I can’t scroll for more than five seconds without ads for the miracle Morpheus8the big sister of celebrity-liked microneedling Kim K, Jessica Simpson and Lindsay Lohan have pledged in 2022. Turns out there’s a new cure in town that claims to give Morpheus8 a run for his money. Enter Matrix: The latest radio frequency (RF) device predicted to become the “it” treatment of the year.
According to a double board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Ben Talley, The Matrix is unlike anything out there. “It’s not like Deep; it’s not like Fracture, and he is not like Morpheus8. I think it will be the best skin tightening treatment device ever.” As a beauty writer whose fortysomething skin sings a sad song of stress and sleepless nights, I’m a connoisseur of all remedies. Still, even with all the botox, fillers, laser peels, Fraxel, and microdermabrasion I’ve had, I was new to RF microneedling like the Matrix, so there was a bit of a learning curve.
Of course, I had my reservations and wasn’t ready to take the doctor’s word for it. You see, my sister had four sessions of Morpheus8 and while it tightened her skin and improved her texture, it also changed her signature square jaw and completely changed the shape of her face – which was not what she had in mind. So I take Matrix’s claims seriously. If true, they could boost one’s confidence. However, if they fall short, my face is on the line, so it’s a big deal. Armed with cautious optimism in one hand and the unwavering confidence of Dr. Talei to the other, I boldly entered the Matrix, eager to explore the noise surrounding it.
What is microneedling?
There are three main types of microneedling: Electric, manual and RF. Hand-held electric devices move along the skin with needles going in and out like a pen. Manual devices require pushing the needles up to 2.5mm deep, like a stamp. Finally, the radiofrequency variety of microneedling uses tiny needles to penetrate the skin at various depths to deliver waves of RF energy that cause microtraumas. And why, you might ask, would anyone willingly subject their skin to intentional harm? The magic of microneedling lies in the noticeable results, as these micro-injuries stimulate the body’s response to produce more collagen, resulting in smoother skin with a dewy glow. Sign me up!
What is Matrix and what are the benefits?
Matrix Pro is the newest addition to the fifth generation RF microneedling devices, designed to regenerate and create new collagen. The maker of the Matrix, Candle, patented their needle-free applicators that deliver energy to the skin, transforming the overall appearance and texture of the skin. How it works is a little complicated, so I reached out to Dr Konika Schallen, Candela’s Medical Director, to explain.
“THE Sublime the applicator uses infrared and radio frequency energy to massively heat the skin, stimulating collagen production, making the skin tight and smooth,” explained Dr. Schallen, while “the Hypothetical The applicator fractionates bipolar radiofrequency energy, which provides skin resurfacing and while still being minimally invasive, contributes to minimal treatment downtime.” Schallen noted that the downtime is “even shorter than other resurfacing treatments.” What all this technical jargon really means is that Matrix promises to make your face taut and smooth, while reducing fine lines, pore size and wrinkles and boosting radiance.
How does the Matrix feel?
In terms of spiciness, the Matrix was a mediocre salsa. Dr. Talei applied numbing lidocaine cream and applied for 45 minutes, then wiped off before administering the warm, tingling sensations of the Matrix as the RF energy entered my skin. It sure wasn’t like a massage, but I’ve endured worse pain in the name of beauty (two words: lip floss). For my second treatment, we didn’t have as much time to numb it, so he shot me with a happy dental block around my mouth and nose. I couldn’t drink smoothies or anything for at least four hours after, but I preferred this “numb to the world style” to the usual topical numbing cream.
I did the Matrix on my face, neck and chest and the session lasted about 45 minutes. Factoring in 30 to 45 minutes for the numbing, the procedure is about an hour and a half when all is said and done. A one-on-one session would likely be shorter.
How long do the results last?
The Matrix is the gift that keeps on giving. “Patients usually start seeing results a month after treatment, which last at least 12 months or more,” Talei explains, “but we repeat one to two times each year to maintain maximum results.”
Just three days after the treatment, I looked immediately better. However, a month after my first treatment, I noticed that the texture of my skin looked firmer, my pores definitely looked smaller, and my skin looked plumper and brighter, like I was glowing from within after a sweaty, hot yoga sesh .
