An advanced treatment system that produces visible improvements in the epidermis is now available at LEA Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach: microneedling RF. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva and her aesthetics team use this effective treatment to restore youth and beauty to the skin for patients from all over Orange County, CA.

Microneedling – What is it?

While accidental injury to the skin can cause permanent damage and scarring, medically-controlled micro-injuries can actually improve a patient’s skin condition. Performed as an elective, in-office treatment, microneedling targets various skin irregularities, including skin texture concerns, acne scars, and stretch marks.

As the aging process progresses or when damage occurs to the skin on the face, neck, and body, it is primarily collagen and elastin that are impacted. These two proteins help the tissue to maintain its firmness and flexibility while allowing the skin to return to its original shape after stretching or injury. Over time, collagen production drops and makes the skin wrinkle and sag, also affecting its ability to bounce back after it has been damaged.

During a microneedling treatment, a roller device equipped with small, sterile needles is gently moved across the skin, and the metal spikes begin creating micro-injuries at different depths, from .5 mm to 3.5 mm. Through the formation of microchannels, the microneedling treatment stimulates collagen and elastin production in the dermis. This leads to smoother, younger-looking skin over time.

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This dermatological treatment distributes heat within the channels created by the microneedling punctures. The insulated needles ensure that the tips deliver the RF energy to the dermis. During the Vivace experience, patients will receive the added benefit that RF technology provides– the ultimate collagen induction therapy combined with skin-tightening.

Vivace features 70-watt bipolar radiofrequency energy shown as blue or red light. The blue light reduces bacteria caused by acne while the red light indicates its skin-tightening setting.

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Why Should I Undergo Vivace Microneedling RF in Newport Beach?

Travelers and locals alike come to Newport Beach to request microneedling RF from LEA Plastic Surgery and may benefit from treatment sessions on the face, neck, and body. Vivace RF microneedling is especially beneficial to mature skin when compared with non-RF microneedling. There are many different reasons patients seek out Vivace treatments in Orange County.

Coastal Californians are outside year-round, and over time, the environment impacts their appearance. Their face, neck, and chest receive excessive sun exposure, often leading to premature lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity.

Avid beach-goers often describe feeling self-conscious of their stretch marks, which occur naturally with weight gain. Stretch marks are scars that form when skin quickly expands beyond its capacity and are typically visible when wearing swimwear. Microneedling RF is an excellent treatment option for these unwanted stretch marks.

Others visit LEA Plastic Surgery to reduce acne scars that often develop from breakouts caused by sweat and oily skin in the Orange County climate. Vivace can effectively minimize acne scars and help patients feel more confident in their own skin.

Other brands provide similar microneedling RF technology, but Dr. Ho Taghva prefers the Vivace system for its superior results. The handpiece delivers radiofrequency energy that penetrates deeper into the skin, providing more precise energy delivery while being practically painless for patients.

The addition of topical numbing cream can also lead to a more comfortable patient experience where there is little or no discomfort post-treatment. Vivace delivers more powerful energy than other microneedling RF systems for superior results, but with less downtime due to the innovative technology it uses.

Many patients love that Vivace in Newport Beach fits into their busy, active lifestyles.

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Am I a Candidate for Microneedling RF in Newport Beach?

Those best suited for microneedling RF have visible imperfections in their skin that they would like to correct. Newport Beach’s microneedling RF safely treats a wide array of aesthetic conditions in all skin types, including dark and tanned skin, and can create changes deep within the skin that will improve over time. The treatment can improve the appearance of the following skin conditions:

During Vivace microneedling, the device delivers energy deep into the skin through a state-of-the-art system without affecting its upper layers. This allows the skin to change at the cellular level where collagen formation begins. Unhealthy skin cells are replaced by a new layer of robust cells that create fresh, glowing skin. Most healthy adults are good candidates for the procedure.

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The Consultation for Microneedling RF

Prior to your treatment with Vivace, you will need to meet with Dr. Ho Taghva in Newport Beach for a microneedling RF consultation.

While the procedure is safe for most patients, the doctor will obtain a full patient medical history to ensure that there are no active skin conditions, concerns for an immunocompromising disease, or any other factors that may cause unnecessary risk to the patient’s health. Dr. Ho Taghva may ask about any allergies to equipment or ingredients.

