Introduction
Welcome to Omniya Clinic's guide to your XERF treatment. Below, you will find comprehensive contraindications, pre-care and post-care information for your treatment. If you have any questions, please contact our reception team who will be happy to assist you.
Medical History
You will receive a medical history form by email ahead of your appointment. If you're not able to complete it beforehand, we kindly ask that you arrive about 10 minutes early to fill it in at the clinic.
If there have been any changes to your health, or you've started any new medication since your last visit, please let us know before your appointment so we can make sure your treatment is still right for you.
Contraindications
XERF (monopolar radiofrequency, 6.78 MHz and 2 MHz) is not suitable if you have any of the following within the treatment area:
- Implanted pacemakers, internal ventricular fibrillation controllers (AICD), or other electrical devices, as these may interfere with RF energy or current
- Permanent fillers (non hyaluronic acid/ non dissolvable) or facial implants
- Detected pathological abnormalities
- A medical condition that may impair peripheral nervous tissue function, such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis
- Infections or infected tissue in the treatment area
- Unrealistic treatment expectations
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Healing disorders.
- History of cancer, current cancer, pre-cancerous lesions, and pre-malignant moles.
- Radiation and chemotherapy
- Metal implants in the area treated.
- Fragile, dehydrated skin.
- Active skin conditions in the area treated, such as psoriasis and eczema, sores, and rash.
- Recent surgical procedures in the treated area within three months or before complete healing.
- Excessively tanned skin from sun or tanning beds within the last 2 weeks.
Cautionary Criteria
The following do not automatically prevent treatment, but require caution and will be assessed by your practitioner before you are treated:
- Metal implants outside the electrical pathway: used with caution and monitored for discomfort
- Lesions due to diabetes, connective tissue disorders, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or uncontrolled diabetes
- Being unable or unwilling to follow pre/post-treatment care instructions
- Acute conditions, autoimmune diseases, or hypertension
- Allergy to adhesives (e.g. medical tape glue): there is a risk of rash at the return pad site. Over the counter treatments may help
- Blood disorders, or taking aspirin/anticoagulants
- Allergy to corn (including Parker Aquasonic Gel derivatives): treatment should be avoided
- Allergy to anaesthesia, antibiotics, or medications
- History of keloids or keloid scarring
- Male clients should be clean-shaven prior to treatment
- Epilepsy, tanned or sun-damaged skin
- Being prone to fever blisters or herpes: an antiviral regimen should begin prior to treatment
- Fat grafting or skin grafts in the treatment area in the last 6 months
- Temporary filler injections in the last 4 weeks
- Being on long-term anti-inflammatory medications
- Recent or cosmetic tattoos in the treatment area
- Melasma and dark skin types (Fitzpatrick IV-VI): skin preparation is not required, but it is recommended to help reduce the risk of pigmentation changes. Contact the clinic for further advice
Pre Treatment Instructions
To prepare for your XERF treatment, please:
- As with any RF treatment, hydration is important. Increase your water intake and decrease alcohol and coffee intake 24 hours prior to treatment. A minimum 2 litres per day is recommended.
- 2 weeks prior to treatment, avoid sun exposure;
- Stop tretinoin 2 weeks prior while over the counter retinol and other actives need to be stopped 48 hours prior to the treatment. If the barrier of the skin is impaired (recently started using retinol, skin shows signs of dryness, irritation, do not use it 7 days prior to the treatment)
- Arrive for treatment with clean skin. No lotions, make-up, perfume, powders or bath/shower oil should be present on the area to be treated.
- Shave any thick overlying hair within the treatment area. Male clients should be clean-shaven prior to treatment.
- Remove all jewellery before treatment.
- If you are prone to fever blisters or herpes, an antiviral regimen should begin prior to treatment (one day before which continues 6 days after the treatment). Please contact the clinic in advance so this can be arranged
- Avoid Sauna or Hammam Scrub 72 hours before the treatment
- Facial resurfacing, chemical and mechanical peels in the area treated within the last 2 weeks
- Injections of botulinum toxin within the last 2 weeks.
- Application of essential oils 15 days before the treatment session in the area treated
- Tanning creams within the last week
Post Treatment Instructions, Expectations and Care
After treatment, you must minimise potential side effects by taking appropriate care of the treated area. Please strictly follow all post-treatment instructions
- Do not use a cooling or ice pack in the treatment area.
- Do not apply anything on the skin 2 to 3 hours after the treatment.
- No makeup can be applied at least 24 hours post treatment.
- Keep the treatment area moisturised. Moisturise daily.
- Apply a UV A/B sunblock daily with an SPF of at least 50 and PA+++. Use an umbrella, hat or any other available protection against sunlight while spending time outdoors.
- Avoid using cosmetics containing alcohol or retinol for at least one week after treatment.
- Avoid sun exposure 4 weeks after the treatment
- Avoid hot baths, showers, sauna, and swimming pools 72 hours after the treatment.
- Avoid exercising 24 hours after the treatment. Increased redness may result from any activity that increases blood flow or body temperature.
- Neocollagenesis occurs over time. Treatment results are evident around 1 month and continue for up to approximately 6 months post treatment.
- Based on your goals, follow up treatments may be recommended.
- A minimum of 2 treatments is recommended, at 4-6 week intervals.
- Results will vary from patient to patient.
- Contact us with any questions or concerns.
Possible Complications and Side Effects
- Erythema (redness): The treatment area may present erythema immediately after the treatment, which usually resolves within 24 hours depending on skin sensitivity. Recent retinol, vitamin C, glycolic and salicylic acid use may produce more pronounced redness.
- Oedema (swelling): The treatment area may present mild oedema following the treatment. This typically resolves within a few hours or few days after the treatment.
- Pain: Momentary discomfort may be experienced during the procedure.
- Skin might appear dry for up to 10 days following the treatment.
- Surface irregularities
- Sensory changes
- Burns
- Blisters
- Scabs and scars
- Lumps or nodules
- Pigmented changes
- Bruises
- Blanching
- Urticaria
- Herpes simplex outbreak
- Infection
- Folliculitis
- Acne
- Itchiness in the periocular area or excessive itchiness overall
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Sore, achy or tingling sensation
When to Contact Us
If you have any concerns, have had a reaction or think you might have had a reaction, please contact us.
Phone: 020 7584 4777 Email: [email protected] - please include photos if applicable.
Follow Up Appointments
If you would like to schedule a follow-up appointment or have any questions regarding future appointments, please contact us by:
- Phone: 020 7584 4777
- Email: [email protected]
- Online: Book an appointment online here
Survey
Please click here to complete a short survey following your appointment today. The survey is completely anonymous and will take less than 2 minutes of your time.
Review
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We look forward to supporting you throughout your treatment journey and helping you achieve excellent results.
