Your skin loses about one percent of its collagen every year after age 30, which explains why fine lines, rough texture, and dullness start creeping in even when you’re doing everything right. Vivace Fractional combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to trigger your skin’s natural healing response, rebuilding collagen from the inside out. This dual-action approach addresses multiple concerns at once, from uneven tone to stubborn wrinkles, without the downtime of more invasive procedures.
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What Makes Vivace Fractional Different
Your skin naturally loses about 1% of its collagen every year after age 30, which is why fine lines and texture changes start showing up. Traditional microneedling has been around for years as a way to wake up your skin’s repair system, but it only does part of the job. Vivace Fractional takes this concept further by combining tiny needles with radiofrequency energy, creating a dual-action treatment that works deeper and more effectively than standard microneedling alone. At Beauty & Fly, we use Vivace Fractional to help clients achieve smoother, firmer skin without surgery or long recovery times.
How the Technology Works
Think of Vivace Fractional as a two-step process happening at the same time. The device uses ultra-fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in your skin, which triggers your body’s natural healing response. But here’s where it gets interesting—those same needles deliver radiofrequency energy directly into the deeper layers of your skin, heating the tissue in a precise way that standard microneedling can’t match.
This combination approach does a few important things:
- Stimulates new collagen and elastin production from both the needling and the heat
- Tightens existing collagen fibers through controlled thermal energy
- Reaches deeper skin layers where aging signs actually start
- Creates more consistent results across the treatment area
Vivace vs Traditional Microneedling
The difference between these two treatments matters more than you might think. Regular microneedling relies only on the needle punctures to trigger collagen, while Vivace Fractional adds that radiofrequency component for enhanced results. The FDA has cleared Vivace for treating wrinkles and skin texture, and the safety profile is well-established when performed by trained providers like Catherine Curtin at Beauty & Fly.
| Feature | Traditional Microneedling | Vivace Fractional |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Needles only | Needles + radiofrequency energy |
| Depth of treatment | Surface to mid-dermis | Surface to deep dermis |
| Collagen stimulation | Mechanical injury response | Mechanical + thermal response |
| Skin tightening | Minimal | Significant |
| Treatment precision | Manual control | Automated depth and energy control |
| Downtime | 2-3 days redness | 1-2 days minimal redness |
Most people notice that Vivace treatments feel more comfortable too, thanks to the device’s automated speed and precision. Research shows that RF microneedling outperforms classic microneedling in several key areas, including collagen production and overall skin improvement. The radiofrequency energy also helps with pore size and skin texture in ways that needles alone can’t achieve.
How Vivace Fractional Works on Your Skin
Your skin loses about 1% of its collagen every year after age 30, which explains why fine lines and texture changes start showing up. Vivace Fractional tackles this problem by combining two powerful approaches in one treatment. The device uses ultra-fine needles to create controlled micro-channels in your skin, which sounds intense but actually triggers something pretty amazing. These tiny punctures tell your body that healing needs to happen, and that’s where the magic starts.
How Vivace Fractional Works on Your Skin
The second part of the process involves radiofrequency energy delivered through those same needles into the deeper layers of your skin. This heat energy reaches areas that topical products simply can’t touch. The warmth stimulates your fibroblasts, which are the cells responsible for making fresh collagen and elastin.
What happens next in your skin:
- Your body recognizes the micro-injuries and kicks into repair mode
- New collagen production starts within days and continues for months
- The radiofrequency heat causes immediate collagen contraction, giving you some instant tightening
- Over the next 3-6 months, your skin builds new structural support from within
One of the best features is the adjustable needle depth, which means the treatment can be customized for different areas of your face or body. Thinner skin around the eyes needs a gentler approach than thicker skin on the cheeks. At Beauty & Fly, Catherine adjusts these settings based on your specific skin concerns and treatment areas, which is why working with an experienced provider matters so much.
The research on fractional radiofrequency shows consistent improvements in skin quality across different skin types. You’re not just getting surface-level changes, but actual remodeling of your skin’s foundation.
