Profound RF Pre & Post Treatment Information

Following the rules and tips below will result in the best possible outcome with the least risk of unsatisfactory results from Profound RF treatment. If you have any questions regarding the information in this document, call our office at 504-226-7873.
WHAT IS PROFOUND?

The Profound system is a minimally invasive bipolar RF system with patented Real Time Temperature and Impedance Control that utilizes micro-needle electrodes, deployed into the reticular dermis or subcutaneous tissue, to precisely deliver fractionated injuries without thermal impact to the epidermis. During dermal treatments, the deep dermis is targeted, this is where the concentration of collagen is the highest. The thermal injury stimulates a wound healing response which naturally creates new elastin, collagen, and hyaluronic acid formation. This dermal remodeling results in visible skin improvement. Additionally, during cellulite treatments, when the subcutaneous tissue is targeted, the fractionated injuries will increase dermal thickness, remodel septae, and decrease adipose (fat cell) volume. 

The Profound treatment boasts a 100% response rate in wrinkle treatment and a 94% response rate for reduction of wrinkles. After the treatment, it is clinically proven that you will have up to 5x more elastin, up to 2x more collagen, and increased hyaluronic acid. One treatment with Profound delivers 37% results of a surgical face lift. The benefit of 
Profound treatment is minimal down time and no need for general anesthesia!

VERY IMPORTANT BEFORE PROFOUND TREATMENT:
  • AVOID USE OF NSAIDS AND STEROIDS: Avoid any anti-inflammatory medications like steroids and NSAIDS (aspirin, ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Mobic, Duexis, Tramadol) for 2 weeks before and 4 weeks after your Profound treatment. This may diminish the results of your Profound treatment. This also applies to any oral steroids or steroid injections. Ideally if you can limit the use of these medications for 6 months, you will have a better result.
  • We do not recommend getting any filler 3 months BEFORE OR AFTER treatment. You will likely need less filler now that the Profound has increased your elastin, collagen, and hyaluronic acid!
  • No excessive sun exposure, tanning cream or spray tan for 4 weeks before treatment.
  • Let us know if you suffer from cold sores, herpes, or have a history of staph in the areas to be treated.
  • Please come to your visit without jewelry and makeup removed.
  • Hydrate sufficiently - drink 64 fluid ounces every day for the week leading up to your treatment.
  • Eat a substantial meal on the day of treatment.
  • Avoid alcohol for 7 days before the procedure to decrease the risk of bruising.
  • Discontinue topical retinoids or other skin irritants for a minimum of 3-5 days before treatment.
  • We encourage use of nightly Alastin Skin Nectar to “prime” the skin for the Profound treatment at least 2 weeks before your Profound treatment.

PAIN CONTROL DURING AND AFTER: We take comfort seriously at Pure Dermatology and recommend a medicine similar to Valium to make the procedure more relaxing. We will want you to wait to take it AFTER you sign your consent. We ask that you arrange transportation home after your procedure which will last approximately 3-4 hours. It is normal to have some soreness after your Profound treatment, but PAIN is not normal in the one-week recovery period. IF YOU HAVE PAIN, THIS IS NOT NORMAL SO PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE AT 504-226-7873.

BRUISING AND SWELLING: Immediately post-treatment the treated area will appear swollen and pink to red. Pin-point bruises from microneedle insertions and anesthesia injection points will be seen. Redness typically resolves within 1-2 after treatment. Swelling and bruising are expected and typically resolve within 5-7 days.

PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING: We do not want to subject your unborn child to unnecessary stress and never perform Profound during pregnancy. We use a significant amount of injectable anesthesia, so we do not perform
Profound while a patient is breastfeeding.

COLD SORES: If you have a history of herpes or cold sores occurring anywhere on the face, please let us know before your appointment. Because getting a cold sore could prolong healing after treatment, we recommend taking medication even if you have NEVER had a cold sore. You will be prescribed antiviral medication (Valtrex) to take 2 pills the day before treatment and 2 the day of and then 1 per day for the remaining 6 days. Please fill this prescription before your treatment visit.

INFECTION: If you have a history of staph or other infection on the skin, please let us know before your appointment.

Post Profound Treatment
FOLLOWING UP AFTER PROFOUND:
  • We offer a visit 2 days after Profound to treat any developing bruising with laser.
  • We want to see you 1 week after your Profound treatment to ensure that your healing is optimal.
  • Your next follow up at 3 months for initial post Profound treatment photos. Most patients already see results by this time.
  • Your 3 rd follow up is at 6 months when maximal peak results will be noticed. Continued improvement has been seen by some for one year after Profound treatment.

EXTREME ATTENTION TO PREVENT INFECTION: Profound RF device at Pure Dermatology is performed in a sterile environment. The risk of infection and allergic reaction is extremely low. Swelling and bruising is expected. WE DEPEND ON YOU TO PREVENT INFECTION AT HOME. Wear a NEW, CLEAN, disposable mask every day after your Profound treatment. NO reusable cloth masks for the first two weeks after your treatment. DO NOT sleep with pets for 48 hours. Limit activities that would put your face close to the floor like yoga, camping, etc. for 1 week. Change your pillowcase every night for 1 week.

