[Treatment] (RESULTS) I Survived a Trifractional Fractional Resurfacing (ONLY Aesthetics)
HEY! Most friends will remember me for the depressed scars on my cheeks. I've lived with them for 6 years now, and the reason I've lived with them is due to the uncertainty of scar treatments out in the market. Plus the cost, of COST (cause). In fact, I guess I'd have given no fucks about beauty products if I didn't go through the bout of severe acne.If you've done some reading on the treatments available for scarring, you probably would have come across horror stories; especially from laser. After all, its just nature to overestimate the odds of dreadful but infrequent events. And I'm ultimately, not rewarded for not taking any action.
Somewhere in April, I've tried out dermarolling/ microneedling; which I'd seen slow but substantial results from. Strengthened by newer advances in technology, I'm glad that I've finally took the first step to solve my primary skin concern, and as you can see I'm quickly progressing. HEH That might mean a tighter budget for other things, but it is one of my personal priorities.
Just a disclaimer! I paid for this treatment myself. I'm not paid or sponsored by the clinic in any way.
Psst, this was a Groupon deal. I expect to get chided by many, but the ONLY aesthetics group had a sound reputation and was frequented by my friends. The discounted price for a professional service was too good to resist. The trial price was also good for considering further treatments with them without an initial burn in the pockets. My appointment at the O Medical Clinic @ Wheelock Place was booked the week after.
About Venus Viva (see, I did my homework)
The Radio Frequency energy then translates into heat which remodels the skin through the arrangement of collagen fibres. It claims to treat skin laxity, wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars, melasma and enlarged pores.
- The first pulse is a micro-ablative pulse which ablates pinpoint size spots on the epidermis.
- The second next pulse penetrates into the skin, heating the tissue.
- The third pulse penetrates the deepest, heating the mid-dermis.
More details on the Venus Viva can be found on Only Aesthetics and Venus Concept (manufacturer).
Note: I was constantly reminded by both the doctor and nurse that the effects of the Venus Viva on the depressed acne scars will be minimal in just one session. Three to five sessions are recommended for best results. This post documents the first week of skin recovery and any immediate skin benefits.
The skin should continue to improve with each treatment, and there should be continued improvement for up to 4 months after your last treatment due to collagen stimulation.
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Note: I was not informed of the pre-treatment steps that i had to take by ONLY, ie. to avoid AHA or RetinA for at least a week before treatment. I was lucky that it had been about a week since I last used Retinol.
Pre and Post Treatment Care
- AHA and Retinol-containing products should be stopped at least a week before treatment.
- After the treatment, sun protection SPF 30 or higher should be applied. This is to lower the risks of pigmentation. Also avoid direct sun exposure.
- Also after the treatment, whitening products including vitamin C should be discontinued for at least a week.
- Scabs may form after the fractional and should not be picked. Or scarring might result.
- Moisturizing is important post-treatment as skin heals well in a moist environment.
- Redness or scabs may be covered by mineral makeup.
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Some cringe-worthy 'before' photos of my face. Because flaws are only obvious when pointed out. The depressed scars are mainly localized on my cheeks, at least those are the ones that I'm self-conscious of. I'd spent money letting beauticians squeeze out the zits, leaving these bad scars.
If you're staring into the mirror and worrying about those acne scars, I used to be like that! I used to hate my skin and couldn't stand looking into the mirror. It was emotionally draining.
I understand many are eager to clean up the last bit of remains and start anew when you finally stop breaking out. I think after suffering from acne, sufferers often become too obsessed with super amazing skin. I was not sure if it was because I had such bad skin that I craved for perfect skin even more. Are you also infatuated with the idea of having perfect skin? I remember when I had severe acne, all that was in my mind was that, 'I wanted to look normal'. And for the most part, the average person do not have perfect skin.
It was until when I got older and realize that, no one was really paying attention to my scars. it was just me. But they had left a deep emotional insecurity. I refer the treatment of depressed acne scars as a personal priority. I would like them to improve, but I don't expect them to be fully eliminated.
My expectations? That the depressed scars to be elevated, and the borders of the box scars softer. Then the skin surface will appear smoother.
And so, I went to the O Medical Clinic for the Venus Viva Trifractional. The ONLY group have 7 outlets, which I believe all have the Venus Viva machine, the O Medical Clinic is conveniently located in Wheelock Place.