Skin Concerns Vivace Fractional Addresses
The treatment works on multiple skin issues at once, which is why many people choose it over single-purpose procedures. Because it stimulates your body’s own collagen production rather than just filling or freezing problem areas, the results look natural and improve over time. Fine lines around your eyes, mouth, and forehead respond particularly well because the new collagen literally plumps your skin from underneath.
Skin Concerns Vivace Fractional Addresses
Texture problems that make your skin feel rough or look uneven start smoothing out within weeks. The micro-channels allow better product absorption too, so your skincare routine becomes more effective after treatment.
- Fine lines and wrinkles on face and neck
- Rough or uneven skin texture
- Enlarged pores that won’t shrink with regular skincare
- Acne scars and other types of scarring
- Uneven skin tone and pigmentation issues
- Loose or sagging skin that needs tightening
- Dull complexion lacking that healthy glow
Acne scars are notoriously difficult to improve, but the combination of needling and radiofrequency breaks down scar tissue while building new, healthy skin. The treatment works on your face, neck, and décolletage, which are the areas that tend to show aging first. Most skin types can safely receive Vivace treatments, though Catherine evaluates each person individually during consultation.
The patient experiences with Vivace consistently mention improvements in multiple concerns at once, not just the one issue they came in to address.
What to Expect During and After Treatment
Your first step is a consultation with Catherine, where she examines your skin and discusses what you want to achieve. She’ll create a treatment plan based on your specific concerns, skin type, and goals. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, which matters because everyone’s skin behaves differently. Before the actual treatment begins, a numbing cream gets applied to your skin and sits for about 20-30 minutes, making the procedure comfortable for most people.
The treatment itself takes 30-45 minutes depending on how many areas you’re addressing. You’ll feel some pressure and warmth, but the numbing cream does its job well. Most people describe it as tolerable, not painful.
Timeline breakdown:
- Immediately after: Your skin looks pink or red, similar to a moderate sunburn
- First 24 hours: Redness peaks but starts fading, skin feels warm and tight
- Days 2-3: Most redness gone, you can return to normal activities and wear makeup
- First week: You’ll notice an initial glow as your skin starts its healing process
- Weeks 2-4: Texture improvements become visible
- Months 2-6: Continued collagen production brings progressive improvements
The downtime is minimal compared to more aggressive procedures. You’ll want to avoid direct sun exposure and follow Catherine’s specific aftercare instructions, which include gentle cleansing and keeping your skin moisturized. Most people need 3-4 treatment sessions spaced about 4-6 weeks apart for optimal results.
At Beauty & Fly, we combine Vivace Fractional with other treatments like PRP or specialized serums during the procedure, which enhances your results even further. The micro-channels created by the needles allow these beneficial ingredients to penetrate much deeper than they normally would. Your skin continues improving for months after your last session, which means you’re investing in long-term skin health, not just a temporary fix.
Why Vivace Fractional Fits Modern Lifestyles
Most people want better skin but can’t afford to hide at home for weeks while they heal. That’s where Vivace Fractional stands out from older treatments that left you red and peeling for days. The treatment works with your schedule instead of against it, which matters when you have work meetings, social events, and a life to live. You might notice some redness for a day or two, but nothing that keeps you from your normal routine. At Beauty & Fly, Catherine Curtin tailors each session to match what your skin needs and how much downtime you can handle.
Practical Benefits for Busy Schedules
The beauty of Vivace lies in how it adapts to different needs and goals. Some clients want dramatic improvement while others prefer subtle changes over time.
