Treatment FAQ

what is rf skin treatment

by Benedict Goodwin Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

Radiofrequency (RF) therapy, also called radiofrequency skin tightening, is a nonsurgical method of tightening your skin. The procedure involves using energy waves to heat the deep layer of your skin known as your dermis. This heat stimulates the production of collagen. Collagen is the most common protein in your body.Jul 17, 2020

What is RF treatment?

Radiofrequency skin tightening, or RF treatment, is a non-invasive procedure that some doctors do in their office. The doctor will use a wand that is connected to a machine that creates radio...

What do RF treatments do for skin?

Jan 29, 2022 · The term "radio frequency" refers to the thermal energy that's delivered to the skin by a device with the intention of causing micro-injuries, which …

Do RF facials work?

7 rows · Jun 19, 2019 · Radio frequency (RF) skin tightening is a nonsurgical and noninvasive skin tightening and ...

Is RF skin tightening safe?

Jan 16, 2022 · Radiofrequency, or RF, is an energy that helps stimulate the production of elastin, collagen, and hyaluronic acid (synthetic HA is a common ingredient in injectable fillers for the face to give a fuller, plumper look).

image

How long do RF treatments last?

The effects of radiofrequency treatments will continue to improve over the next few months as the skin produces new collagen. Results typically last for a minimum of six months, although with ongoing treatments, results are often long-lasting.

What does RF do to your face?

Radiofrequency comes to the rescue, not only tightening skin, as mentioned earlier, but also restoring contours to create toned, firm, youthful-looking skin. This firming action makes RF especially well-suited to the chin, neck, and jawline. It can also be used to tighten: Sags between the nose and mouth.

What does RF do to skin?

Radiofrequency skin tightening is a safe, effective anti-aging treatment for a number of different parts of the body. It is a popular treatment for the face and neck area. It can also help with loose skin around your belly or upper arms‌. Some doctors offer radiofrequency treatments for body sculpting.May 19, 2021

How often can I use RF on my face?

For most patients, the ideal treatment frequency for RF microneedling is once every four to six weeks. The frequency of your treatment will depend on factors such as your age and your exact aesthetic concerns.Nov 19, 2020

Can I use RF everyday?

Yes and no. While you can have this treatment during any time of the calendar year, it might be more ideal for your treatment results – and less of a hassle – to seek your initial round of treatment during the fall and winter months.

Can RF make your face smaller?

In summary, RF is an emerging technology that may have a role in skin tightening. However, if the goal of the treatment is to look younger, then it may seem counterintuitive to have RF performed on the face since RF can in some cases, cause fat loss.

Does RF skin tightening hurt?

With a name like radiofrequency skin tightening, you may think the procedure would be painful or uncomfortable. In fact, however, it's quite the opposite! While some individuals may notice the warmth during the procedure, it is virtually pain-free. No numbing or anesthesia is needed, either.Mar 4, 2020

Can I wash my face after RF treatment?

Apply any prescribed or recommended topical creams and lotions to keep your skin moisturized and to reduce inflammation. Avoid washing your face with anything other than lukewarm water and gentle cleanser for 48 to 72 hours after the procedure.Jan 20, 2021

What should I do after RF treatment?

Post-Treatment CareIt is normal for the area to feel warm immediately after the procedure.The treated area may be flushed, red and feel tingly.Do not wax the treated area for 3-5 days.Do not laser the treated area for 2 weeks.Do not exfoliate the skin for 2-3 days.More items...

Does RF melt fat?

RF body contouring is intended to remove stubborn pockets of fat. It will not replace diet and exercise for extensive weight loss. Patients who have a low, controlled body fat percentage usually see optimal results. These types of bodies see the removal of fat deposits the fastest.

Can I take a bath after RF treatment?

Avoid hot environments such as saunas, steam rooms and hot showers for a minimum of 72 hours after the treatment. If you have a bath or a shower, use warm water. Do not undergo any heat treatment for at least a few days, as this may make the area feel sore.

What is radiofrequency skin tightening?

Summary. Share on Pinterest. Radiofrequency (RF) therapy, also called radiofrequency skin tightening, is a nonsurgical method of tightening your skin. The procedure involves using energy waves to heat the deep layer of your skin known as your dermis. This heat stimulates the production of collagen. Collagen is the most common protein in your body.

How does RF therapy help?

RF therapy may help tighten loose skin on your body by stimulating the production of collagen. A 2017 study. Trusted Source. found that 24 of the 25 people who underwent 5 to 8 sessions of RF therapy sessions saw an improvement in their body shape. Twenty-three people were happy with their results.

When does skin laxity occur?

