Virtue is the latest generation of microneedling combined with radiofrequency energy. Created by Cartessa Aesthetics, Virtue is a skin rejuvenation treatment that boosts collagen and elastin production through hundreds of microscopic punctures. This triggers a wound-healing response in the body, which is the key to improving our skin. Cartessa has improved RF microneedling to make Virtue the most comfortable option available.

Virtue is the most advanced microneedling system available today. The combination of needle penetration and RF energy delivery triggers what is called neocollagenisis in the dermis layer of the skin. There have been a variety of these devices, including Vivace. But at Providence, we feel Virtue has made subtle, but very effective, upgrades to RF microneedling.

Microneedling has been around for 20 years or so and has been an effective way to trigger new collagen production to treat acne scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, areas of loose skin, large pores, stretch marks, and pigmentation problems.

Radiofrequency energy has been delivered through various handpieces to also encourage collagen production. The problem has always been that the RF energy has to first penetrate the epidermis. Because of this, the energy delivered could not be too high, as it could burn the outer skin. Once the RF energy does penetrate the epidermis, it converts to heat in the dermis, the skin’s second layer. When the body senses heat in the dermis layer, it assumes there has been a wound. It triggers a wound response, where existing collagen near the “wounds” is instantly remodeled and new collagen and elastin production is initiated. This improves the skin immediately and for weeks following.

All of these treatments, from Vivace to Profound to Genius, are similar — they all deliver RF energy from the tips of the microneedling pins directly into the dermis.

Virtue does that, as well. But it has improved the treatment in the area of patient comfort. Virtue RF delivers its 36 gold-coated microneedles into the skin using the exclusive robotic precision delivery system (RPD). The pin insertion is so exact and clean that it eliminates tearing and skin trauma that has long been a side effect of all microneedling, including RF microneedling. Other microneedling pens in both stand-alone and RF microneedling systems can scratch the skin as they move across the treatment areas. This is painful, and it can close the channels with blood and sebum, diminishing the effectiveness in those areas.

Virtue has also improved post-treatment. Every Virtue RF treatment is immediately followed by the application of a Microcurrent Dual Face Mask. This unique dual-mask system uses patented Tissue X™ microcurrent technology to deliver skin-soothing ingredients deeper into the skin. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, it eliminates the redness and optimizes the post-RF microneedling healing.

Virtue RF microneedling provides these benefits for our Providence patients:

• Rejuvenation of crepey skin
• Improves wrinkles and fine lines
• Improves acne scarring
• Improves overall skin texture
• Minimizes large pores
• Improves skin tone
• Improves scar tissue and stretch marks
• Is virtually pain-free
• Has only minimal downtime

Who couldn’t improve their skin through increased levels of collagen and elastin, and by breaking down areas with poor texture? Ideal candidates for Virtue treatments at Providence are those looking to reduce the visible signs of aging, improve the firmness of their skin, and lessen the appearance of stretch marks. Because Virtue delivers the RF energy beneath the epidermis, there isn’t any danger of pigmentation problems, as with laser procedures. Virtue is non-invasive and it works on all skin types. It is a great procedure for just about anyone concerned with fine lines, wrinkles acne scarring, sun-damaged skin, areas of poor texture, large pores, stretch marks, and other skin issues.

You need to remember that microneedling and radiofrequency treatments are performed every day as separate procedures, and both are safe procedures with little to any risk. Virtue RF simply combines them into one procedure. Plus, by delivering the RF energy beneath the epidermis rather than through it Virtue removes the chances of any skin burning or damage. These are non-invasive, easily tolerated procedures that deliver impressive skin tightening and improvement.

One of the key differences that we love about Virtue RF is that these are virtually pain-free treatments. We apply topical numbing cream prior to your session. Plus, as described above, the precision of Virtue’s robotic precision delivery makes the insertion of the 36 microneedling pins very clean. There isn’t any tearing or skin trauma that can be a part of other microneedling treatments.

At Providence, we’ve found a series of three or four initial treatments in a series to be effective for turning around your skin. These are spaced from four to six weeks apart to allow the collagen boost to fully take hold in between. Once your series is complete, we recommend a maintenance Virtue session every six months.

The length of a Virtue RF treatment at our offices on Golf Links Drive in Charlotte depends on the area or areas we’re treating. Typically, a full-face treatment will take about 20 minutes.

There isn’t any preparation necessary for our Virtue RF treatments at Providence.

Another aspect of our Virtue RF Microneedling treatments that our patients really love is the post-treatment care we provide. After every Virtue RF treatment, we apply the Microcurrent Dual Face Mask. This unique dual-mask system only comes with these Virtue RF treatments. The dual mask uses patented Tissue X™ microcurrent technology to deliver skin soothing ingredients deeper into the skin. This after-care is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. The Microcurrent Dual Face Mask works to eliminate redness and to optimize your post-microneedling healing.

There are two mask types available, the wet mask and the dry mask. The wet mask immediately soothes the skin with these ingredients:

• Sodium hyaluronate
• Aloe vera extract
• Caffeine

The dry mask also uses woven Tissue X™ technology, utilizing differences in ions to generate a microcurrent without the use of separate devices, electricity, or metals.

Our patients love the fact that our Virtue RF treatments use the body’s natural healing mechanisms to build new skin cells and supplies of collagen and elastin. As soon as your redness passes, you’ll see a change in your skin. But the real improvements begin as the boost in collagen production fully kicks in. This will begin after about one week and will continue for weeks. After between 4 to 6 weeks, you will see the full benefits of your Virtue RF Microneedling.

These treatments at Providence are great for just about anyone. Unlike many laser procedures, there isn’t any danger of hyperpigmentation issues with Virtue RF. That’s the beauty of delivering the radiofrequency energy beneath the outer epidermis.

Really, the only people who cannot have Virtue RF Microneedling are those with active skin infections. Any issues like those would need to clear up and resolve before having Virtue RF.