Benev’s Sylfirm X

In each issue, Modern Aesthetics® magazine asks cosmetic physicians about the newest devices that they are introducing to patients. Here, Diane Duncan, MD, Director of Plastic Surgical Associates in Fort Collins, CO, shares her enthusiasm about Benev’s Sylfirm X, a new radiofrequency (RF) micro-needling device.

What is Sylfirm X, and how are you using it in practice?

Diane Duncan, MD: Sylfirm X offers the next generation of a radiofrequency (RF) micro-needling device. This new device has replaced my older machines, because it is much more comfortable for patients, and it features two waveform modalities that are specific for individual patients’ needs. I use Sylfirm X to treat acne scarring, rosacea, facial pigment, fine lines, and other lesions. Off the face, the RF microneedling device can be used to target aging skin, laxity, pigment, as well as vascular lesions.

What sets Sylfirm X apart from other RF microneedling devices?

Dr. Duncan: The Sylfirm X combines radiofrequency energy with tiny microneedles that deliver energy into the skin. The device is “tunable,” in that the needle depth and power can be dialed up or down. What sets Sylfirm X apart is the pulse wave setting. It is the only fractional RF microneedling device featuring both a pulse wave (PW) or short pulse and continuous wave (CW) mode. Other RF microneedling devices have a continuous waveform capability only.

Different settings are recommended for each situation. The pulse wave mode provides shorter pulse duration to target smaller structures like pigmentation or some veins, while the continuous wave mode is ideal for bulk heating and collagen remodeling.

Because of the speed of treatment and the ability to use both short pulse in PW mode as well as long pulse CW mode to address deeper structures, we have seen great results for skin texture, wrinkle improvement, and pigmentation. It is also my go-to device for hand rejuvenation.

Sylfirm X has a wide spectrum of adjustable depths from 300microns to 4mm. The 300micron depth can address more superficial structures (diffuse pigment, erythema) including the basement membrane, which plays a key role in the aging process. Other systems may require a different tip to address the shorter depth. Due to the handpiece design and robotic delivery of the needles, the Sylfirm X delivers a more comfortable treatment than we have experienced with our other devices, and the procedure is well tolerated by our patients.

In addition to the PW and CW modes, plus adjustable depth and adjustable power, the most important thing is patient comfort. We find that we can reduce the downtime and enhance the results by using BENEV Exosome Regenerative Complex +. This reduces erythema and promotes healing. Patients find the procedure comfortable and are very excited with the results.

Is there a learning curve?

Dr. Duncan: With any technology, judgment is the most difficult thing to learn. The actual use of the device is straightforward. I recommend starting small, as you can always treat more in the future. Patients tend not to want downtime, so three to five passes per area is my personal limit. The system is easy to use and easy to delegate. Who should do the treatment depends on the patient, his or her goals, and the treatment region. I usually do leg veins and recommend the settings, and my nurse can do the rest.

Please share your treatment protocol/s and any pearls?

Dr. Duncan: Depending on the condition, we offer a series of three to four treatments. With Sylfirm X, we can treat both the face and body. For leg veins, I tend to use PW4, depth of 2.5-4mm, and power of 6-9 depending on vessel size and density.

How has the ROI been for Sylfirm X?

Dr. Duncan: I tend to price the first session a bit lower than the medspa down the street. RF microneedling can be expensive. With Sylfirm X, the ROI is quite good, especially if you factor in the tip cost and having staff do the treatment rather than the physician. It is relatively comfortable so more patients can be treated. The device does not cost nearly what some of the competitors charge. Depending on your volume, two to three patient treatments per week can pay off the device easily within six months. In addition, we have found that using topical biologicals, like BENEV Exosome Regenerative Complex, once the microneedling is completed, can improve both outcomes and increase revenue.

For what this multi-use device can do and for what it can replace, it’s a bargain.