A new nonsurgical skin rejuvenation treatment combining radiofrequency technology and laser therapy is offering patients another option for addressing signs of aging, sun damage and uneven skin tone.
Nikki Sommer, a nurse practitioner with Key West Surgical Group Incorporated and Med Spa, joined Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5FM this morning for Medical Matters.
The K-LUXE treatment combines two technologies designed to address different aspects of skin aging.
Sommer said aging affects the skin in several ways, including the loss of collagen and elastin, the development of fine lines and wrinkles, changes in pigmentation and a gradual loss of firmness.
“When your skin ages, it’s not just one thing happening,” Sommer said. “We’re losing collagen, developing fine lines, wrinkles, experiencing changes in pigmentation, and, you know, again, with the skin laxity, your skin is becoming looser.”
She said those changes often require more than one approach to treatment.
The K-LUXE treatment combines XERF radiofrequency technology with the LaseMD Ultra laser. According to Sommer, the radiofrequency component focuses on skin firmness and collagen remodeling, while the laser addresses concerns such as sun damage, pigmentation and uneven texture.
XERF is a noninvasive radiofrequency treatment that does not use needles. Sommer explained that it delivers controlled heat to underlying tissues to stimulate the body’s natural collagen-remodeling process.
“Collagen provides the strength and the structure, while elastin helps your skin stretch and bounce back,” Sommer said.
As collagen production slows with age, the skin can begin to sag, and wrinkles and fine lines may become more noticeable.
Sommer said some patients notice an immediate tightening effect after XERF, while others see gradual improvements over the following weeks.
“Collagen remodeling takes time,” she said. “I always tell patients, and they hate it because nobody wants to have patience. But collagen is a process, and you need to trust the process.”
She also addressed concerns about facial fat loss associated with some radiofrequency treatments. Sommer said proper technique, appropriate settings and patient selection are important factors in reducing the risk of complications.
XERF does not use needles, and the device incorporates temperature monitoring and a cooling system. Sommer explained that the system automatically interrupts radiofrequency output when the treatment tip’s surface temperature exceeds 43 degrees Celsius.
She said published research on the technology has reported improvements in skin firmness and collagen remodeling, although the technology is relatively new in the United States.
The second component of K-LUXE is the LaseMD Ultra, a nonablative thulium laser that creates microscopic zones of controlled thermal injury in the skin to stimulate its natural repair process.
While XERF primarily targets structural skin tightening, Sommer said the laser is intended to address surface-level concerns, including pigmentation, sun damage, skin texture and enlarged pores. It can also help with scarring and active acne.
“If you come into me and you have multiple concerns, like, ‘I have pigmentation, sun damage, texture, tone. My pores are big,’ I’m going to recommend doing the combo treatment because the Ultra addresses that,” Sommer said. “So we’re really addressing all the problems going on in the skin with these two treatments.”
Because the laser is nonablative, it does not remove the skin’s entire outer layer. Sommer said patients may experience redness and a sensation similar to a sunburn, along with a sandpaper-like texture as the skin recovers. Redness typically lasts a day or two, although it can occasionally persist longer.
Treatment intensity can be adjusted based on the patient’s skin and goals. Sommer said some patients may receive a topical numbing treatment before the laser portion to allow for a more intensive approach to pigmentation and sun damage.
She said potential candidates include people with mild to moderate skin laxity, uneven skin tone, sun damage, fine lines and changes in skin texture. Patients with more significant skin laxity who do not want a facelift may also wish to discuss their options during a consultation.
Key West Surgical Group Incorporated and Med Spa, located at 3134 Northside Drive in Key West, offers free consultations for patients interested in learning more about the treatment.
Sommer said the combined approach may be particularly useful for patients who want to address both skin firmness and sun damage.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit keywestsurgicalgroup.com or call 305-294-1041.