EXTRA IMPORTANT FOR SUCCESS WITH YOUR TREATMENT: Avoid any anti-inflammatory medications like steroids and NSAIDS (aspirin, ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Mobic, Duexis, Tramadol) for 2 weeks before and 4 weeks after your Profound treatment. This may diminish the results of your Profound treatment. This also applies to any oral steroids or steroid injections. Ideally, if you limit the use of these medications for 6 months, you will have a better result.

SKINCARE ON THE DAY OF TREATMENT: Your treated area will be cleansed with sterile saline and we apply Alastin Skin Nectar or Alastin Transform depending on the area treated. We recommend continuing this throughout the day if you have purchased it. The Vaniply provided at your visit may also be used. Cerave healing ointment, Aquaphor, or Vaseline can also be used.

ICING ON DAY OF TREATMENT: Immediately after treatment we will have you ice for 30-45 minutes. You will do this using an “on-off” method meaning that the ice should have a clean paper barrier and you use one hand and when the hand gets cold switch to the other side. AT HOME, CONTINUE ICING every 2 hours, for 20-minutes using the same on-off method. This will help to decrease likelihood of firm, swollen areas, extended bruising, and increase comfort.

WASHING AFTER TREATMENT: We will provide a sterile water wash for you to use on the day of treatment for at least one time per day until it is finished. We will also provide an antibacterial wash to use at least 1 time per day. You may use a gentle cleanser like Vanicream, Cetaphil, or Cerave as your wash alternating with the antibacterial wash. AVOID HOT WATER, WASH CLOTHS, HARSH IRRITANTS, AND SCRUBS. PAT DRY AND DO NOT RUB. Do this for 1 week.

SKINCARE DAY 2-7 OF TREATMENT: Keep the area MOISTURIZED AND PROTECTED as much as possible for 1 week post treatment. The area treated should have a consistent glazed-like appearance at all times. ABSOLUTELY NO CRUSTING OR SCABBING SHOULD BE ALLOWED. YOU MUST reapply physical blocker sunscreen with minimum SPF 30 (titanium dioxide, zinc oxide). Make certain that it is not a chemical SPF. Keep in mind that sun gets through the windows of your house and car. It is OK to apply makeup starting on day 2. Wait approximately 10 minutes after application of the sunblock and then apply a layer of Aquaphor or Alastin Skin Nectar.

AVOID AFTER TREATMENT: Avoid Retinols, Retin-A, Tazorac, acid-based washes, face scrubs and Vitamin C products for at least 7 days, until skin is back to normal. Avoid anything that has the word hyaluronic acid because it is an acid. DO NOT use any toners or makeup that contains alcohol for at least 7 days after treatment.

NO HEAT WHATSOEVER FOR 1 WEEK: Please NO hot tubs, saunas, facials, or waxing for at least 1 week after your Profound treatment. Increased redness may result from any activity that increases blood flow or increased body temperature (e.g. alcohol consumption, exercise, and sauna). We recommend limiting high intensity workouts for 2-3 days after treatment. DO NOT TAKE HOT SHOWERS FOR THE FIRST WEEK.

TANNING: Please NO TAN of any type for at least 4 weeks BEFORE OR AFTER treatment. Tanning beds and lying in the sun increase aging and lessen your chance of success with this or any cosmetic procedure. NO SUNLESSS TANNERS FOR 4 WEEKS BEFORE TREATMENT AS WELL. Tanning and using sunless tanning products increase your risk of pigmentary changes after your Profound treatment.

DO NOT PICK AT DRY SKIN: Do not pick at the treated area. It is essential to let the area heal on its own. If the area is picked at, this can increase the risk of infection, pigmentary changes, scarring, and other post procedure complications. Increasing the frequency of your moisturizer will help you to heal more quickly.

DOWNTIME: To limit swelling, we recommend sleeping with your head elevated post treatment. We expect both swelling and bruising. We are happy to treat your bruising at no charge 1-2 days after treatment. More bruising can develop at home and this is normal. The swelling is usually worse on days 2-5.

TEMPORARY LOSS OF SENSATION, ITCH, AND TINGLE SENSATIONS: These reactions are rare, and have resolved in the cases when they have been reported. Please let us know if you experience any loss of sensation in your treatment area.

IF YOU HAVE REDNESS THAT IS NOT IMPROVING EACH DAY, OR IF YOU DEVELOP BLISTERS, A RASH OR HAVE PAIN OR PUSTULES. IF YOU CAN PHOTOGRAPH IT BEFORE APPLYING MAKE-UP, WE MAY BE ABLE TO HELP YOU WITHOUT HAVING TO COME TO THE OFFICE. EMAIL THE PHOTO TO DRHOLCOMB@PUREDERMNOLA.COM OR DRHASELTINE@PUREDERMNOLA.COM AND CALL THE OFFICE AT 504-226-7873 IMMEDIATELY.

RE-TREATMENT: Patients typically do not need repeat treatments for a number of years unless we are trying to target both fat and tightening or you plan to treat multiple areas. We expect to see improvement at 3 months. Peak maximal results are generally at 6 months, and continued improvement can be seen for up to 12 months and longer.

Understanding and complying with these instructions are critical for obtaining the best results from your procedure. If you are unsure or concerned about any information listed, call our office at 504-226-7873.