What about downtime?
In our always-on world, downtime is always a concern, which is why non-invasive treatments have soared the last two years. Unlike other resurfacing treatments such as microdermabrasion or lasers such as Fraxel, RF microneedling does not require days of discomfort or major lifestyle changes during recovery. Matrix states minimal downtime, but I still canceled any fancy plans for two days after treatment, just in case. I just needed a good 24 hours out of sight. I’m in Los Angeles, where my tan would be fine. Talei said it is normal for a bright red rash to appear after the treatment, but he promised it would disappear within a few hours. I had small red scabby marks on my neck and chest that remained for three days but were barely noticeable. Even though it was a non-invasive treatment, I felt emotionally drained afterwards. I honored the fact that my face was traumatized and chose to take it slow and easy.
What does aftercare look like?
I received a goodie bag after the treatment and Dr. Talei advised me to leave my face alone for 24 hours. The instructions were simple: wash with a gentle cleanser, apply a gentle serum like Vitamin C, and cover my healing dermis with a soothing moisturizer. For the first treatment, I used only the products in the kit: ZO Gentle Cleanser, Alastin skin regeneration nectar, DermAvance Arnika Forte, Argentyn Silver First Aid Gel, and Elta SPF. However, the second time, I used my gentle regime, including Fresh’s Gentle Soy Moisturizing Facial Cleanser, Yon-Ka Serum C20and Odacite’s Le Blue Balm, which in my opinion is a panacea to soothe or moisturize any part of your body. Other important rules? Avoid abrasive skin cleansers or exfoliants, saunas for 24 hours and, most seriously, sun exposure. The last thing your delicate skin needs is UV rays, so invest in a big hat and lather on sunscreen often.
ZO Skin Health Gentle Cleanser
Regenerating Skin Nectar Regenerating Skin Nectar with TriHex technology
Yonka Vitamin C Serum C20
EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40
Are there any downsides to Matrix?
If you can get over a little pain and redness, the only downside is the price. Matrix can range from $1,500 to $2,000 per session, which is quite a lot. And a cure usually doesn’t do the trick. For optimal, lasting results, experts recommend two to five sessions spaced at least four weeks apart. Many medical spas or cosmetic dermatologists sell packages of three at a small discount. Depending on your age, skin type (aka Fitzpatrick type), and how much damage you need to reverse, the provider will determine what is right for you. Dr. Talei suggested three sessions, but I opted for two to time this story with the Matrix release, and I can always come back for more when the time is right.
What’s really important to note, and most providers I’ve encountered fail to mention, is that RF microneedling treatments are kryptonite to injectable fillers like Restalyne, Juvaderm, or Sculptra. The worst case scenario is that the RF heat could manipulate the chemical makeup of the filler, which could change the appearance of your face—and not in a good way.
“If you’re going to use filler to add volume to someone’s face, definitely do the RF first, let it do its job for three to four weeks, and then get filler after,” Talei emphatically explained.
If you’re like me and appreciate beauty but are on a budget, the package is skin first, injectables second. If you do all the RF tightening beforehand, you’ll be doing less filler and reducing the chance of that filler dissolving, saving you money all around. Even if you have the most perfectly placed, natural-looking filler of your dreams, you won’t be happy if your skin isn’t glowing, so take my advice.
Is The Matrix Worth It?
Sorry for the drama, but The Matrix is 1000 percent worth it. If you’re looking to reverse or start delaying the signs of aging fast, you can’t go wrong with Matrix. Out of habit, I turned first to botox or fillers to give me a refreshed, rested look. After two Matrix sessions, I realized that I overlooked so many non-invasive ways to maintain a youthful glow and keep my skin healthy.
So Matrix not only upgraded my skin, but boosted my confidence and opened my eyes to the world of rejuvenation that exists beyond needles. In my opinion, the effect of Matrix is more natural than injectables. Although the price tag is steep, it’s an investment that pays real dividends in the form of new collagen production over time, smoother, youthful skin and confident glamour. So, is it worth it? Let’s just say I’d take The Matrix any day.