Numbing Cream
Alrighty, the nurse helped me to wash my face and apply the numbing cream; finally wrapping it with cling wrap for better effectiveness. (The heat under the plastic wrap helps to activate the cream.) The numbing cream was left on for 20-30 minutes. Anddd you can do whatever you want!
Because I'm a biology student, HAHAHA I see it as an obligation to briefly mention the mechanism of action of the topical anesthetic! It works by temporarily blocking the nerve conduction on the skin, by decreasing the permeability of the nervous cell membrane to sodium ions. Increasing the excitability threshold and prevents the nervous action potential from forming.
Was that delivered? Regardless, let's move on.
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| Wrapped up with numbing cream |
The treatment room was nicely lit with natural sunlight even when the blinds are down. Not too cold but I had a towel blanky over me. And so I slept.
Process
It was SMELLY! When columns of the skin was vapourized, the room smelt like burnt pork. HAHAHA The treatment was reasonably painful, but absolutely bearable. I could feel the pattern which the energy was delivered into the skin. It felt sharp and sudden, somewhat like a rubber band's snap. Hairier areas like near the eyebrow and hairline hurt slightly more. My nose which wasn't prepped with numbing cream was also treated to minimize pores. And you bet it stung. If you're averse to pain, I suppose you can request the numbing cream to be left on longer.
My scars were treated first, then the setting was then lowered to treat the rest of the face. After reminding me to moisturize and apply sunblock diligently, the technician also educated me about the Venus Viva and showed me the treatment tip.
My scars were treated first, then the setting was then lowered to treat the rest of the face. After reminding me to moisturize and apply sunblock diligently, the technician also educated me about the Venus Viva and showed me the treatment tip.
These are the micropins which the radiofrequency energy is delivered through. It is also good to know that the treatment tip is disposed after each treatment.
The Only group is flexible; if you only have a target area to treat, they are likely to offer a lower price to you.
Immediately After
Does it look bad? It is red. I was sent off after sunscreen (SPF30 or higher) application. BUT I came prepared, I had brought a surgical mask! I had arranged for an appointment in the evening because I thought that sunscreen cannot be applied. HAHA But please stay indoors as much as possible.
I kept smiling on the way back, it felt funny not being able to feel your cheeks. HEHEH And I returned home to roasted pork. It smells so much like the burnt skin during Venus viva that I felt so disgusted by it. HAHAA
DAY 0
I slapped on a sheet mask immediately after for hydration for showering. The pores were more pronounced due to the swelling.
DAY 1
DAY 3
This is probably the worst day, the scabs were the most obvious but other facial areas treated with lower setting looks normal. There was also slight itching experienced, to which I slather on more hydrating products. The Laneige sleeping pack and LoveMore sheet masks became my next best friends.
DAY 4
DAY 5
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| Left See I'm so diligent in taking photos that I din't realize that sparse eyelash sitting there. |
DAY 7
Results
The Venus Viva nanofractional Radio Frequency is good for general complexion. My skin was noticeably smoother. But as mentioned by the people at Only, there will be minimal results on the first treatment for deeper scarring. 5-6 treatments spaced a month apart was recommended for me. The skin should continue to improve with each treatment, and there should be continued improvement for up to 4 months after your last treatment due to collagen stimulation.
I survived a Groupon Fractional Resurfacing! There were no bad side effects like I've came across in reviews. And I'm almost decided on going for the next one; except not through Groupon this time round. HAHAA
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| RESULTS: 3 months post-treatment |
Only Aesthetics
Mon - Fri: 10.30am - 8.30pm Sat: 10.30am - 6.30pm
http://onlyaesthetics.sg/
https://www.facebook.com/ONLYaesthetics
O Medical Clinic
Wheelock Place
501 Orchard Road, #05-09A Wheelock place, 238880
Other treatments for acne scarring:
https://www.facebook.com/ONLYaesthetics
O Medical Clinic
Wheelock Place
501 Orchard Road, #05-09A Wheelock place, 238880
Other treatments for acne scarring:
Hi Cindy, I read in the other forum that you went for a second session of the infini treatment as the Dr himself wasn't quite satisfied with the improvement from this first session. How did it go? Are your facial scars almost gone now after the second treatment? Would love to hear updates from you as im seriously considering this treatment and my scars are very much similar to yours! Thank you!!
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