Fri–Tue 9:30 – 18:00. Wed & Thu 9:30 – 20:00. Sun Closed.
Fri–Tue 9:30 – 18:00. Wed & Thu 9:30 – 20:00. Sun Closed.
Venus viva is an award-winning non-surgical skin resurfacing treatment. It incorporates the most effective technology using Nano Fractional Radio Frequency (RF) with smart scanning technology to allow the operator to control the coagulation and ablation of the skin for enhanced efficacy.
Fractional RF ablates microscopic holes into the skin's surface to trigger the skin's healing response, kick-starting the reproduction of collagen, repairing and tightening the skin tissue.
Skin resurfacing treatments produce amazing results, shown to be successful at treating a variety of skin concerns and with over 70% of consumers reporting feeling somewhat to extremely bothered by their imperfect skin texture no wonder these treatments are among the most popular on the market.
However, there are many techniques and options when it comes to skin resurfacing. The two key contenders in this area are fractional RF resurfacing (Venus Viva) and RF micro-needling (Morpheus 8) The two treatments might sound similar, however, they do very different things. This part of the post aims to answer one commonly-asked question, is fractional skin resurfacing the same as RF micro-needling? If not, what is the difference between the two?
Skin resurfacing is a term used for treatments that damage the skin in a controlled way, to encourage the body’s natural healing process. As a result this repairs damage, minimises pores and improves the texture. Skin resurfacing typically induces two kinds of reactions in the skin.
Thermal energy over 100 degrees celsius is needed for ablation to occur in the superficial layer of the skin. When energy is quickly applied to an area of skin, it vaporises a channel into the skin's surface. This takes some time to repair, but the length of time needed depends on how the ablation is done, and how much tissue is damaged. When the entire epidermal layer on the face is ablated, this results in a treatment that is painful and requires long, uncomfortable downtime. It also has a risk of infection and post-inflammatory hyper/hypopigmentation (PIH). Ablative technologies include CO2lasers, Er: YAG
Another effect of the injury created in the skin during skin resurfacing is coagulation. Some technologies do not induce ablation and only induce coagulation. Technologies that only induce coagulation include fractional non-ablative lasers, radio frequency, and HIFU. This process heats deeper layers of the skin to stimulate fibroblasts to produce more collagen.
So where does RF micro-needling fit into the range of skin resurfacing technologies? To understand the development of RF micro-needling, let’s remember how traditional micro-needling works.
Small needles penetrate the skin, creating superficial wounds. These micro-perforations stimulate the skins healing response, however, this does not stimulate the ablation or coagulation process, it is simply creating a mechanical wound to the skin to trigger the healing process. This now archaic procedure does have drawbacks for patients. The recovery time can be longer due to the large opening at the skin surface leading to an extended risk of infection and it can be quite painful.
With the addition of radiofrequency energy, microneedles can create heat in the skin that they are penetrating, creating coagulation in the tissue. This only affects the outer layer of the epidermis. Without the effect of the renewed skin, it is unable to achieve the same results on the skin surface as fractional RF technologies.
Fractional RF systems induce both ablation and coagulation. Small pins sit on the surface of the skin and emit radio-frequency energy into the epidermis. The radio frequency energy creates heat in the skin and simultaneously ablates tiny channels into the epidermis while creating coagulation around the tiny ablated channels, stimulating a wound-healing response. All of this is done fractionally (in tiny pin-points), having superior effects but not requiring a long time for the skin to heal.
Ablation and coagulation have a combined effect on the skin. New skin grows in the wounded micro-channels while fibroblasts are creating new collagen and elastin fibres to heal the wounded tissue. By producing actual new skin cells this achieves a far superior result on things like pigmentation and sun damage as the cells' memory has been restored. A refreshed appearance to the skin overall, and subsequent treatments with appropriate maintenance give excellent, long-term results, comparable to those of any other skin resurfacing method.
Nano Fractional RF is appropriate for nearly any skin type and tone. Energy is delivered in tiny areas, which lowers the risk of PIH, and it is an energy that creates heat in the skin due to friction, not because it is absorbed by melanin. The number of treatments needed will depend on how well the patient responds to the treatment and the severity of the skin issues to be addressed. There is little or no discomfort after the procedure and patients typically return to regular activities within a day. It’s no wonder that micro-ablative skin resurfacing was the number one fastest-growing non-surgical procedure in recent years.
Downtime is minimal with the Venus Viva in comparison to other ablative lasers and treatments for skin resurfacing.
The first 24 hours are similar to mild to moderate sunburn with redness and tightening on the skin tissue and some heat in the area.
During this time you must not use any cream or makeup and this includes sunscreen.
After 24 - 48 hours this skin will feel dry and tight but you may start to apply a gentle hydrating cream and sunscreen and if the redness hasn’t subsided you can use makeup or concealer to cover.
The skin will feel dry and rough a little like sandpaper for up to 7 days and you may experience some irregularities in the skin tone and texture for this time.
"Venus Viva is absolutely the best facial treatment I have ever had. I had many years of sun damage which after 3 sessions has now gone. It minimised fine lines around my eyes and my skin is now cleaner and smoother. I highly recommend this treatment."
Amanda Kerr - Chiswick West London
"I wasn't planning to have the Viva treatment until I saw my sister's results. I'm really glad I did - my skin is brighter, clearer and definitely looks younger. The treatment is a little uncomfortable but very quick and very much worthwhile."
Alison Thouhey - Richmond - Surrey
"I had a course of 3 Venus Viva treatments on my face and hands. I must admit I was a little sceptical as to whether it would make much difference. My skin looked fresher and brighter within a few days and since I had the treatment I have had quite a few comments about how nice my skin looks and even how young I look. So it has not been my imagination! A friend of mine has been so impressed they also decided to have a course. I am very happy with it.
Sheila Haugh - Kingston upon Thames
