COSMETIC TOWN JOURNAL



Expert Doctor

TriPollar Apollo Treatment

TriPollar Apollo Treatment uses radiofrequency energy waves to reduce the natural signs of aging by heating the dermal tissue in order to stimulate new collagen production. The TriPollar Apollo Treatment device is designed with three electrodes, unlike older methods which use only one or two electrodes. This allows the device to emit less extreme heat while giving a more comfortable treatment with less downtime. The heat from the electromagnetic energy causes the body to generate collagen, which thickens the dermis under the skin’s surface and creates smoother, tighter skin. This action reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and loose skin without harming the outer tissue layer. TriPollar is often used to treat areas of the face, such as around the eyes and mouth, but it can also be performed on various areas of the body.

Am I a Good Candidate for TriPollar Apollo Treatment?

A GOOD CANDIDATE for TriPollar Apollo Treatment includes:

  • Any patient who wishes to decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
  • Patients who are generally between the ages of 35 to 45
  • Male or female patients with mild to moderate signs of aging
  • Patients who want to improve the appearance of cellulite
  • A patient with sagging skin under the chin or at the jawline
  • Patients with a BMI of less than 30 who have isolated pockets of fat and want a better body contour
  • Patients with all skin types and colors

The following patients are NOT GOOD CANDIDATES for TriPollar Apollo Treatment:

  • Patients looking for a one-time treatment
  • A patient who had recent chemotherapy treatments since this can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment
  • A patient with vascular collagen disease since this treatment depends on the body’s ability to produce collagen
  • Patients with large amounts of fat in the target area

How Is TriPollar Apollo Treatment Performed?

TriPollar Apollo Treatment is performed in the doctor’s office and does not require an anesthetic to numb the region. The treatments are not painful but the skin will feel warm like when hot stones are placed on the skin during a massage. TriPollar is manually controlled by the doctor and can be customized to fit the patient’s needs. When performed on the face, the setting will not be greater than 43-degrees Celsius because temperatures that exceed this degree of heat will begin to liquify the natural fat on the face and cause volume loss. However, when performed on areas such as the thighs, legs, abdomen and buttocks, the device can be set between 44 to 46-degrees Celsius. Treatment times vary based on the area being treated but it may take between 20 to 40 minutes. Since all patients tolerate heat at different levels, some patients may feel like the treated area is getting a bit hotter. If this happens, the doctor can stop and allow the heat to dissipate before continuing.

After applying glycerin to the skin, the doctor massages the area for 30 minutes with the handpiece. The handpiece will slowly and gently heat the skin to stimulate the growth of collagen to tighten the skin. TriPollar is used on one area at a time to firm the skin, enhance the contours of the body and improve the appearance of cellulite. 

Performed with Other Treatments

TriPollar can be performed in conjunction with other cosmetic treatments such as:

  • Dermal fillers and Botox to provide added benefits of collagen production and skin rejuvenation.
  • Thermage also uses radiofrequency on all skin types and has no downtime. It does create more discomfort and the possibility of downtime.
  • Laser skin tightening uses infrared light to deliver heat to the dermal layers beneath the skin’s surface to stimulate collagen production. Laser Skin Tightening requires no anesthesia or downtime. However, certain skin types and colors may not be ideal for laser treatments due to hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation issues.

What is the Cost of TriPollar Apollo Treatment?

The cost depends on the area being treated and the amount of treatments needed to gain the desired outcome. Each session costs between $300 to $600 and most patients need about 6 to 8 treatments.

Recovery and Downtime

TriPollar Apollo Treatments are non-invasive and do not require any DOWNTIME. The treatment area may feel warm and appear pink for a few hours after treatment. The area may also feel a bit sore, like an internal sunburn but there is no pain medication needed. Some patients may have some slight swelling which can last between 24 to 48 hours but will subside on its own. TriPollar treatments are considered a lunchtime procedure since it can be performed in less than an hour and the patient can resume all activities with no RECOVERY time. It is recommended that patients drink plenty of water, before and after the procedure, to help reduce the risk of dehydration.

Results

Some patients see a visible difference immediately after the first treatment and this is especially true when performed on the facial region. Other patients may see gradual improvements after about 3 weeks because it takes the body 21 days to naturally recondition the fibers before they can begin to produce more collagen. After the 4th or 5th treatment, the patient will see noticeable skin rejuvenation. For best results, each treatment should occur with one-week intervals between each session. To achieve long-term results, patients will need to complete the entire series of treatments. The doctor will determine the number of treatments needed to gain the desired results. To maintain the results, patients will need to have a treatment once or twice a year. Proper diet and exercise is also recommended since strength toning can build muscle and improve the appearance of the skin.

Limitations of TriPollar Apollo Treatment

The limitations involved with TriPollar Apollo Treatment include:

  • Less beneficial to a patient with a larger degree of skin laxity
  • The results may be minimal in a patient with mild to moderately deep wrinkles
  • Can only penetrate 2mm deep which cannot tighten muscles or excessive drooping of the skin
  • Pregnant women and those who have recently given birth cannot have the treatment

Risks of TriPollar Apollo Treatment

The risks involved with TriPollar Apollo Treatment include:

  • Dehydration
  • Burns
  • Infection
  • Blistering
  • Scarring

Considering TriPollar Apollo Treatment

TriPollar Apollo Treatment is a safe and effective means of skin rejuvenation. TriPollar can reduce fine lines, wrinkles and tighten mildly sagging skin under the chin and on the jawline. Six to eight TriPollar Apollo Treatments may seem extensive and somewhat pricey. However, most people choose this type of procedure due to its ability to improve the skin with minimal risks and no recovery. When considering this treatment, patients should choose a board-certified doctor and follow all procedure recommendations to lessen the potential of side effects and risks.

 

Written by Cosmetic Town Editorial Team -SP

Based on an exclusive interview with Camille Cash, MD in Houston, TX