I purchased this machine because I loved how my skin felt and looked afterward. Vivace seamlessly combines two of my favorite technologies, microneedling and radiofrequency, with LED light therapy. It is a very comfortable, minimally invasive treatment that stimulates collagen formation and cell renewal through microneedling and skin tightening via radiofrequency to improve the skin tone, firmness, and texture. Unlike other devices, the needles are insulated and do not cause pinpoint bleeding. The needle depth can be adjusted to reach deeper layers of the skin or more superficial depending on your skin needs.

The Story of a thousand tiny gold needles…Microneedling.

Microneedling works in a similar way to non-ablative laser treatments. But instead of a laser penetrating the skin, the microneedles lead to tiny insults in the dermis or micro-injuries causing minor inflammation. This prompts the skin to stimulate collagen production and cellular renewal in response. An increase in collagen is the key to smoothing out fine lines, plumping the skin, and improving elasticity. Vivace has 36 super-fine, insulated, gold-tipped needles that enter the skin smoothly, evenly and without pain and discomfort. Microneedling is also beneficial for evening out your skin tone and improving acne and surgical scars. Furthermore, microneedling causes small cracks in the skin’s natural barrier which can improve the delivery of antioxidants, peptides, and other nutrients.

Give Me Energy…Radiofrequency

Radiofrequency energy, formed from radio waves, is used to heat the deeper layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production and to gently heat and tighten the skin. Previously, the level of thermal tightening which could be achieved with Vivace was only possible when using an ablative laser which requires several days to a week of downtime due to damage to the outer surface of the skin. By combining radiofrequency with microneedling, the depth and frequency of the energy can be controlled and altered during each pass, delivering the most effective results without damaging the protective outer layer of the skin, eliminating the recovery time associated with ablative laser treatments.

Scar Away

The neovascularization and neocollagenesis resulting from the Vivace treatment has been shown to minimize acne scars, stretch marks, and pore size to produce smoother, healthier appearing skin.

In the Details

The appointment will take one and a half hours. We will start by applying a topical numbing cream to your face which takes about fifteen minutes to work. Next, your face will be cleaned with a gentle cleanser and washed off with alcohol to remove any dirt or oils. The Vivace device will be carefully calibrated for your skin type. As the machine is used over your skin, it will create microscopic channels that will help stimulate collagen and delivering energy to deeper layers of the skin to cause a tightening effect. Usually, two or three passes are necessary so that the skin can be targeted at different depths. Once the skin channels have been opened, we will apply topical products like hyaluronic acid, plant-derived growth factors, peptides, or Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP). The LED light can be set to combat acne or further stimulate collagen depending on your needs. It will also reduce inflammation and enhance healing. At the end of the treatment, a hydrating mask will be applied. Most patients find the procedure not painful and even soothing….a pampering treat to yourself.

After Effects

You will be red for a few hours after the treatment but should be fine by the morning. The tiny channels will remain open for 4-6 hours. During this time, your skin will be more porous and accepting of nutrients. It also means that you should not wear make-up during this period. We recommend not raising your heart rate by exercising for six hours post-treatment. It is also important to avoid sunshine for the next three days and when out to use SPF.

Everyone Needs a Plan

While most microneedling treatments require six sessions for optimal effects, patients can see a significant improvement in fine lines, skin tone and texture, and pore size after three Vivace treatments. I advise patients to undergo a series of three treatments spaced one month apart and then a booster at 6-12 months. You will notice an improvement in the texture and tone of your skin after one treatment, but the most significant results occur at six months.

Safety First

Whereas lasers and chemical peels are often too abrasive for darker skin tones and sensitive skin, Vivace microneedling is gentle and safe for all skin types. Vivace works by triggering the body’s natural wound-healing response, rather than applying chemicals that can be problematic for some individuals and even cause scarring or pigmentation changes.

First Steps

If you are considering having a Vivace procedure, please call our office at (212) 600-4109 to arrange for an appointment. Our New York City practice accommodates out of town and international patients who need to travel in as well as those who are local to Manhattan.