What if we could have the collagen-boosting, glow-inducing powers of a professional microneedling treatment, but with less redness, inflammation, bleeding, and downtime?
Enter: pulsed wave tech.
Curious? So were we. To learn more, we tapped Dr. Gabriel Chiu, a renowned, board-certified surgeon, for an explanation of this buzzy facial treatment.
What is a pulsed wave tech facial?
Basically, a pulse wave tech facial is the love child of microneedling and radio frequency.
Microneedling is one of the most popular skincare treatments to reduce scarring, signs of aging, minimize pore size, and boost radiance. But the biggest challenge with microneedling is that, while it only impacts the uppermost layer of dermis and is therefore considered minimally invasive, it still requires at least a week of downtime.
Radiofrequency is the same as radio waves, which are around us all the time. When strong enough, these waves generate heat and energy. Aesthetic medicine uses a low level of RF energy that generates just enough heat to cause small, controlled injuries to deep layers of the skin. This sets off the body’s healing process, promoting collagen production.
Pulse wave tech facials—like Dr. Chiu’s secret weapon Sylfirm X—combines the best of both treatments.
How does Sylfirm X work?
Here’s Dr. Chiu’s breakdown of the process:
“Sylfirm X targets deeper layers of your skin with precision-controlled needles, delivering thermal radiofrequency (RF) energy that stimulates collagen and elastin production. It encourages your skin to heal naturally while tightening and rejuvenating from within, giving your skin a smoother, firmer appearance,” Dr. Chiu tells us.
And if you think that sounds like microneedling, well, it kind of is. But …
How is it different from microneedling?
“Traditional microneedling uses tiny needles to create micro-injuries on the skin’s surface, which stimulates collagen and elastin production. Sylfirm X uses this technique as well, but also incorporates RF energy. This energy is delivered directly into the dermis through the needles, providing a synergistic stimulation that enhances production more effectively. This results in a more potent and precise treatment that improves skin texture, tone, and firmness.”
This has a much more obvious effect on things like elasticity, a factor that microneedling may only affect marginally, if at all. Plus, this pulse wave technology has less intense aftereffects.
(For our skincare-obsessed readers, this is not the same thing as Morpheus8, which has been shown in many circumstances to be a little too intense.)
Dr. Chiu adds that Sylfirm X is more advanced than other similar treatments, minimizing negative effects like facial fat loss and hyperpigmentation.
“Dual wavelength technology allows more effective energy to be delivered without burning tissue or melting fat. Also, being able to adjust the needle depth in 0.1 mm increments (Morpheus8 is adjustable in 1.0 mm increments) will not only prevent the melting of facial fat, but allows the treatments to be ultra-precise, strategically treating target areas,” he explains.
Thanks to this precision, sensitive areas aren’t overworked, tougher areas aren’t underworked, and the skin has a much quicker turnaround time.
As you consider your next intensive treatment, let science guide you to your most efficient glow-up of all time.
The content provided in this article is provided for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice and consultation, including professional medical advice and consultation; it is provided with the understanding that Poosh, LLC (“Poosh”) is not engaged in the provision or rendering of medical advice or services. The opinions and content included in the article are the views of the author only, and Poosh does not endorse or recommend any such content or information, or any product or service mentioned in the article. You understand and agree that Poosh shall not be liable for any claim, loss, or damage arising out of the use of, or reliance upon any content or information in the article.
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