DUFLEX  is the latest GERMAN-TECH non-ablative arsenal in the war on aging and skin related problems.  DUFLEX uses radio frequency (RF) in combination with a deep penetrating diode laser.  The DUFLEX  is therefore a non-ablative, skin rejuvenation device that uses dual technology - radio frequency and a diode laser.  The combination of these energies is what makes DUFLEX such a unique and effective treatment.  

The DUFLEX RASER  system combines DUAL bi-polar radio frequency (up to 100J/cm3) and the 900 nm diode laser (up to 50J/cm2) to provide improvement to both the overall tone and texture of the skin and to improve tissue laxity.  The scientific principle behind the effectiveness of DUFLEX  is the ability to allow deep dermal thermal (heat) penetration without

damaging healthy tissues and with no deleterious effects on the skin surface.  Like other non-ablative

technologies, it creates just enough thermal stimuli to initiate collagen growth.

What does DUFLEX do?
The DUFLEX improves skin tone and texture and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production. The dual energy source of DUFLEX  allows synergistic transfer of thermal energy to the dermal layer (collagen-containing layer) of the skin.  Patients must continue to keep realistic expectations.  Patients should expect modest improvements in wrinkle reduction and skin laxity.

How is DUFLEX different and better than

Thermacool™ (Thermage)?

Thermage uses only a single type of energy (radiofrequency or RF).  DUFLEX is the only system using RASER, a synergy of dual energies (diode laser and RF) to penetrate the skin at several levels - broadening its effective range of treatment.  Furthermore, because DUFLEX utilizes both laser and RF energy, RF levels can be set lower than Thermage thus making Duflex treatments significantly less painful.

Thermage treatments have also been linked to loss of facial fat due to high RF energy. This loss in facial volume can actually make the face appear older, more wrinkled and can even cause uneven "dents" in the face.

Since the DUFLEX uses the dual system of diode laser and RF, its energy reaches the optimal depth in the dermis to produce collagen remodeling and tightening, while avoiding facial fat loss.  The RF energy in the DUFLEX can be controlled to avoid facial fat loss, or can be increased to cause ancillary fat loss in DUFLEX skin tightening treatments to the body

Who is a candidate for DUFLEX?

Unlike ablative lasers, the DUFLEX claims to work on all types of skin from 1-5 even "mildly tanned" skin is acceptable as the 900 nm wavelength is not well absorbed by the melanin pigment in the epidermis.

Patients with reasonable expectations who are looking for a “no down-time” alternative to improve the appearance of wrinkles, skin texture, facial laxity and mild acne scarring may be good candidates for this procedure.  The patient must take in the costs, time involved (3-5 treatments minimum.)

Who is not a candidate for DUFLEX?

You are not a good candidate if you are pregnant, have a pacemaker or have taken Accutane in the recent past.  Many doctors differ on an appropriate time line with Accutane so it is important you discuss your history thoroughly with your doctor as well as any other medications you may be taking.

You should not have this procedure if you have an internal defibrillator or pacemaker, as well as any kind of metal implants including dental plates.  If you have any kind of autoimmune disease or diabetes, you should inform your doctor.

If you have recently had any kind of injectable filler in your face, it is important that you inform your medical team. Facial fillers such as Restylane, Collagen, and liquid silicone, if injected superficially, can interfere with this procedure.  1 WEEK GAP IS IMPORTANT AFTER SUCH PROCEDURES.

Recovery after DUFLEX

Many patients report very mild erythema (redness) and mild edema (swelling) immediately following the procedure but this should quickly dissipate within an hour.  Because the skin remains intact, make-up can be worn immediately after the procedure and there is no need for downtime.  Bruising is very rare.  

Risks and complications of DUFLEX

There are relatively few risks.  There is a small risk of hypo-pigmentation, hyper-pigmentation, scarring, blistering and bruising but the more severe complications are rare among non-ablative lasers and experienced, knowledgeable operators.  It is very important to protect your skin from the sun pre- and post- procedure, and use an SPF of at least 30.  Any discomfort should be easily relieved by applying cool compresses to the affected area.