ACCENT

Nothing in life is simple and likewise the ageing process. True, volume loss does account for the greater part of the sagging that we experience. Sadly, gravity does also play its part, as does the constant movement of the face slowly but inexorably stretching the tissues beyond their ability to return to their original length. Although this process of collagen stretching and loss of elasticity occurs later in our lives, it has to start at some time and it makes sense to address it as soon as possible.

The Accent device delivers radiofrequency (RF) energy to the support tissues under the skin, heating them up and making them shrink. Collagen fibres are made up of microscopic coiled-up spirals. Slowly they uncoil, aided by constant use, sun, smoking and gravity. Just as your favourite woollen jumper will shrink in the washing machine (remember that wool fibres have been teased out and stretched so return to their normal shortness on heating), your collagen fibres can also be encouraged to return to their normal shortness and elasticity on gentle heating.

Accent delivers a controlled heating that does not hurt. It warms the tissues. The amount of warming is controlled by a hand-held temperature gauge; as soon as the desired temperature is reached the head is moved to another area of the face. The treatment feels pleasant and has been described like a mixture of a hair dryer and a roll-on deodorant! 

Once treated, the skin is a little red but this quickly subsides after half an hour. Make-up can be applied immediately.

In order to achieve the best results it is recommended to have the first three treatments in quick succession; preferably within two weeks. Thereafter you should repeat the treatments every three to four months.

Accent can also be used on the body. We use it as a routine after the Ultrashape treatment and it is recommended to tone the skin after pregnancy, weight loss and for postmenopausal skin laxity.

RADIOLASE

Radiolase has been used in the operating theatre for many years. Now that we understand the value of RF energy in skin tightening, we can use Radiolase to tighten tissue. Radiolase is a very gentle source of RF energy and heats the tissue, just like the Accent machine. 

We use Radiolase to tighten the areas that Accent cannot reach – the hands, the neck, chest, arms and around the eyes. The head is small and is moved quickly over the area, heating it up and shrinking it as it goes. There is some redness and swelling with this treatment; this swelling is always welcomed by the client but disappears within 24 hours. Swelling is a healthy and positive response to the treatment and indicates a favourable outcome.

As for the Accent three treatments are recommended, the first three within two weeks and subsequent treatments every three to four months.