- Treatment intensity adjusts based on your skin concerns and comfort level
- Results appear gradually over several weeks, avoiding the “I obviously had something done” look
- Sessions typically take under an hour, fitting easily into a lunch break
- Most people return to work the same day or next morning
Weighing the Benefits and Considerations
Like any aesthetic treatment, Vivace Fractional has both advantages and factors to consider before booking your appointment.
| Benefits | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Minimal downtime compared to laser resurfacing | Requires multiple sessions for best results |
| Works on all skin types and tones | Some temporary redness and mild swelling |
| Can combine with PRP for enhanced collagen production | Results develop gradually over 4-6 weeks |
| Suitable for prevention and maintenance, not just correction | Needs proper skincare routine to maintain benefits |
Long-Term Value and Customization
The real advantage shows up months after treatment when your skin keeps looking better. Collagen production continues for weeks after your session, which means results improve over time rather than fading immediately. Research shows Vivace stimulates natural collagen remodeling that can last a year or more with proper care.
Catherine’s approach at Beauty & Fly means you’re not getting a cookie-cutter treatment plan. She might suggest pairing Vivace with specific serums during the procedure or spacing sessions differently based on how your skin responds. Some clients use it as their main anti-aging strategy while others add it to their existing routine of injectables and peels.
Your Path to Radiant Skin
Vivace Fractional combines two powerful approaches in one treatment. The microneedling creates tiny channels in your skin while radiofrequency energy heats the deeper layers, which tells your body to start making fresh collagen. This dual-action process is what makes the results look so natural over time, since your own skin is doing most of the work.
The best part is how gradual everything feels. You’re not walking out looking like a different person, which is exactly the point. Your skin just gets smoother and more even as the weeks go by, and most people notice their friends asking if they’ve been on vacation or changed something about their routine.
At Beauty & Fly, Catherine Curtin brings over 18 years of experience to every Vivace session. She’s the only provider you’ll see, which means your treatment plan gets adjusted based on what your skin actually needs, not what works for everyone else. That personalized approach makes a real difference when you’re trying to figure out if Vivace Fractional fits into your skincare goals.
Whether you’re closer to the Bronxville or Bridgehampton location, a consultation can help you understand what to expect. Some skin concerns respond better to Vivace than others, and knowing where you stand before committing to anything just makes sense.
The questions people ask most often about the treatment process, timing, and results are worth going through if you’re still deciding.
Common Questions About Vivace Fractional
If you’re thinking about trying Vivace Fractional, you probably have some questions about what to expect. Most people want to know if it hurts, how long results stick around, and whether they’re even a good fit for the treatment. Here are the answers to the most common questions we hear at Beauty & Fly about this treatment.
Is Vivace Fractional painful?
Most people find the treatment pretty comfortable because we apply a numbing cream before starting. You might feel some pressure and warmth during the procedure, but it’s not what most would call painful. The whole thing usually takes less than an hour, and any mild redness afterward goes away within a day or two.
How long do Vivace results last?
Results typically last between 12 to 18 months when you take good care of your skin afterward. Your body keeps making new collagen for several months after treatment, which is why results actually improve over time. Maintenance treatments once or twice a year help extend the benefits and keep your skin looking its best.
Who makes a good candidate for Vivace?
Vivace works well for most skin types and ages, which makes it pretty versatile. It’s especially good if you’re dealing with fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, large pores, or uneven texture. Catherine evaluates each person individually during consultations to make sure Vivace is the right fit for your specific skin concerns and goals.
Can I wear makeup after treatment?
You’ll want to wait about 24 hours before applying makeup to let your skin heal properly. Your skin might look a bit pink right after treatment, similar to a mild sunburn. Most people can return to their normal routine the next day without any issues.
How does Vivace compare to laser treatments?
Vivace and laser treatments work through different mechanisms, so they’re often complementary rather than competing options. Lasers use light energy to target specific concerns, while Vivace combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen from within. Some people benefit from both types of treatments at different times.
What makes Vivace different from regular microneedling?
The main difference is the radiofrequency energy that Vivace delivers through the needles. Regular microneedling creates tiny channels in your skin to trigger healing, but Vivace adds RF energy that heats deeper layers of skin for enhanced collagen stimulation. This combination typically produces more dramatic and longer-lasting results than microneedling alone.