stimulate collagen production.
The primary aim is not to change the shape of the face, but to improve skin texture, firmness and overall skin quality.
When may RF microneedling be considered?
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Reduced skin firmness
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Fine lines
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Enlarged-looking pores
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Uneven skin texture
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Acne scars
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Loss of elasticity
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Dull or tired-looking skin
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Reduced skin quality in the neck and décolletage
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Fine lines and reduced skin quality around the eyes in suitable patients
Which areas can be treated?
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Face
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Eye area
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Lower face
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Jawline area
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Neck
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Décolletage
Treatment depth and energy settings are individually adjusted according to the anatomy of each area and the patient’s skin characteristics.
Focused Ultrasound – HIFU
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound, or HIFU, is an energy-based treatment that focuses ultrasound energy at selected tissue depths without damaging the surface of the skin.
By creating controlled thermal effects at these targeted depths, the treatment is intended to support tissue remodelling and collagen production.
In suitable patients with mild to moderate laxity or reduced definition of the facial contour, HIFU may be used to support a firmer and more lifted appearance.
When may HIFU be considered?
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Reduced definition of the facial oval
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Laxity in the lower face
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Loss of jawline definition
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Laxity beneath the chin
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Reduced firmness in the neck
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A mild lifting effect around the brow area in suitable patients
Which areas can be treated?
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Face
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Lower face
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Jawline
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Under-chin area
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Neck
The treatment depth used with HIFU is not the same across every area of the face.
Different depths may be selected according to the target tissue, allowing the treatment to be planned individually.
Is HIFU an alternative to a surgical facelift?
No. HIFU does not replace surgical facelift procedures. It may be considered as a non-surgical tightening option for suitable patients with mild to moderate tissue laxity who do not wish to undergo surgery.
For patients with significant skin excess or advanced sagging, it is particularly important to establish realistic expectations.
Plasma Energy for the Removal of Benign Moles and Skin Lesions
Plasma energy is one of the methods that may be used for the controlled removal of suitable superficial skin lesions.
The most important step before treatment is a medical assessment of the lesion to confirm that it is benign and appropriate for the procedure.
Not every mole is suitable for removal with plasma energy.
Which lesions may be treated?
Following medical examination, suitable lesions may include:
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Certain benign superficial moles
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Skin tags
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Some small superficial skin growths
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Suitable raised benign lesions
The type, depth and location of the lesion are important factors in determining the most appropriate treatment method.
How is the procedure performed?
The area is first assessed and local anaesthesia may be used when appropriate.
Controlled plasma energy is then applied to the target lesion with the aim of removing the unwanted tissue.
A small crust or scab may form after treatment. This should be allowed to separate naturally.
During the healing period, it is important to follow the physician’s wound-care instructions and protect the treated area from sun exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Energy-Based Treatments
What is the difference between RF microneedling and HIFU?
The two treatments target different tissue levels and different concerns.
RF microneedling is generally used to improve skin quality, enlarged pores, fine lines, acne scars and skin firmness. HIFU works at deeper tissue levels and is more commonly planned for tightening concerns involving the facial oval, lower face, jawline and under-chin area. For this reason, the two treatments are not necessarily alternatives to one another. In suitable patients, they may be used for different purposes within the same overall treatment plan.
How many RF microneedling sessions are needed?
The number of sessions varies depending on the patient’s skin characteristics and the concern being treated. A common treatment plan consists of three sessions performed approximately one month apart. For some patients with acne scarring, enlarged pores or more pronounced skin-quality concerns, more than three sessions may be planned at appropriate intervals.
What is the recovery period after RF microneedling?
Temporary redness, mild swelling, tenderness and a rough or dry appearance of the skin may occur after treatment.
The duration of these effects varies according to treatment intensity and the individual characteristics of the patient’s skin.
Can RF microneedling be performed during the summer?
RF microneedling may be planned at different times of the year with appropriate patient selection and effective sun protection. However, the patient’s skin type, tendency towards pigmentation, sun exposure and the energy level to be used should all be considered when determining the most appropriate timing.
Are HIFU results immediate?
Some patients may notice an early feeling of firmness following treatment.
However, the collagen-remodelling process targeted by HIFU takes time.
For this reason, a significant proportion of the results develop gradually over the following weeks and months.
How many HIFU sessions are needed?
HIFU is not typically performed as a frequent maintenance treatment. The number of sessions and the timing of repeat treatment are determined by the physician according to the technology used, treatment area, patient’s age, tissue characteristics and individual needs.
Does HIFU cause facial fat loss?
The effect of HIFU depends on the treatment depth, anatomical area and energy settings used. Careful anatomical planning is particularly important in areas where facial fat should be preserved. For this reason, the same treatment depth and energy settings should not be used throughout the entire face. Areas where reduction of fatty tissue may be desirable, such as beneath the chin, should be distinguished from areas where facial volume should be preserved.
Can RF microneedling and HIFU be combined?
Yes, in suitable patients they may be used within the same treatment plan because they target different tissue depths. However, the sequence of the treatments and the interval between them should be planned according to the patient’s individual needs.
Will plasma mole removal leave a scar?
No procedure that removes tissue from the skin can be guaranteed to leave absolutely no scar. The risk of scarring depends on factors such as the size and depth of the lesion, its location, the patient’s skin characteristics and healing response, the treatment technique and post-procedure care.
Are energy-based treatments painful?
The level of discomfort varies depending on the technology used, energy settings, treatment area and the patient’s individual pain threshold. With RF microneedling and some plasma procedures, local anaesthetic methods may be used to improve comfort. During HIFU, patients may experience brief stinging, tenderness or a sensation of warmth in the deeper tissues at certain points.