Firmer, more sculpted skin does not always require a surgical lift or the weeks of recovery that come with one. QuantumRF is an option somewhere between Morpheus8 and a facelift in terms of invasiveness and ability to tighten loose skin. It uses radiofrequency under the surface to refine contours.

At the Gillian Institute in Indianapolis, we offer both surgical and nonsurgical options under the direction of board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kimberly Short. QuantumRF is part of our comprehensive menu. Created by the same makers of Morpheus8, this technology can firm and contour the skin in many different areas without the downtime of surgery.

What Is QuantumRF?

QuantumRF is a minimally invasive skin-tightening treatment from InMode’s IgniteRF platform. It uses a thin cannula to deliver fractionated bipolar radiofrequency energy underneath the surface where lax tissue can be contracted and collagen can be stimulated.

Because the treatment happens below the skin, the top layer stays intact, besides a few tiny incisions. This means a faster recovery and a more comfortable treatment process than surgery. QuantumRF is available in two cannula sizes so we can customize the treatment for you and the areas you want to treat. The QuantumRF 10 is designed for smaller, more delicate areas such as the face and neck, while the QuantumRF 25 addresses larger zones of the body.

How Does QuantumRF Work?

QuantumRF delivers heat where it is needed to firm and lift the skin. Dr. Short guides the slender cannula through tiny entry points until it is just beneath the surface, in the layers of tissue where your collagen supports the surface of your skin. QuantumRF releases energy in short, fragmented pulses. The heat immediately contracts the existing collagen for a tightening effect you can begin to see right away.

After the treatment, your body produces fresh collagen and elastin in response to the radiofrequency energy. This process takes weeks and even months to be fully completed. Dr. Short can adjust the depth and coverage of your treatment to match the area being addressed.

What Areas Can QuantumRF Treat?

One of the strengths of QuantumRF is its versatility across both the face and body. Dr. Short can customize the treatment to firm and refine a variety of areas. QuantumRF is commonly used to improve:

  • Sagging skin and jowls along the jawline and lower face
  • Loose or crepey skin on the neck
  • Lax skin on the upper arms
  • Abdominal skin laxity and contour
  • The thighs, hips and flanks
  • Localized pockets of stubborn fat within treated areas

During your consultation, Dr. Short will assess your skin and design a treatment plan focused on the concerns that matter most to you.

Am I a Good Candidate for QuantumRF?

QuantumRF is an excellent option for patients who want to see noticeable results for their mild to moderate skin laxity and are not good candidates for surgery. QuantumRF can be used for patients of all skin tones, including darker skin, because it does not focus on surface melanin.

We look for patients who are in good general health and at or near a stable target weight since this is a contouring treatment, not a weight loss solution. Smoking interferes with healing, so patients should be non-smokers or be able to quit before and after the procedure. Patients who have more advanced skin laxity and loose skin, such as after major weight loss, may still have better results from a surgical lift. We will give you an honest assessment during your consultation.

How Should I Prepare for QuantumRF?

Dr. Short will give you a few guidelines before your appointment to help prepare your body for the treatment and make the healing process as effective as possible.

One to Two Weeks Before Treatment

Avoid smoking and limit alcohol to give your body the best conditions for healing. Stop taking blood-thinning medications and supplements like aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, turmeric and St. John’s Wort, since each of these can increase the likelihood of bruising after QuantumRF. Stay well hydrated and eat nutritious foods to prepare your skin and tissue for treatment.

Day of Treatment

Make sure your skin is free from any lotions or other products on the day of your treatment. We will give you local anesthesia to keep you comfortable during your QuantumRF session. Wear loose, comfortable clothing, especially if we are treating a body area, to keep you comfortable and make access easier. The treated area can feel tender, so you can arrange to have someone drive you home if desired.

What to Expect During Your QuantumRF Treatment

On the day of your procedure, Dr. Short will review your treatment plan and mark any areas that are being addressed that day. You will find a comfortable position, and we will apply local anesthesia to the area before making small incisions in order to insert the QuantumRF device. Dr. Short guides the cannula beneath the skin, where it delivers the radiofrequency energy. You may feel some warmth during the treatment.

Treatment time depends on the size and number of areas being addressed. A smaller zone such as the neck can be completed fairly quickly, while larger body areas take more time. When your session is finished, you will be able to return home the same day with detailed aftercare instructions.

What Is Recovery From QuantumRF Like?

With QuantumRF, you can go back to your normal routine within a few days. Your skin will continue to improve over the following months as new collagen forms.

First Few Days

Expect mild swelling, tenderness or bruising around the treated area and the small entry points. These effects are normal and tend to fade quickly. You should feel comfortable returning to all of your usual activities within a few days. If Dr. Short has treated a body area, she may recommend that you wear a light compression garment to help reduce swelling and support the healing process.

One to Two Weeks

Any remaining swelling and tenderness will resolve during this time, as well as any bruising. You will notice your skin looking and feeling firmer as the initial collagen contraction looks more noticeable.

One to Three Months and Beyond

The biggest changes will happen during this period. As your body produces fresh collagen and elastin, the tightening and contouring effects become more defined. Most patients see their full results between three and six months after treatment.

How Long Do the Results From QuantumRF Last?

Once your skin has firmed from the treatment, you can enjoy improved tone and definition for several years. The treatment works with your body’s own renewal process, so the outcome looks and feels natural. Most patients get the results they are looking for from a single QuantumRF treatment, but others may opt for additional sessions to address more than one area or to improve the results.

As you enjoy your tighter skin, be sure to protect your skin from sun damage and maintain a stable weight to help your results last longer. Since your skin will keep aging naturally, you can consider maintenance treatments or combine QuantumRF with other treatments like Morpheus8 microneedling.

FAQ

How Much Does QuantumRF Cost in Indianapolis?

The cost of QuantumRF depends on the number of areas we are going to treat and how many sessions we recommend. During your consultation at The Gillian Institute, we will give you all of the information you need to know, including an estimate, before you make a decision about your treatment plan.

Is QuantumRF Painful?

With the use of local anesthesia, you will not feel any pain during this procedure. You may notice mild warmth and a tugging feeling as Dr. Short uses the cannula under the tissue. We offer Pro-Nox, a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen that is self-administered and can be used if you are nervous about the treatment.

Can QuantumRF Be Combined With Other Treatments?

QuantumRF pairs well with Morpheus8, combining deep tissue contraction with surface skin resurfacing for comprehensive tightening. It can also be complemented by other treatments such as Botox or dermal fillers. In some cases, QuantumRF can be used alongside surgical procedures to tighten nearby loose skin and reduce fat pockets that are outside the scope of the surgery. Dr. Short can design a customized plan for you.

What Is the Difference Between QuantumRF and Morpheus8?

Both treatments use radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen, but they work at different depths. Morpheus8 combines microneedling with RF energy closer to the surface, while QuantumRF delivers energy through a subdermal cannula for deeper tissue contraction. Your provider can recommend which option, or combination, best fits your goals.

Schedule Your QuantumRF Consultation in Indianapolis

If you are ready for firmer, more sculpted skin without the downtime of surgery, QuantumRF at The Gillian Institute may be the right choice for you. Dr. Kimberly Short and her team will help you create a treatment plan designed around your goals.

Schedule your virtual consultation or in-person visit at our Indianapolis office today! Call 317-913-3260 to get started.