Our skin changes as we age. The outer layer of skin, also called the epidermis, gets thinner as people grow older. The connective tissue in skin also loses elasticity, an effect that is more pronounced in areas exposed to lots of sun.
Many people prefer not to have bags under their eyes or saggy skin, but are wary of invasive aesthetic treatments. TriLift is a technology from Lumenis (the same company behind OptiLight) that aims to produce a lifted, toned look without injections or downtime. This makes it a suitable choice for those looking for a less invasive aesthetic treatment.
How triLift Works
triLift is a product created by Lumenis that uses dynamic muscle stimulation (DMSt) to achieve a lifted, toned look. Sessions only take 20 to 30 minutes, and there are no injections or downtime required. 4 to 6 weekly sessions are recommended to achieve desirable results.
triLift involves three modalities: dynamic muscle stimulation (DMSt), TriPollar® RF, and RFMN. Let’s dive deeper into each of these modalities and how they help.
What Is Dynamic Muscle Stimulation (DMSt)?
Dynamic muscle stimulation (DMSt) is electrical stimulation that creates a more toned and defined look by acting on facial muscles in the cheek, jaw line, and under the eyes. triLift is patent pending and the first technology to combine dynamic muscle stimulation with two other modalities, TriPollar® RF and RFMN.
What Is TriPollar® RF?
TriPollar® RF is a focused radiofrequency treatment that can improve facial wrinkles, collagen, and elastin. Collagen is a protein and “building block” of your skin, bones, and muscles. Elastin is another protein that is 1000 times more elastic than collagen. It is found in areas of the body that require flexible structure, such as the skin, ligaments, lungs, and bladder.
Radiofrequency, also known as RF, is a treatment that uses a heat-producing electromagnetic device to stimulate collagen, elastin, and skin cell production.
What Is RFMN?
RFMN is radiofrequency-assisted microneedling. The goal here is to improve the skin’s tightness and texture. Compared to EMS/TENS devices used at home, RFMN also increases the body’s production of hyaluronic acid threefold. Hyaluronic acid is a viscous substance found in the skin, eyes, and joints. It’s responsible for lubricating the joints and keeping skin flexible.
Microneedling uses very thin needles to lightly damage the topmost layer of skin. This procedure stimulates the skin to make more collagen and elastin.
Benefits & Risks of triLift
A session of triLift takes just 20 to 30 minutes. There are no injections involved, and no downtime is required after the procedure. The makers of triLift recommend 4 to 6 treatment sessions.
Like any procedure, triLift can have risks. According to Lumenis’ brochure (which can be downloaded here), triLift is contraindicated for those with an implanted electronic device or metal implants in the area they want to treat. This includes pacemakers and defibrillators.
Possible side effects include burning, redness, swelling, bruising, itchiness, and a change in skin color. If you are concerned about side effects or have questions, talk to your healthcare provider. Your provider who operates triLift should also have a user manual that includes a list of all known contraindications.
How Aging Affects Skin
Further knowledge of how skin changes with age can help with understanding how triLift works and how you can take care of your skin. Our skin consists of three layers:
- The epidermis is the top layer. It contains skin cells, proteins, and pigment (colour). As we age, our epidermis thins. We also lose more pigment cells. All this can create a thinner and paler look.
- The dermis is the middle layer of skin, and its job is to provide nutrients to the epidermis. Blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, and oil glands are present here, along with more skin cells. Oil glands produce less oil with age, so older people may experience drier skin. This typically happens to women after menopause and men after age 80.
- Finally, the innermost layer of skin is known as the subcutaneous layer. This is where sweat glands, blood vessels, fat, and more hair follicles reside.
Collagen and elastin are present in all layers, but as we age, our skin loses its elasticity. The effects of this can be more visible in areas that are exposed to a lot of sun. Older people also bruise more easily because the blood vessels in their dermis become more delicate with age.
How Can I Protect My Skin?
Many skin changes can be traced to sun exposure. Here are some ways you can help prevent skin changes:
- Protect yourself from the sun using sunscreen, a hat, and protective clothing. These are good habits even in winter.
- Eat a nutritious diet and stay hydrated.
- Use moisturizers, but avoid soaps that have a drying effect or are intensely scented.
Experience triLift in Cooper City
If you’re interested in triLift, reach out to us at EyeQ Optical. We can discuss benefits, risks, and whether triLift is appropriate for you and your needs. Feel free to ask questions; our goal is that our clients feel comfortable and confident in their treatment!
Dr. Wafa Abdulrazzaq has been operating our clinic in Cooper City, FL since 2007, and previously grew up right here in the community. Whether it’s for routine eye exams or technology-assisted dry eye treatment, contact us today to book an appointment.
