Pelleve skin tightening is no longer performed at VCI. Page for informational purposes only.

 

What is the Pelleve?

Pelleve is a radiofrequency device, and not a laser, that is used for skin tightening. It uses a wavelength that is similar to marine radio, and focuses it into the skin. This gradually heats the skin, causes collagen fibres to contract, and tightens the skin. It is primarily used on the face and neck to reverse the effects of ageing and gravity by reducing skin laxity and tightening skin. It is a non-invasive, painless treatment with no downtime, designed for those who want to delay or avoid surgery.

How does it work?

Through the use of radiofrequency, Pelleve  gradually heats the skin to a temperature of 39 to 42 degrees celsius. Radiofrequency waves are passed from an electrode on a handpiece that is moved over the treatment area to a neutral (receiving) plate attached on another part of the body. Unlike other radiofrequency devices, this is done in a very gradual and gentle manner. At this temperature (from 39-42 degrees celsius), the bonds between the collagen fibres are disrupted. This causes collagen to contract and spring together, just like a spring does when released from a stretch position.

What does treatment involve?

The treatment is very comfortable and no pain is experienced by the patient. This is one of the key advantages of this treatment. Most people actually find it relaxing and enjoyable.

The first part of the treatment involves sticking a neutral plate to your back. This is the ‘receiving dish’ for the radiowaves. A clear gel is placed on the treatment area, A wand like handpiece with a smooth rounded circular tip is passed over the face, Usually, one area is treated at a time. The handpiece is passed over the area several times, with attention given to patient feedback on how hot the area feels. The practitioner also carefully monitors the skin temperature with a laser-assisted infrared thermometer, to achieve a temperature between 39 and 42 degrees celsius. This is repeated on all of the treatment area, until a uniform result has been achieved.

What areas can be treated?

The most common areas that are treated are the face and neck. Although other parts of the body can be treated also, such as the back of hands and decolletage.

A popular treatment is to have the under eye area treated alone.

For the upper eyelids to be treated and tightened, special shields may need to be used in the eyes. These shields are not required for under eye area treatment.

What should I expect after treatment?

There is usually immediate skin tightening post treatment. There is a very mild degree of swelling, as well as redness. This does not persist for a very long time, and usually after a few hours is not noticeable.

How many treatments are required?

We usually recommend an initial course of 2-3 treatments spaced about 2 months apart. Maintenance treatments can then be performed at the patient’s will to further the improvement.

How long does it last?

The remodelling of the collagen and skin tightening are permanent, bearing in mind that the natural process of ageing and the effects of gravity cannot be avoided. Therefore, we do recommend having a maintenance treatment every so often to keep the results at optimal levels.

Who cannot have the treatment?

Those who are pregnant are recommended to not have the treatment. Furthermore, those with cardiac pacemakers cannot have the treatment.

What is the difference between pulsed radiofrequency devices and Pelleve?

Pelleve is a much more gentle and gradual method of tightening the skin than other pulsed radiofrequency devices used for similar purposes. The advantages of gradually treating the skin as opposed to pulsed treatments includes improved safety and enhanced patient feedback during the treatment. Although uncommon, there have been cases of fat necrosis (death) leading to sunken areas with pulsed radiofrequency machine (but not the Pelleve).

Being gradual in its heating of the skin, Pelleve also allows for enhanced patient feedback. The patient is able to let the practitioner know if the temperature of the skin is too hot, reducing the risks of the treatment and the possibility of complications.

Case Study

This patient presented to Victorian Cosmetic Institute with concerns of her neck area. She felt over the past few years the skin has loosened and become wrinkled in appearance making her feel aged. A Skin Therapist performed a single Pelleve treatment providing the below result. This is a brilliant outcome for the patient boosting her confidence and allowing her to wear clothes with a lower neck line.

What else is the Pelleve used for?

With a different electrode and handpiece, the Pelleve can be used for the removal of skin lesions. For more information on this, including a video demonstration, click here.

What is the cost of radiofrequency lesion removal?

Number of lesions    Price per session (inc.GST)
1st lesion 250
Subsequent lesion 100

Why should you choose Victorian Cosmetic Institute as your provider of Pelleve treatments?

We are one of the first clinics to provide Pelleve treatments in Australia. We specialise in non-surgical cosmetic procedure that require minimal downtime, and the Pelleve has become an integral part of our array of technology designed to improve the skin using minimally invasive techniques. All treatments are supervised by our doctors.

Making that first phone call about any cosmetic procedure can be a confronting task – many of our patients have preferred filling out our online enquiry form. We can then contact you with an understanding of the results you are hopeful of achieving and ensure the treatment is appropriate.

It’s as easy as clicking either of the buttons below and completing the provided form.

Otherwise, you can phone us directly on 1300 863 824.