ElaDerm: the most modern and comfortable Microneedling Radiofrequency
ElaDerm is a minimally invasive treatment that combines microneedles and radiofrequency to treat skin laxity, cellulite, and scars — delivering energy directly inside the skin, with an anti-pain technology that eliminates the need for general anesthesia or sedation.
What is Microneedling Radiofrequency?
Microneedling Radiofrequency — a technology represented by devices such as ElaDerm® and Morpheus8® — is a category of treatment that differs from traditional non-invasive methods, such as lasers and microfocused ultrasound.
The difference lies in how the energy is delivered: while non-invasive treatments act on top of the skin, microneedling radiofrequency uses microneedles that pass through the skin and deliver thermal energy directly into the deeper layers — intradermal and subdermal. This delivery route has two combined effects:
- The microneedling itself naturally stimulates collagen production, even before any energy is applied
- The radiofrequency released inside the skin, and not on top of it, enhances this stimulus far more effectively than purely non-invasive treatments
That is why microneedling radiofrequency is considered a minimally invasive treatment — and, precisely because it delivers the energy inside the skin, it is significantly more effective than surface options.
What sets ElaDerm apart: anti-pain technology
The factor that historically held back the popularization of microneedling radiofrequency was the pain associated with the procedure. ElaDerm® overcomes this limitation with a new-generation anti-pain technology that allows the treatment to be performed in the office, without the need for anesthesia or sedation.
This advance made it feasible to offer, in a practical and comfortable way, a treatment that previously required more complex preparation — broadening access to one of the most effective procedures in modern dermatology and plastic surgery for skin laxity and skin quality.
Why ElaDerm completes surgical treatment
There is a gap between what plastic surgery resolves and what still remains an aesthetic challenge even after a successful surgery: intradermal and subdermal laxity.
Surgical plasma technologies, such as Renuvion® and Argoplasma®, act during the surgical procedure, but their reach is limited to specific layers. ElaDerm comes in precisely to treat what these resources do not reach — complementing the surgical result with a treatment aimed at the quality and firmness of the skin itself, on both the face and the body.
In addition to laxity, ElaDerm is also effective in treating grade 1 and 2 cellulite, further broadening its application within a complete aesthetic treatment plan.
Main indications for ElaDerm
| Indication | Application |
|---|---|
| Facial and body laxity | Deep collagen stimulation to firm the skin |
| Enhancing HD lipo (high-definition liposuction) | Improves skin quality after liposuction, optimizing the final contour |
| Grade 1 and 2 cellulite | Targeted treatment of skin irregularities |
| Firmness of the buttocks and saddlebags | Also essential in the complementary treatment of Lipedema |
| Wrinkles and collagen quality | Stimulates renewal of the facial skin |
| Acne scars | Remodels the texture of the affected skin |
| Excessive underarm sweating | Reduces hyperhidrosis by acting on the sweat glands |
ElaDerm and plastic surgery: a strategic combination
One of the most relevant uses of ElaDerm within a plastic surgery practice is as a postoperative complement, especially after body contouring procedures such as HD liposuction. The combination makes it possible to:
- Improve skin quality in the surgically treated area
- Reduce residual laxity that surgery alone does not correct
- Enhance and prolong the aesthetic results of the surgical procedure
For patients with Lipedema, ElaDerm also plays a relevant role in increasing skin firmness in classically affected areas, such as the buttocks and saddlebags — complementing the surgical or clinical treatment already indicated for the condition.
Frequently asked questions about ElaDerm
Does ElaDerm hurt? ElaDerm’s anti-pain technology was developed precisely to overcome this historical barrier of microneedling radiofrequency. The procedure is performed without the need for general anesthesia or sedation.
What is the difference between ElaDerm and non-invasive treatments such as laser and microfocused ultrasound? Non-invasive treatments act on the surface of the skin. ElaDerm, being minimally invasive, uses microneedles to deliver radiofrequency energy directly inside the skin — which significantly enhances the results.
Does ElaDerm replace plastic surgery? No. ElaDerm treats skin quality and laxity at the intradermal and subdermal level, but it does not replace surgical procedures when there is excess skin or tissue to be removed. It works in a complementary way — before, after, or independently of surgery, depending on each case.
Does ElaDerm treat cellulite? Yes, it is indicated for grade 1 and 2 cellulite.
Can I have ElaDerm after liposuction? Yes. ElaDerm is often used to enhance the results of HD lipo, improving skin quality in the treated area.
Does ElaDerm treat excessive sweating? Yes, it is one of the indications for the treatment, especially for underarm sweating.
How to know if ElaDerm is right for you
The assessment considers the goal of the treatment — whether facial, body, complementary to surgery, or a stand-alone treatment for laxity, cellulite, or sweating — and the patient’s history of previous procedures.
If you are looking to improve the firmness and quality of your skin, treat cellulite, or enhance the results of a surgery you have already had, the path begins with an assessment by a specialized plastic surgeon.
Dr. Marco Longo is a plastic surgeon, a member of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery (SBCP), the Brazilian Association of Plastic Surgeons (BAPS), and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), with a doctorate from the University of São Paulo School of Medicine (FMUSP). He sees patients in São Paulo.
Watch the video:
ElaDerm Full Face clinical case
Watch the video:
“Why I chose ElaDerm as the best treatment for skin laxity!”
Watch the video:
Dr. Marco Longo – Plastic Surgeon
CRM SP 122172 | RQE 58398
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