The doctor will then examine the areas of concern to determine if microneedling RF is the best treatment plan for the patient’s needs. She will explain the procedure on the face, neck or body so the patient knows what to expect. Microneedling RF is safe for all skin types, and in some cases, a same-day session may be approved.

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Prepping the Skin for Microneedling RF

Patients may need to discontinue the use of skincare products containing retinol and vitamin A for 3-5 days before their microneedling RF appointment. Patients should also be in the habit of putting on sunscreen at least 15 minutes prior to sun exposure because microneedling RF might not be possible on sunburned skin.

Patients should arrive at their Newport Beach microneedling RF appointment with clean skin and wearing comfortable clothing. If the patient will be lying down for a facial and neck treatment, their hair should be out of the way of the treatment area and the back of the head so they can lie flat. Men with facial hair should consult with the doctor before their visit to determine if a pre-appointment shave is beneficial.

Patients can drive themselves to and from a microneedling RF session because no sedation is used. In some cases, there may be minimal downtime due to redness, pinprick bleeding, or discomfort.

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If the recommended Boost Glide Serum is added as one of the treatment options, it may be applied after the procedure. Treatment serums may contain powerful ingredients or the patient’s own growth factors.

Depending on the areas treated, microneedling RF can take as little as 45 minutes per session. Patients should expect the return to Orange County for Vivace treatments over the next six weeks to ensure optimal results. Usually, three treatments are recommended.

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Combining Vivace Microneedling RF with LEA GLO or Aqualush

Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva may recommend a combination treatment for some patients, depending on their goals and expectations. Two of the most popular are LEA GLO and LEA Aqualush.

LEA GLO (LASEMD)

LEA GLO (LASEMD) is a new generation resurfacing laser offering patients great results with very little downtime.

Vivace treatments combined with LEA GLO can treat all skin layers for more comprehensive rejuvenation without adding to the patient’s downtime. LEA GLO is a quick procedure that is safe for all skin types and involves minimal pain. Proprietary serums are used to enhance the results of the treatment, which is extremely versatile. LEA GLO is great for treating:

• Unwanted pigment and melasma
• Fine lines
• Large pores
• Actinic keratosis
• Age spots/sun spots
• Freckles
• Acne scars

LEA Aqualush

Aqualush is a restorative serum treatment that can be combined with Vivace for incredible skin rejuvenation results. Patients can gain a “red carpet” glow, brighten their complexion, and nourish the skin for improved skin elasticity, moisture, and more. Skin looks more vibrant and youthful after Aqualush treatments with microneedling.

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Healing from Microneedling RF

Patients may notice pinpoint bleeding and redness that typically subsides within 24 hours. In the 4-6 hours after treatment, microneedling RF patients should only apply products from the doctor’s preferred skincare line, including the Soothe Weekly Mask and the Soothe Recovery System. The Recovery System consists of the Soothe Recovery Spray, Soothe Recovery Cleanser, and Soothe Recovery Balm to ensure proper healing, cleansing, and hydration.

Makeup can be worn the next day if the skin has adequately healed, and sunscreen use should be resumed. 48-72 hours after microneedling RF, patients can use their regular skincare products, including retinoids. For youthful-looking skin, it is best to avoid using alcohol-based toners for 10-14 days. Patients should abstain from workouts for at least 3 to 5 days as the skin heals.

Are There Possible Side Effects or Risks of Microneedling RF?

While every precaution is taken to limit risks and mitigate side effects of microneedling RF at our Newport Beach practice, the following reactions are possible:

• Infection
• Allergic reaction to metals or treatment serums
• Discomfort
• Peeling
• Bleeding and bruising
• Redness

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Why Dr. Ho Taghva is the Preferred Choice for Microneedling RF

Goretti Ho Taghva, M.D., is an Ivy League-educated doctor with extensive training who specializes in aesthetic medicine. She performs surgical and non-surgical procedures and can customize microneedling RF to treat the skin after surgical treatment for scar reduction. The doctor or a trained specialist can also perform microneedling RF as a standalone skin rejuvenation therapy.}

Frequently Asked Questions About Vivace in Orange County

This article was written by Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva, MD, FACS {About Dr. Ho Taghva} whose office in Newport Beach, CA features Vivace microneedling RF.