What is Protege Elite?
Portege Elite is a monopolar radiofrequency (RF) device that delivers high energy in a controlled fashion to non-invasively tighten skin and reduce wrinkles and fine lines. Radiofrequency (RF) is one category on the electromagnetic spectrum, which includes common energy types such as WiFi signals, radio and TV waves, and microwave ovens. The RF energy used is in the region of 3.4Mhz, which is on the slow end of the radiofrequency range and in energy terms, low energy.
How does Protege Elite work?
Protege Elite delivers RF energy to the skin where it meets resistance against electric currents or in technical terms, impedance. This creates heat, which warms the skin to approximately 42 to 44 °C. Heat causes collagen denaturation, which results in shrinkage and skin tightening. Damaged collagen tissue also signals the skin to repair itself, stimulating fibroblasts to produce new collagen (a process known as neocollagenosis) and remodelling, which leads to improvement in skin laxity and texture.
How is this procedure different from other treatments?
Portege Elite heats tissue in a highly controlled fashion, using real-time control of heating and cooling to achieve the best results while keeping the patient comfortable and pain free. It bypasses the superficial skin and delivers RF energy to the dermis, without damaging the upper layers of the skin or causing burns. Its rounded applicator head lends itself particularly well for treatment of the periorbital area around the eyes that are not easily accessible to other equipment.
What are the main benefits of Protege Elite?
The primary benefits of Protege Elite are tightening of the skin and reduction of wrinkles and fine lines. Its ability to stimulate new collagen production and remodelling also helps to reverse some of the changes of photoageing, resulting in smoother, firmer and younger looking skin.
What areas of the face can be treated with Protege Elite?
- Brows
- Periorbital area around the eyes
- Perioral area around the mouth
- Lower face and jawline, including jowls
- Neck – loose skin/wrinkles
- Décolletage
Who is suitable for Portege Elite?
Portege Elite can be used for anyone with mild-to-moderate skin laxity who prefers to avoid surgery. Patients with good skin elasticity are ideal whereas those with severe laxity or very sagging skin are better suited for surgery. Protégé Elite treatment is safe for patients of all skin tones.
Contraindications for Portege Elite
- Pregnant and breast-feeding women
- Patients with a pacemakers
- Patients with metal implants in the treatment area
- Patients with collagen vascular diseases or autoimmune diseases.
- Patients with serious health problems (heart, kidney disease, cancer, etc)
- Patients with active local skin disease (infections, wounds, etc)
How is treatment done?
A grounding pad is placed on the patients’ back to ensure safe and effective delivery of the RF energy to the skin. The skin is cleansed and a layer of ultrasound gel is applied to the skin. The rounded applicator head is applied in circular movements to the skin, delivering radiofrequency energy and warming the skin to approximately 42 to 44 °C.
How does treatment feel?
There is no pain but you will feel a moderate warmth rather like a warm ball rolling over the skin’s surface and the occasional hot spot. The heating sensation is a sign that the deep layers of your skin are reaching effective temperatures for collagen remodelling. No anaesthesia is required.
How long does the procedure take?
Treatment time varies between 30-45 mins depending on the area that is treated.
What to expect after the treatment?
There may be brief redness, swelling, tingling or aching. There is no down time and you can apply makeup and resume normal activity immediately. Sunscreen use is highly recommended to protect the skin from further sun damage. Rare side effects include numbness and blistering.
How many treatments are recommended?
Protege Elite is typically performed two to four weeks apart for 2 – 6 sessions, depending on severity. We recommend 4-6 treatments at weekly intervals for best results.
How soon will I see improvement?
Improvement is noticeable after 2 treatments and continues due to neocollagenosis (new collagen formation). The most improvement occurs 3 months after the last treatment and can continue up to 6 months.
How long do the results last?
Touch-up treatments are recommended to keep pace with the natural ageing process. This can be done 3 or 6 monthly intervals, according to your needs.
Will I look unnatural after the treatment?
Protégé stimulates collagen regeneration and tightens the skin and reduce lines. It does not alter facial features.
Can I combine Protege Elite with any other treatments?
Protege Elite can be combined with fillers to correct volume loss such as sunken cheeks and jowls or Botox to reduce expression lines or other non-invasive treatments such as lasers and HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound) which target different areas of skin.