Treatments > Pellevé

Dr. Worth provides skin tightening treatments using Pellevé.

What is Pellevé skin tightening?

Pellevé uses radio frequency energy to gradually heat the deep layers of the skin causing the collagen in your skin to contract and tighten. After the treatment, your skin will be stimulated to increase its production of collagen resulting in the improvement of skin quality, firmness, and tightness. The treatment is NATURAL since it simply stimulates your skin to produce more of YOU.

What is a Pellevé treatment like?

Most importantly, the procedure is painless. During a treatment, a thin layer of clear gel is applied to the area being treated, then a hand piece is rubbed gently over the skin. You immediately feel increasing warmth. We use a temperature probe to continuously measure the surface temperature of the skin and stop the treatment at the desired temperature (40° C). At that temperature, your skin will feel hot, but not painful. Each area is treated 3 times in succession, providing maximal stimulation of the collagen producing cells. After this the gel is washed off and moisturizer is applied.

Does it hurt?

During the treatment, your skin will feel hot, but not painful.

How long does a treatment take?

Different areas require more or less time to treat. The mid-lower face takes 45 minutes to 1 hour. The eyelids and brows take 30 minutes and the neck takes 30 minutes to treat.

How many Pellevé treatments will I need?

Like with all skin tightening technologies, the best results are achieved with 3 treatments, approximately one month apart. After this, the results will last a year. Most people find that they need one or two treatments a year to maintain the collagen-building effect, but there is no limit to how many Pellevé treatments an individual can have.

Who can have a Pellevé treatment?

Pellevé can be used on adults with any skin type. The best results have been seen in people ranging from age 30 to early 60's. People older than this can have Pellevé treatments, but results will happen over a longer period of time. Since there is no light or laser component, Pellevé can be done whether or not you have a tan.

What are the side effects of Pellevé?

To date, no side effects have been associated with Pellevé treatments.

What can I expect after a Pelleve treatment?

Immediately after a treatment, you can expect some transient redness as well as some plumpness and tightness of the skin. There is NO downtime--you can apply your sunscreen or make-up immediately after the procedure and return to your normal activities. Some of the instant effects of Pellevé are simply due to some transient (and pleasing) swelling in the deep layers of the skin which resolve in 48 hours. That immediate plumping is a preview of the results we are trying to achieve after 3 Pellevé treatments.

Each treatment stimulates collagen production which happens over the succeeding 3-4 months. It is important to understand, however, that Pellevé skin tightening is NOT plastic surgery and doesn't simulate the results of a face lift. Nevertheless, after the 3rd treatment, most people notice a decrease in fine lines, a softening of deeper lines, and a general improvement in the look and feel of their skin.

How does Pellevé compare to Botox and Line Fillers?

Pellevé is a nice complement to these treatments. Although it does not soften muscle movement like Botox, people find that Pellevé will continue to decrease the crow's feet, frown Lines, and forehead lines after Botox. Patients who use line fillers find that they often need less filler after the collagen building that Pellevé provides takes effect. For those that do not use Botox or fillers, Pellevé is a wonderful alternative, providing a gentle softening of lines and wrinkles without injections.

What after-care is required?

Since there is no laser or light used during Pellevé, your skin is not more sensitive to ultraviolet light after a treatment. Nevertheless, we advise avoiding anything that hastens the breakdown of collagen in the skin (i.e. tanning beds and tobacco) and using daily sunscreen. We also recommend using topical products that help boost the collagen building process (i.e. retinols). Dr. Worth can advise you as to the best skin care products for your skin type.

Can Pellevé be combined with other treatments such as laser, Botox, or fillers?

Yes, skin tightening is a great adjunct to other aesthetic treatments. Dr. Worth only recommends that there is a few days between Pellevé and other facial treatments.

Why Pellevé vs. other skin tightening devices?

Although there are several choices in the skin tightening arena, Dr. Worth feels that Pellevé offers good results without pain and without down-time, making this treatment unique.

Pellevé Fast Facts