The Treatment I Opted For
Evoke
What Exactly Is Evoke?
Evoke is a non-invasive skin firming treatment designed for the cheeks, jawline, and neck. It employs radiofrequency energy to heat the dermis and stimulate the generation of collagen and elastin. In contrast to other comparable treatments, the RF energy is provided through a hands-free headset that relies on automatic sensors to constantly assess the energy and temperature, guaranteeing both safety and effectiveness. It is also promoted as being entirely pain-free.
My Evoke Provider
Board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Jennifer Levine from New York City
Why I Chose Evoke
Over the past six months, I have gazed at my face more frequently than ever before, thanks to Zoom. No matter how hard I attempt to focus on the speaker, I am drawn to my own image. And I notice some rounded edges in that image – specifically, where my jawline has lost its distinctiveness, the absence of prominent cheekbone edges, and the loose skin pocket between my chin and neck. During these video conferences, I have developed a coping strategy of leaning on one hand and pulling the skin towards my ear for a temporary, though uneven, firming effect. During a Zoom consultation, Dr. Levine chuckled at my makeshift facelift and stated that Evoke was the ideal treatment for those seeking mild to moderate lower-face firming but not yet prepared for a real facelift – like me.
My Concerns Regarding Evoke
In a nutshell: pain. Previously, I have undergone Fraxel laser treatments and both Botox and Dysport injections and had to be numbed before each procedure. I am not a patient with a high pain tolerance. Dr. Levine assured me that Evoke is painless and would not require numbing, even for someone with my low pain threshold.
Also, this would be my first visit to a doctor's office during COVID-19. I was not fond of the idea of spending an extended period in a small room with another person, but I realized I would have to become accustomed to it. Dr. Levine explained, however, that the treatment was almost tailored for social distancing. Evoke is administered through two hands-free headsets worn by the patient, so she would not be hovering over my face with a device. This means I would spend the majority of the time alone in the room.
What the Evoke Treatment Entailed
After adhering to all the COVID-19 screening protocols, including a symptom questionnaire and temperature check, I was directed straight to the treatment room. The doctor applied ultrasound gel to my chin and fastened a headpiece snugly beneath it. It felt similar to sitting in the chin rest for a glaucoma test at the eye doctor.
Once she activated the heat, it felt like a hot stone massage – I was extremely comfortable, and the heat was even soothing. Dr. Levine set the settings to the maximum level – 43˚ degrees C, or approximately 109˚ F. She claims this heat is safe for all skin tones and will not cause any pigmentation problems.
Evoke utilizes bipolar radiofrequency to heat the dermis and subcutaneous tissue, which stimulates collagen and also targets some fat. The manufacturer explains that the energy travels between two electrodes, or poles. The depth of penetration is calculated based on a formula using the distance between the electrodes. This enables a concentrated and more precise application of the energy.
Dr. Levine says what makes Evoke a breakthrough is that the sensors enable the device to maintain the required temperature to induce the inflammatory response necessary for the body to produce collagen and elastin. That is why it is a hands-free treatment for the doctor – the machine handles all the work. And the sensors enhance its safety. They monitor the temperature 1,000 times per second and cut off the energy if it exceeds the setting.
All I needed to do was sit there with the headset on. I kept anticipating an uncomfortable shock or jolt, but none occurred. Dr. Levine's staff checked on me every 10 minutes, but the machine beeps to confirm it is at the correct settings. I had a panic button to halt the treatment if something went awry. I sat comfortably for 45 minutes, reading news headlines on my phone.
After the time for my neck was up, I switched to the headset that treats the cheeks. This resembles elongated headphones where the side pieces fit just beneath the cheekbones. Again, no pain, just a pleasant warmth. I waited for 30 minutes with the headset on, scrolling through Instagram, and before I knew it, the treatment was completed.
The ultrasound gel was wiped off, and I was sent home with instructions to apply neck cream to aid in stimulating the collagen formation process.
Related: The Best Treatments for Various Types of Skin Laxity
Evoke Results
I underwent four treatments spaced a week apart – the typical treatment course advised by Dr. Levine (she charges $900 per area, per session). If you have severe laxity, she suggests six. Evoke caused no bruising and required no recovery time. I merely had some pinkness due to the pressure of the headset, which subsided within an hour.
After the first treatment, I noticed slightly more definition in my cheekbones and my jawline appeared a bit sharper. This is the contouring effect that Dr. Levine claims Evoke performs particularly well. I had lunch with a friend after my last Evoke treatment, and as soon as my mask was removed, my friend inquired about the injectables I had received.
The area of the sagging neck skin – I can't bring myself to refer to it as a wattle – is narrower, but it still exists. I sense a tightness in the tissues beneath the surface, so I am optimistic that I will notice less of it as time progresses. Dr. Levine states I will continue to observe improvement for 12 weeks.
I am content with the results, especially considering that I did not have to endure any pain to achieve them. For a more significant effect, similar to my impromptu Zoom facelift, surgery or Ultherapy might be necessary. But this is truly a pain-free method to firm and add definition. On my last Zoom call, I even caught myself tilting my head at an angle to admire my newly visible cheekbones.
