Q: What is TriPollar RF?

A: TriPollar Radio Frequency (RF) technology is an innovative proprietary 3rd generation RF technology developed by Pollogen Ltd. TriPollar harnesses the inherent benefits of RF technology and overcomes the limitations of previous mono-polar and bi-polar technologies. It is simple to use and extremely efficient. TriPollar treatments deliver immediate visible facial contouring effects from the first treatment – and long-lasting aesthetic results without surgery or downtime.

 

Q: Is the TriPollar technology safe?

 

A: TriPollar technology is FDA cleared and has been proved safe and effective in clinical studies. RF has been used in medicine for over 75 years. In aesthetic medicine, RF has been used for more than 10 years.

Q: What is Radiofrequency (RF) technology and how does it work?

A: Radiofrequency, in the context of aesthetic applications, is a general method to heat deep skin layers by delivering High Frequency (HF) electrical current via electrodes into the body. Body cells do not interpret High Frequency electrical current as electricity but rather as an energy source. The skin layers act as resistors to the HF electrical current and depending on their resistance they heat up to varying degrees. The heat which is generated in the dermis and subcutaneous layers is responsible for the clinical outcome.

Q: What is the difference between TriPollar, mono-polar and bi-polar RF?

 

A: Mono-polar, the first generation of RF technology, uses one electrode to deliver electrical energy and a return pad connected to the leg or back to close the electrical circuit. The electric current passes through a large part of the body so that there is no control over the depth of penetration and area affected.

The next generation, Bi-polar technology, uses two electrodes on the treatment applicator, with the current flowing between the two electrodes. This confines the treatment area somewhat, but still does not achieve effective treatment focus.

Since both Mono-polar and Bi-polar RF technologies are not focused, they usually require higher energy levels to achieve clinical results. The high energy heats the skin that is near the electrodes. This can cause pain and a higher risk of burns and skin damage. In addition, these older technologies require cooling mechanisms to mitigate these risks, which result in less efficient heating of the skin layers.

 

With TriPollar RF technology, controlled energy is delivered via three or more electrodes, centered between them, and limited only to the treatment area.  This focused energy delivery results in improved treatment efficacy that provides immediate visible results from the 1st treatment. The treatment is painless and pleasant because of the relatively low power needed.

Q: Can we combine TriPollar treatments with other treatments?

A: The decision to combine the TriPollar treatment with other modalities should be based on individual patient results. The secondary treatment should be performed only after complete healing has occurred. The general recommendations for combination treatments based on feedback gathered from practitioners are:

Invasive/ablative procedures such as: plastic surgery, liposuction, deep peeling, laser resurfacing: 1-3 months or until complete healing has occurred.

Botox: 2 weeks.

Natural fillers: 3-4 weeks.

Mesotherapy: depends on formulation and skin healing rate.

Superficial/ light peels, AHA and BHA: 2 weeks.

Fractional laser: 1 month or until complete healing.

Ultrasound, LED devices: 24 hours.

Laser, IPL procedures: 1-2 week.

Synthetic fillers, gold/plastic threads: not recommended to combine

 

Q: How does the operator select the treatment parameters?

 

A: The Apollo device is embedded with safety default parameters for each applicator. The parameters are gradually adjusted according to the tolerance of the patient. The RF power is adjusted to the optimal power needed to achieve an endpoint skin surface temperature of 104 F and 107.6 F (40-42oC) which is maintained for the recommended exposure time.

 

Q: What facial conditions does the Apollo treat?

 

A: The Apollo is cleared by the FDA for treatment of facial wrinkles and rhytides. Due to enhanced generation of new collagen and tightening of existing collagen the Apollo can treat sagging skin, loose jowls, jaw line contouring, sagging skin under-chin (“turkey neck”), wrinkles and fine lines, and a general toning and lifting of the face.

 

Q: What does a TriPollar treatment with the Apollo system feel like?

 

A: A TriPollar treatment feels like a warm massage. It is pleasant and pain-free. Some patients even report falling asleep during treatments.

 

Q: What is the down time after a TriPollar treatment?

 

A: There is no down time after a TriPollar treatment. One can resume regular activity immediately after the treatment.

 

Q: What does the patient need to do to prepare for a TriPollar treatment?

 

A: There are no special requirements or preparations for a TriPollar treatment.

 

Q: How many TriPollar facial treatments are recommended?

 

A: The standard protocol for facial treatments with the Apollo device calls for 4- 6 treatments. However, if needed, more treatments can be added according to the condition being treated. Touch-up treatments are recommended every 1-3 months to maintain and improve the treatment results.

 

Q: How long is the TriPollar facial treatment?

 

A: The duration of the Apollo facial treatment is about 30-45 minutes. Your practitioner will determine your facial treatment protocol.

 

Q: How soon can I see results?

 

A: The majority of patients are able to see visible results immediately after the 1st facial treatment. However, in order to achieve long-term results, you will need to undergo several TriPollar treatments.

 

Q: How long will the results last?

 

A: The results should last several months, however, since the body continues to age and the ageing process cannot be stopped, it is recommended to undergo preventative treatments every few months in order to maintain the results.

 

Q: If I have metal implants in my knees, can I have a TriPollar facial treatment?

 

A: Yes, you can undergo a facial treatment if the metal implants are in a different body area. In general, treatment should not be performed over metal implants. If you have teeth fillings, braces etc. you can also undergo treatment. If the area feels sensitive, dental cotton pads or slightly damped gauze can be inserted between the teeth and cheeks.

 

Q: Can a TriPollar treatment be performed every day?

 

A: Clinical trials conducted by Pollogen found that optimal results are obtained when there is a one week interval between treatments. If the intervals need to be adjusted, the minimum time between treatments should be four days and the maximum time should be two weeks.

 

Other RF manufacturers and clinical papers may claim different intervals. However, Pollogen has found treating at one week intervals yields the best treatment results. If the interval is too small, the skin is too sensitive and as a result the operator reduces the power settings and optimal results are not achieved. Since the treatment activates internal processes that continue after the treatment, it is best to allow at least four days before performing another TriPollar treatment.

 

Q: Should one drink water after a TriPollar Treatment?

 

A: It is a good idea to drink water after a TriPollar treatment to refresh and to improve drainage.

 

 Q: How soon after pregnancy can a TriPollar facial treatment be performed?

 

A: A TriPollar treatment can be performed 1-3 months post pregnancy (as long as the woman is not breast feeding and depending on her general physical health.)

Q: Why is glycerin used during TriPollar treatments?

A: Glycerin was found to be the most suitable treatment lubricant due to its high resistance to RF. It allows the RF to penetrate to the deep layers while protecting the epidermal layer from becoming overheated or harmed. Glycerin is also widely used in the cosmetics industry as a safe and beneficial component. Glycerin also helps the applicator glide comfortably over the skin.