What Is Potenza RF Microneedling?

Potenza is an FDA-approved radiofrequency Microneedling treatment for the face and body. Dr. Ann Mai uses the Potenza device, which has ultrafine needles and radiofrequency energy, to penetrate the skin to target the deep layers of the skin. This process triggers the skin’s natural repair process which boosts the production of collagen and elastin. These proteins keep skin smooth, supple and tight. You lose collagen and elastin as you age.

The regenerative response triggered by Potenza targets a variety of skin concerns, including signs of aging and sun damage (e.g., fine lines and wrinkles), uneven skin tone and texture, scarring, blemishes, skin laxity and stretch marks. Microneedling with Potenza is unique because the tiny channels created in the skin allow topical products to penetrate more easily and deeply. There is a special tip that pushes the products in vs other microneedling devices that simply push products around on top of the skin. This treatment is often performed with growth factors to speed healing and further optimize results, Botox and fillers if a large area needs support without typical injections.

Who is a Good Candidate for Potenza?

Potenza treatments can be performed on all skin types and tones and on any area of the body. Patients who want to fade fine lines, firm up skin, and scarring are usually ideal candidates for radiofrequency microneedling treatments. These treatments do not interfere with skin of color or tanned skin so can be performed all-year-round including summer.

You cannot have this procedure done if you have any implantable metal devices such as a pacemaker, diabetic sugar monitors, joint replacement, and metal pins for large bone fractures.

What Can I Expect During Treatment?

Our team will apply a topical numbing cream prior to the procedure. Once you are numb (allow 30-60 minutes), any excess cream is cleared off before starting treatment. The Potenza treatment handpiece is placed against your skin, allowing the radiofrequency energy and needles to penetrate the upper skin layer. You may feel a stinging or mild burning sensation and light pressure from the needles as the device moves over the treatment area. Pinpoint bleeding is a normal occurrence but is limited to the depth and duration of treatment. It is best to avoid alcohol the night before the treatment to minimize any bleeding.

Most treatments take less than 60 minutes (not including. numbing time).

For optimal results, you will likely need an initial series of three to six sessions - one month between visits. We will discuss the perfect Potenza protocol for you based on your aesthetic goals. We will not proceed until we are sure you understand exactly what we are going to do and what you can expect and are certain this is the optimal treatment to help you improve your skin.

How Do I Prepare for a Potenza Treatment?

When you come in for treatment, be sure the treatment area is clean and clean-shaven.  Remove all jewelry and ensure you arrive in comfortable clothing and shoes. Ask Dr. Mai if you need any pretreatment with medical grade numbing and/or anxiety products or if you should continue with your regular skincare routine.

After treatment, you will need to continue to protect the area with sunscreen - min SPF 30. You can wash your face on the same night of treatment, but use a gentle skin cleanser and moisturizer as directed by Dr. Mai and our team at Newport Aesthetics. Use ice packs every two hours for 20 minutes at a time for the first 24 hours after treatment or as directed for swelling and any discomfort. Do not scratch or scrub the treated area. Do not use any devices such as Clarisonic and like. The next day you can wear makeup and resume normal activities.

How Soon Can I Expect Results?

Your skin should look smoother and glow brighter in about two weeks, but it can take 2-6 months to see the final results. Collagen starts to build at 3-6 months. It takes a few weeks for your body to start making collagen and elastin after a Potenza treatment. While Potenza can be used as a single treatment for brightening and tightening skin for a major event, we recommend a multiple treatment protocol of at least three treatments for even more optimal results.

PRE-CARE (BEFORE):

• Keep hydrated by drinking water (at least eight cups daily) or hydrating fluids to improve treatment outcomes.
• Avoid drinking alcohol for 24 hours in advance of treatment.
• Plan to arrive 15-30 minutes before your scheduled time if you wish to be numbed for longer.  Please be advised, running late may result in less than optimal treatment time.
• NO makeup please.
• Please have your hair tied back if possible.
• Please STOP the following cosmetic products 72 hours before treatment:  Retin A / Tretinoin / Benzoyl Peroxide / Glycolic Acid / Salicylic Acid
• This laser treatment is designed for minimal downtime and fast recovery.  It is mildly uncomfortable during the procedure.  Tylenol can be taken 30 minutes before your procedure if needed.
• We will be using a topical numbing agent, let us know if you have any allergies to anesthetics.
• Let us know if you have any allergies to medications or latex.

• Please follow these steps for optimal results. 

  
  

POST-CARE (AFTER):

• Avoid direct sun-exposure for 1 week following your treatment. Wear sunscreen.
• It is normal for the area to feel similar to sunburn for several hours following the treatment.
• It is normal to have dark pinpoint spots / scabs as well as blotchy redness and minimal swelling following your laser treatment for 24-72 hours. With our ICON 1540 laser, flaking may never occur and a full recovery may take 7-10 days. Your skin is rebuilding / resurfacing even if you cannot see it.
• Immediately after treatment, there may be mild redness in the treated areas similar to the feeling of a sunburn, which may last from several hours to 2 days. 
• The amount of targeted brown pigment in “age spots” and “sun spots” varies per patient and is typically darker after treatment as the pigment is lifted to the skin’s surface. The darker pigment has a “coffee ground” appearance and generally sloughs off after 1-2 weeks. Treat the skin gently and allow the pigment to slough off naturally. Picking or scrubbing at the skin in an attempt to speed the sloughing process can lead to pigment irregularities including scarring of the skin! 
• After Care Products and Regimen: Wash the treated area gently twice a day with a gentle cleanser; we recommend NA Gentle Antioxidant Cleanser. Use tepid water only. Apply aloe vera or a soothing moisturizer as often as needed following your procedure until all peeling and flaking has stopped.  We recommend NA Rescue Me Cream for the first 24-48 hours then proceed with your usual moisturizer or NA Luxe Hydrator (more moisturizing) or NA Brightening Hydrator (lighter).
• Sun exposure and the use of tanning beds must be avoided for at least 2 weeks after your treatment, preferably 4 weeks. If you know you will get incidental sun exposure, i.e., driving to and from work, walking from your car to the house, etc., we recommend physical avoidance of the sun in all treated areas, a protective hat and any broad spectrum sunscreens from the Newport Aesthetics skin care line.
• No exercise that causes sweating, Jacuzzi, sauna, or steam baths if any skin irritation exists. 
• If any other areas than your face were treated, apply aloe vera and/or plastic wrap to protect your skin from clothing and minimize itchiness as needed. DO NOT do this to your face! Pigmented sunspots will darken and slowly flake and fade within 2 weeks of treatment.
• Mineral makeup can be applied immediately after the treatment.
• You may wear makeup and resume normal activities in 24 hours.
• You may resume cosmetic products (listed above) once all redness/ peeling and scabbing has healed - typically between 1-2 weeks after procedure.
• Please make a follow up visit with Newport Aesthetics one (1) week after your procedure (or send us a selfie) and 1 month after your treatment (you may or may not have to undergo another treatment at that time). We want to ensure you are achieving your desired results.
• All products recommended above are available for purchase at Newport Aesthetics.
• Min 2 treatments recommended, however most patients start with 4 treatments for optimal results.
• Repeat 1-2 times per year for maintenance.

You will see improvement as soon as the first treatment!

Please call/text us at (949) 660-9972 or email info@newportaesthetics.com if you have any questions or concerns.