Sublative Treatments in South Jordan, UT
Not every skin resurfacing approach is built to work safely across all skin types, which is why we’re proud to offer Sublative RF at Lucienne Salon & Medical Spa. Using fractionated bipolar radiofrequency energy, Sublative targets signs of aging in a wide variety of patients with minimal downtime and is flexible enough to be used alongside other treatments.
What Is Sublative RF?
Sublative RF is a minimally invasive skin resurfacing treatment that uses fractionated bipolar radiofrequency (RF) energy to address signs of aging and skin damage. It is part of Candela’s Matrix system, an FDA-cleared platform that stimulates new collagen, resurfaces the skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Sublative RF does not remove the outer layer of skin, but instead sends energy into the dermis while leaving much of the surface untouched for a faster recovery.
How Does Sublative RF Work?
The Sublative RF applicator uses a grid of electrode pins to deliver bipolar RF energy into the dermis in a fractional pattern, meaning only a portion of the skin is treated at a time. This creates tiny thermal zones that the body registers as injuries, stimulating a wound-healing response while leaving other cells untouched. Those healthy surrounding cells drive the healing process and signal the body to produce new collagen, all with very little disruption to the superficial skin layers.
What Skin Conditions Can Sublative RF Address?
Acne Scars
Acne scars form when the skin’s natural healing process leaves behind fibrous tissue. Sublative RF can help break down that scar tissue by heating the deeper tissue layers, where collagen activity fills and smooths the affected areas. It works well for both shallow and moderately deep acne scarring across a range of skin types.
Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Fine lines and wrinkles develop as collagen and elastin production slow with age. Sublative RF addresses this by delivering RF energy into the dermis to stimulate new collagen growth and support the skin’s structural integrity from within. Over a series of treatments, this treatment can reduce the depth and appearance of lines around the eyes, mouth, forehead and more.
Uneven Skin Texture and Tone
Rough texture and uneven tone can result from sun exposure, aging, enlarged pores or past breakouts, and they’re often some of the toughest issues to address with topical products. Sublative RF reaches below the surface to encourage the turnover of damaged skin cells and the growth of healthier ones.
Pigmented Lesions, Red Spots and Brown Spots
Red spots and brown spots can be caused by sun damage, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, broken blood vessels or natural changes in the skin. The thermal energy delivered during Sublative RF can help reduce the appearance of these issues by promoting healthier skin cell turnover and collagen remodeling in the affected areas. This approach is especially helpful when combined with treatments that directly target skin discoloration, such as IPL.
Where Can Sublative RF Be Used?
- Face: The face is the most frequently treated area with Sublative RF, and the applicator can be used across the forehead, cheeks, jawline and the delicate skin around the eyes and mouth.
- Neck and Décolletage: The neck and chest area are often overlooked in skincare, despite how frequently they show signs of aging and sun damage. Sublative RF can address crepey texture, fine lines and uneven tone in these areas.
- Hands: Sublative RF can help improve the tone and texture of the hands by encouraging new collagen production and healthier skin cell turnover.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Sublative IV?
Sublative RF is appropriate and effective for all Fitzpatrick skin types. It tends to be a good fit for patients dealing with mild to moderate signs of aging, acne scarring, uneven texture or sun damage who want results without downtime. Patients who are pregnant, have a pacemaker or internal defibrillator, have a history of skin cancer in the treatment area, or are managing an active skin infection are generally not good candidates for this treatment. As with any treatment, a consultation is the best way to determine whether Sublative RF is the right fit for your skin.
Before Your Sublative RF Treatment
In the two to three weeks before your treatment, avoid intentional tanning and prolonged sun exposure, as treated skin is more sensitive and tanning can increase the risk of uneven results. Retinoids, exfoliating acids and abrasive scrubs should be paused six days prior, since these can make the skin more reactive to RF energy. Arrive at your appointment with clean skin without makeup, lotions and sunscreen.
During Your Sublative RF Treatment
At Lucienne, Sublative RF treatments are performed by trained, licensed medical aestheticians who will walk you through what to expect before beginning. A topical numbing cream is typically applied beforehand to keep you comfortable, and most patients describe the sensation during treatment as a warm, prickly feeling as the RF energy is delivered to the skin. The applicator works in a grid pattern across the treatment area, with sessions that usually take between 60 and 60 minutes. You may notice some redness and a faint grid-like pattern on the skin immediately after, both of which are expected responses.
After Your Treatment
The skin may stay red and feel a little sensitive for several days. You may notice some small pinpoint scabs that look like coffee grounds. These will fall off on their own after a few days, so avoid picking at them. Sun protection is important during your recovery since your skin will be more vulnerable to UV damage as it heals. Wear sunscreen every day, along with protective clothing and sunglasses when outside. Please also avoid retinol for up to two weeks after treatment.
Sublative RF Results
With treatments that stimulate renewal, it takes several weeks and often several treatments to see the full results. It takes time for collagen to remodel and for other healing processes to take place. A full treatment series usually involves three or more sessions, but this number will depend on your situation.
FAQs About Sublative RF
How many Sublative RF treatments will I need?
Most patients benefit from three to five sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart. The exact number depends on the skin concern being treated and how your skin responds after each session. Some patients see noticeable improvement after just one treatment, while others with more scarring or texture concerns may need the full series to reach their goals.
Is Sublative RF suitable for darker skin tones?
Yes, Sublative RF is safe for all Fitzpatrick skin types, including medium and darker skin tones. Many laser resurfacing technologies carry a risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in darker skin, but because Sublative RF uses radiofrequency energy rather than light, it does not target melanin and is considered a better option for a broader range of patients.
How does Sublative RF compare to traditional microneedling?
Both treatments stimulate collagen, but Sublative RF uses bipolar radiofrequency energy rather than physically puncturing the skin. Both can be effective and are recommended for different patients.
How much does Sublative RF cost?
The cost of Sublative RF varies depending on the size of the treatment area and the number of sessions recommended for your skin. For accurate pricing specific to your skin concerns and goals, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at Lucienne. We’ll assess your skin and put together a treatment plan that makes sense for you.
Why Choose Lucienne Salon and Medical Spa?
At Lucienne, Sublative RF treatments are performed by licensed medical aestheticians with real training and hands-on experience in advanced skin treatments. Every recommendation we make starts with a real conversation about your skin, because what works for one patient may not be the right fit for another. Our team includes a registered nurse, master medical aestheticians and certified laser technicians. Good skincare should feel as good as it looks, and that’s the standard we hold ourselves to with every patient we see.
Resurface and Renew Your Skin With Sublative RF
Sublative radiofrequency offers a way to address a range of skin concerns, from acne scarring and fine lines to uneven texture and tone. At Lucienne Salon & Medical Spa, we’re proud to bring this treatment to the South Jordan, UT area and the greater Salt Lake City community. To find out if Sublative RF is right for your skin, give us a call at 801-280-9990 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation.