Comparison of 2 innovative techniques by Dr Klaus Plogmeier
Skin tightening around the arms is a quite frequent request mainly expressed by women. If the patient is not grossly overweight, saggy skin located on the arms is usually the result of genetics and lack of exercise. The non-invasive procedures are more and more popular be-cause they do not leave any scars.
Two recent technologies are aimed to treat skin laxity around the arms in a non-invasive and comfortable manner. We are going to compare them here.
The technologies
At our clinic we compared the CRISTAL Skin® radiofrequency treatment, with the DIAMOND® applicator HIFD technology. The CRISTAL Skin® radiofrequency stimulates the collagen production through a thermal effect. The DIAMOND® HIFD technology combines the infrared LED with modular vacuum.
The LED emission also triggers the collagen production via its heating effect through the skin. The vacuum action stretches the septa, which are walls between the fat cells, to reduce the orange peel effect of cellulite.
The treatment
For both these technologies, a gel or some contact oil is applied onto the skin before linear and circular movements are made using the applicator over this area. A treatment session for both arms lasts 20 minutes on average. For radiofrequency treatment, a minimum of 4 sessions is required, which is one session every 2 to 3 weeks.
For HIFD DIAMOND® technology treatment, a minimum of 4 sessions is also necessary, at an average of 1 to 2 sessions per week. The CRISTAL Skin treatment is more comfortable since the vacuum action on the DIAMOND applicator may trigger “hickey” effects on the skin.
Some redness on the skin may be visible after a treatment. This redness will disappear within 48 hours after the treatment.
The results
Both methods are suitable to fi rm up the skin, but they are aimed to treat different indication, for different patients. Radiofrequency is perfectly indicated for patients with mature skin, which is looser. With age, the body produces less collagen, and the skin loses elasticity and starts to sag. It is not advised to apply a vacuum on this type of skin as it could worsen the texture. The radiofrequency will address the loss of collagen and sti-mulate its production, thus offering a satisfactory result. Radiofrequency may also be effective in the treatment of painful cellulite (fibrous cellulite) on which the vacuum action is very uncomfortable. For younger patients or patients that are affected by painless cellulite (adipose), the DIAMOND® technology will be more effective. The vacuum mechanical action stretches the septa and erases cellulite while the LED stimulates collagen pro-duction to renew the skin elasticity and offer a firmer effect.
These two technologies are essential in aesthetic medicine in order to treat all indications. It is important to establish a personalised treatment plan according to each patient to meet his or her expectations and select the most suited technology.
Dr Klaus Plogmeier: Klaus Plogmeier is a plastic and aesthetic surgery specialist and practices in Berlin.
More information : plogmeier.com
