Quantum RF : raffermissement de la peau

WHAT IS QUANTUM RF?

The Quantum RF is a minimally invasive procedure that tightens loose tissue without removing skin. It is intended for people who want to firm up their skin without undergoing a surgical facelift. Unlike hyaluronic acid injections, which restore volume, this technology acts on the quality and firmness of the skin itself.

Developed by InMode, this technology uses a fine cannula inserted through a micro-incision. It delivers controlled heat to the deep layers of the skin, where its support network lies. Two effects follow one another:

• In the short term, existing collagen fibers contract under the heat: this is the first stage of tissue remodeling;
• In the medium term, the skin produces new collagen and elastin for several months, a stimulation that extends the improvement.

Working from the inside makes the difference: Quantum RF reaches a depth that devices applied to the skin surface struggle to target, with a far lighter procedure than a facelift. This approach remains minimally invasive and allows a lift with no visible scarring, as the micro-incisions are only a few millimeters long.

QUANTUM RF: WHO IS IT FOR AND WHICH AREAS?

Quantum RF is intended for mild to moderate skin laxity of the lower face, neck and body.

Neck and chin: it treats a sagging jawline, jowls, double chin and neck skin through discreet micro-incisions a few millimeters long, whereas a conventional cervico-facial lift leaves a scar. It thus offers a lift with no visible scar and without major surgery.

Body: it tightens the skin of the abdomen, hips, arms, thighs or knees, for example after pregnancy. When added to belly liposuction in Paris or to a Mommy Makeover, it helps the skin retract over the new contour instead of remaining loose. This is a notable advantage over conventional body contouring surgery, which removes excess skin but leaves longer scars.

The ideal candidate has mild to moderate laxity, a reasonable skin quality and realistic expectations, whether male or female. When the skin clearly sags, heat alone is no longer enough: surgery is then more appropriate.

HOW IS A QUANTUM RF TREATMENT CARRIED OUT?

Treatment follows a three-stage pathway designed to guide you with peace of mind: consultation, reflection period, then the session.

Step 1: the consultation. The surgeon examines your skin, assesses the laxity and gives you a detailed quote.

Step 2: the reflection period. French law requires a waiting period of at least 15 days before any cosmetic surgery procedure.

Step 3: the procedure. On the day, the surgeon:

• marks the areas to be treated;
• administers the anesthesia;
• makes discreet micro-incisions;
• moves the cannula while controlling the temperature, like ironing a creased fabric, area by area.

IS QUANTUM RF PAINFUL?

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia so you will not feel any real pain. Afterwards, the main sensation is skin tightness, with mild discomfort that is easily controlled with the prescribed painkillers.

HOW LONG IS THE RECOVERY AFTER QUANTUM RF?

Allow a few days of recovery after Quantum RF alone, longer if it is combined with liposuction. This quick recovery is one of the advantages of a minimally invasive approach compared with surgery.

THE FIRST FEW DAYS

Swelling, redness and tightness are normal. The skin may feel slightly "stiff" to the touch: this is a sign that the tissues are reorganizing. Aftercare comes down to three steps:

• wear the prescribed compression garment;
• protect your skin from the sun;
• attend the follow-up appointments scheduled by your surgeon.

RETURNING TO YOUR ACTIVITIES

• Work and social life: back within a few days after Quantum RF alone. When combined with liposuction, the timeline follows that of the liposuction, which is longer.
• Sport: resume as advised by your surgeon.
• Sun: avoid until the micro-incisions have fully healed, to prevent pigmentation.
• Sauna, steam room: avoid for a few days.

WHAT RESULTS CAN YOU EXPECT FROM QUANTUM RF?

Quantum RF produces an immediate tightening effect, then a gradual firming that builds over several months. The improvement is visible as soon as the procedure ends, even if partly masked by swelling, and remodeling then continues.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SEE THE FINAL RESULT?

• End of the procedure: a tightening effect is felt, partly masked by swelling.
• Second week: retraction progresses and the improvement becomes more visible.
• 3 to 6 months: the result stabilizes; some surgeons place the final result between 6 and 12 months, as neocollagenesis varies with the area and skin thickness.

HOW LONG DO THE EFFECTS OF QUANTUM RF LAST?

The effect is long-lasting but does not stop aging — it turns back the clock without stopping it. A stable weight, sun protection and quitting smoking help preserve it.

WHAT QUANTUM RF DOES NOT CORRECT

It does not correct significant laxity, true excess skin or fine surface wrinkles. After massive weight loss, only surgery that removes the excess (abdominoplasty, arm lift) gives a satisfactory result: post-weight-loss surgery is then the appropriate solution.

RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS

Like any procedure, Quantum RF carries risks. Knowing them makes it possible to anticipate and limit them.

Common and temporary effects: swelling, firmness of the skin to the touch, temporary numbness. They generally subside within three months.

Rarer complications: temporary injury to the nerve that moves the lower lip, superficial burn, surface irregularities, hematoma, infection.

WHY THE CHOICE OF SURGEON MATTERS

The device regulates the temperature, but it is the surgeon who decides where to apply heat and, above all, where not to. Along the jaw, every pass of the cannula takes into account the path of the lower lip nerve. This precision relies on in-depth knowledge of the anatomy of the face and neck, and that is what reduces the risk of complications.

As a cosmetic surgeon in Paris, he practices both surgery and aesthetic medicine. He therefore has no reason to favor one technique over another: if Quantum RF is not suited to your situation, he will refer you to the appropriate solution. Choosing the right indication remains the first guarantee of a safe procedure and a satisfactory result.

PROS AND CONS OF QUANTUM RF

Quantum RF offers a good compromise, provided you are also aware of its limits. Its main advantage: skin tightening without the scars or recovery of major surgery.

QUANTUM RF, RENUVION OR SURGICAL FACELIFT: WHICH TECHNIQUE SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?

The choice depends on the degree of laxity and whether there is excess skin.

• The surgical facelift remains the gold standard for marked laxity: it removes excess skin and repositions the deep tissues.
• The Quantum RF and the Renuvion address moderate laxity, without skin removal, as a lift without major surgery. Quantum RF delivers radiofrequency with a continuously controlled temperature.

HOW MUCH DOES QUANTUM RF COST?

At Dr Djian's practice, Quantum RF starts from €2,000 incl. VAT. The final cost depends on three factors:

• the number and size of the areas treated;
• whether it is combined with liposuction;
• the procedure arrangements (anesthesia, clinic fees).

*Price given for information only and not contractual. A personalized quote is provided after the consultation. As this is a cosmetic procedure, it is not reimbursed by French national health insurance.

QUANTUM RF: A SOLUTION TO BE ASSESSED IN CONSULTATION

Quantum RF is effective for a specific profile: mild to moderate laxity, reasonable skin quality, and a patient who accepts a gradual result rather than an immediate lifting effect. Outside this scope, it disappoints. That is why the consultation matters as much as the device.

Dr Jérémy Djian sees patients at 5 square Thiers (near Place Victor-Hugo, Paris 16). He assesses your skin's elasticity, listens to your expectations and guides you towards Quantum RF or a surgical facelift, depending on what your skin really allows.

Source: InMode, presentation of the IgniteRF platform and QuantumRF technology.