Skip to content

SylfirmX

Dr. Emer's Favorite New Device 

There has been a steady increase in requests for in-office skin treatments in the last three years, what with selfies and the Zoom Boom's continued emphasis on close-up video conferences. Beyond individual laser, radiofrequency, and microneedling sessions to address skin texture, laxity, tone, and plumpness, patients are becoming savvy to more efficient combined technologies that incorporate multiple treatments into single devices. Radiofrequency microneedling — which offers the collagen-inducing and re-texturizing effects of microneedling, along with the skin-tightening effects of radiofrequency heat — has become one of the buzziest and most-requested combined treatments available.

Even as popular radiofrequency microneedling devices like Morpheus8 develop veritable fan followings, they are not considered suitable for all skin conditions. Those with melasma, for instance, run the risk of exacerbating unwanted pigment following aggressive, heat-based treatments. Others find that the degree of painfulness and downtime is simply not viable with their schedules in spite of the rejuvenating effects that can come from a series of treatments.

 "The way you deliver the energy from the handpiece taps it into the skin"

What Makes
SylfirmX Different?

These devices are incredibly costly, requiring dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and doctors to be discriminating when selecting which to invest in for their practices. Yet Beverly Hills-based, board-certified dermatologist Jason Emer calls it his "favorite device right now." Dr. Sarbaziha knew immediately that she wanted to offer SylfirmX at her practice. The reasons why come down to its versatility: "I love it because it can do what other machines have been unable to do in the past; namely, it treats melasma — even in dark skin — and can treat all around the eyes," she says — along with a bevy of other conditions.

 On top of that, Sylfirm X's claims of being less painful can be explained by its use of non-coated needles, or uninsulated electrodes, as opposed to Morpheus 8's coated needles. "This means that when the needles are inserted into the tissue, they emit radio frequency from the full length of the needles rather than [just] the coated tips, which leads to more pain," Dr. Sarbaziha says. This form of delivery is also more efficient, requiring only one pass of the device and simultaneously delivering the energy to all layers of tissue.

 Dr. Emer also points to the robotic technology used in the SylfirmX's handpiece as translating into a gentler emission of the needling and heat. "The way you deliver the energy from the handpiece taps it into the skin versus [the recoil] of pressurized devices." he says. While pressurized devices come with a snap that is reminiscent of a staple gun, the SylfirmX handpiece allows for a smoother delivery.

What's It Like 

to Get SylfirmX?

I can speak firsthand as a patient having tried SylfirmX, Morpheus8, Potenza, and Vivace, and I do find the results to be noticeable and worth it. After a series of treatments, I saw improved elasticity and more even tone, and people constantly think that I am younger than I am. Because I struggle with unwanted pigmentation and mild melasma, I would choose to go with SylfirmX moving forward — but I do think that Morpheus 8 and Potenza are quite effective, too.

As for pain, it is true that SylfirmX is less painful than both Morpheus8 and Potenza. You will still want to spend a significant amount of time numbing — at least an hour — and the procedure will still be uncomfortable in certain areas. I personally find the forehead to be the most uncomfortable because it is the boniest area of my face, while I find the the neck to be virtually painless. At Dr. Emer's practice, I absolutely loved having the Zimmer Cooler on hand to blow cold air on my skin following the device. This makes the experience much more bearable, and worked better for me than PRO-NOX, or laughing gas, which was administered to me during Morpheus8.