Fractora is a safe and effective treatment option that utilizes radiofrequency technology to give the face a youthful appearance. Fractora is an ideal treatment option for patients who would like to improve their facial appearance without undergoing laser or surgical procedures. The specialists at Hillelson-Whipple Clinic. Plastic Surgery in Richmond, VA provide patients with customized Fractora treatments. Common conditions that Dr. Ruth Hillelson M.D., F.A.C.S. treats using Fractora include the following:
- Jowling
- Nasal labial fold lines
- Bags under the eyes
- Frown lines
- Troublesome aging lines on the cheeks and neck
Fractora can also be used to help patients who have cystic acne or acne scars. Patients who undergo a Fractora treatment or series of treatments with Dr. Ruth Hillelson at Hillelson-Whipple Clinic receive results they love without having to have surgery.
The Procedure
A Fractora treatment is an outpatient procedure. Neither anesthesia nor intravenous (IV) sedation is used because patients feel no significant discomfort during the procedure. The procedure is performed using the following steps:
- A topical numbing cream is applied to the area(s) of the face that the patient wishes to improve
- A device delivering radio frequency energy through micro-pins is used to deliver the RF energy within the skin surface
The radio frequency device has tips with various depths. Dr. Hillelson selects the tips and pins to increase or decrease the amount of radiofrequency the patient’s skin receives. This customized treatment approach allows the specialist to provide patients with maximum results. Total procedure time is usually one and a half hours, depending on the size of the skin area treated.
Recovery
Following their procedure, patients may return to normal daily activities. The minimal amount of swelling and bruising that is associated with the procedure is easily controlled using ice packs. Patients may feel that their face is a bit tight after their procedure. If present, this feeling will go away a few days. Total recovery time for a Fractora treatment can often be less than an hour.
Results
Patients will notice that their face looks much better after their procedure. Over the course of recovery, collagen tightens and patients see improvements in their facial appearance. Their face is lifted and volume is added to lax areas. Skin complexion also improves. Six short weeks after their procedure, patients will see their final results. A Fractora treatment or series of treatments can make a patient look decidedly younger.
Candidates
Candidates for a Fractora treatment usually fall into two categories:
- Men and women between the ages of thirty and fifty-five who have visible signs of aging that they would like to improve
- Patients who have active acne or acne scars that do not respond to oral and/or topical medications
Treatments are usually reserved for healthy, non-smoking patients with no other serious medical conditions. The definitive way for patients to determine if they are candidates for a Fractora treatment is to attend an initial consultation with Dr. Hillelson at Hillelson-Whipple Clinic.
Initial Consultation
An initial consultation starts with the patient being welcomed into the clinical facility. Dr. Ruth Hillelson, M.D., F.A.C.S., begins the consultation with a step-by-step approach to the following:
- A medical history is obtained and a discussion is had regarding the patient’s surgical goals and desired outcome
- A physical examination is performed to access visible signs of aging
- A customized treatment plan is created based on the opinion of Dr. Hillelson and the desires of the patient
At the conclusion of the initial consultation, Dr. Hillelson invites patients to ask any questions and state any concerns so that they may be properly answered and addressed. The decision regarding treatment is always left up to the patient. Because the specialists take the time to understand and educate their patients, patients who make the decision to have a Fractora treatment are completely comfortable and relaxed before their surgery.
Fractora FAQ
How does Fractora work?
Fractora works by introducing radiofrequency technology to gently heat facial skin after micro-lesions are performed to help restore and resurface connective tissues. When it is heated to forty-two to forty-three degrees Celsius, collagen, which is the main structural protein in connective tissues, breaks down. Over the course of six-weeks, collagen that is broken down during a Fractora treatment reforms and connective tissues become much tighter and stronger. The face is lifted and volume is added to hallow areas.
Is Fractora considered a noninvasive or minimally invasive treatment option?
A Fractora treatment does not involve an incision or the removal of any body tissue; therefore, Fractora is a non-invasive treatment option.
How many Fractora treatments will I need?
The amount of Fractora treatments a patient receives depends on the following:
- The patient’s visible signs of aging
- The patient’s goals and desired outcome
- The opinion of the Fractora specialist
The definitive way for patients to know how many treatments they will need is to arrange and attend an initial consultation with Dr. Hillelson at the Hillelson-Whipple Clinic.
Will treatments be tailored to meet my needs?
At Hillelson-Whipple Clinic, customized treatment plans that are in the best interest of the patient are created using a team approach. The amount and type of treatments a patient receives will be based on their needs. One of the things that makes Fractora such an effective treatment option is the ease with which radiofrequency levels can be adjusted to treat each patient’s unique condition.
Can all the areas of my face be treated with Fractora?
Areas of the face with fine lines, wrinkles, and scars may be treated using Fractora. The most common areas that Dr. Hillelson treats are the following:
- The upper and lower eyelids
- The mouth and cheeks
- The neck
Fractora may also be used in small, localized areas where acne is present. The ability of Fractora to treat every area of the face is one of the reasons why it is such an effective treatment option.
How can I maximize my results?
Fractora results can be maximized if patients use sunscreen and live a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise.
Can Fractora be used to treat my double chin?
Fractora is used to tighten facial skin and connective tissues. The effects of Fractora on the fat cells that cause a double chin are currently being studied but not yet known. Patients who are interested in improving the appearance of their double chin may receive the results they have always wanted by undergoing Kybella treatments.
Are their risks associated with Fractora?
There are risks associated with all medical treatments. The risks associated with Fractora will be explained in detail to patients at their initial consultation. Dr. Hillelson will take any and all measures to decrease the risks associated with Fractora treatment. The overwhelming majority of patients find that the potential benefits of Fractora greatly outweigh the risks.
Can I see before and after photos of patients who have had a Fractora treatment at Hillelson-Whipple Clinic?
Before and after photos are an important part of an initial consultation. Patients will be shown before and after photos of patients with whom they have similar facial characteristics and visible signs of aging. Before and after photos are a great tool to show patients what type of results they can expect. Dr. Hillelson always tells patients exactly how their results will be similar and different to the results they see in the photos. This type of detailed approach to patient education helps patient feel completely comfortable and at-ease before their Fractora treatment.
How do I prepare for my Fractora initial consultation?
Patients are encouraged to think about their treatment goals and desired outcome before their initial consultation. They are also asked to bring a list of current medications and herbal supplements that they are taking. Patients who go into their initial consultation with reasonable expectations and a positive attitude are the ones that receive maximum results.
How do I arrange my initial consultation?
Patients who are interested in arranging an initial consultation with Dr. Ruth Hillelson at Hillelson-Whipple Clinic can contact our office at 804.290.0060.