My Advice: Less Is More With Devices

This is part 3 of a 3-part series with Dr. Manjula Jegasothy.

Part 1: Cutting-edge Rejuvenation: Injectables + Energy Devices

Part 2: How I Decide Which Combination Is Best

It’s important for aesthetic physicians to gain experience using these devices in combination with injectables. Start with the lowest possible settings. Don’t necessarily go by manufacturer recommendations, at first. I always start with low settings to treat myself or my staff and treat as many people as possible with varying skin colors, skin types and ages. After that, you can slowly dial up the devices to settings for which you feel comfortable.

Keep Murphy’s law in mind: Anything that can go wrong will go wrong. Avoid performing a first-time procedure on a patient who has an important photoshoot, event, wedding, trip, etc., in the two weeks following the procedure.

And don’t forget to emphasize sun protection. Patients shouldn’t have direct sun exposure lasting longer than 10 minutes for one week after any device or laser procedure.

It’s a myth that RF and ultrasound devices don’t offer dramatic enough results. When used properly in combination with injectables, they result in noticeable natural-looking skin tightening and lifting. The key is in setting the expectation that while fillers and neuromodulators offer noticeable results quickly, energy devices tend to tighten and lift the skin in the weeks and months following treatment. Explain that even though the energy device may not deliver this huge “wow” factor immediately, it will likely enhance results from injectables without creating the unnatural look of high-dose injectables.

The subtle results of long-wavelength devices combined with the more dramatic results of injectables in any given patient will last for years and even decades, creating a more natural look than could be achieved in the weeks and months after injectables alone.

S. Manjula Jegasothy M.D., is founder of the Miami Skin Institute and clinical associate professor of dermatology at the University of Miami Frost Department of Dermatology, Miami, Fla. She has no conflicts of interest to report related to this article.