As you age, your cells produce less collagen, which leads to sagging skin and wrinkles. Skin laxity occurs around age 35 to 40 when the quantity and quality of your collagen begins to decline. RF therapy has been used since 2001 to fight against sagging skin and signs of aging.

What is thermalift?

Thermalift was the first type of RF available for skin tightening, but now many companies offer similar technology. Some of the most common types of systems in the United States include: Each type of technology works the same way. RF waves heat the deep layer of your skin to between 122 and 167 ° F (50–75°C).

How much does RF therapy cost?

The price of RF therapy can vary depending on what part of your body you’re getting treated and where you live. The price is generally between $1,000 to $4,000. For reference, Lakeview Dermatology in Chicago is currently charging $2,300 for a stomach treatment.

How hot does RF heat?

Each type of technology works the same way. RF waves heat the deep layer of your skin to between 122 and 167 ° F (50–75°C). Studies. Trusted Source. have found that maintaining a temperature over 115°F (46°C) for over 3 minutes causes your body to release heat-shock proteins.

Can RF tighten skin?

Radiofrequency skin tightening at home. Several companies offer home-use RF therapy devices. There’s evidence that at least some machines may be effective for treating sagging skin and wrinkles. examined the effectiveness of 6 weeks of RF treatment using a home-use device for eye wrinkles.

What is radio frequency?

The term "radio frequency" refers to the thermal energy that's delivered to the skin by a device with the intention of causing micro-injuries, which trigger the creation of new collagen. Radio-frequency treatments can be performed on the face and all over the body, and it's known to tighten, firm, and lift the skin with little to no downtime.

Who is radio frequency for?

"Patients of all ages are now more interested in RF than ever," says Newport, California-based board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon Stefani Kappel, M.D., and that she recommends radio-frequency treatments for those over the age of 20.

What are the benefits of radio frequency?

Though efficacy will vary depending on the patient, modality used, and body part treated, one benefit of RF that Dr. Kappel notes is collagen banking, or preemptively mitigating the natural decline in collagen production that occurs with age.

Which device is best for me?

There are many types of devices that can deliver this type of thermal energy. Beverly Hills-based, board-certified plastic surgeon Ben Talei, M.D., notes that there are different classes of devices that deliver radio frequency via microneedles (i.e., Vivace, Potenza, Morpheus8, etc.), probes (i.e.

Does radio frequency hurt?

Because RF goes deep into the skin, it is more painful than your average laser or microneedling session. Depending on the device used, your skin might be topically numbed, injected with a nerve-blocking agent, and at some practices, patients are offered nitrous oxide.

What are the side effects and risks?

"Yes, RF can cause breakouts in certain patients for a few weeks," Dr. Talei confirms, which is potentially due to the delivery of deep heat to the skin. He also notes that this temporary symptom can be exaggerated by the use of occlusive creams or gels.

What is aftercare like?

Downtime and aftercare depend on the type of treatment you receive and the degree of invasiveness the procedure entailed. When the radio frequency is applied alone, it can often feel soothing and warm and require absolutely no downtime. But when delivered with microneedling, the healing process will be more extensive.

What is radiofrequency treatment?

8 things you need to know about radiofrequency treatments. It’s non-surgical and used to target sagging skin in particular - here’s how radiofrequency works, why it’s a long game and who should steer clear. Radiofrequency: as facials go, it doesn’t exactly sound the most thrilling, but radiofrequency treatments have form where tightening ...

Is radiofrequency good for collagen?

Like laser and LED treatments, radiofrequency uses energy to stimulate collagen and elastin production, but the heat energy is electrical rather than light based. Here’s your rough guide to radiofrequency, what it’s good for and what it’s not.

Can radiofrequency be used on the body?

It can be used on the body too. Skincare expert Paula Begoun says that radiofrequency treatments can “smooth out stretch marks and tighten areas of loose skin”, making it just as apt for your bum as it is for your face. Dr Williams breaks down why she incorporates radiofrequency into her Eudelo Body treatment:

Who is Dr. Sherina Balaratnam?

Miss Sherina Balaratnam, surgeon, aesthetic doctor and founder of S-Thetics has seen an increase in both men and women seeking radiofrequency treatments and puts it down to “a desire to sculpt problem areas while avoiding pain and long periods of downtime”, plus most of us can serve to benefit:

Can you get rosacea with heat?

As it’s a heat based treatment it’s likely to cause further inflammation and make redness worse if you’ve got rosacea, and it’s not advisable if you’ve got broken blood vessels or capillaries. As with most aesthetic treatments, it’s also not suitable if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

What is RF tightening?

RF skin tightening can be used on the eyelids to decrease skin laxity. The eyes are protected from RF energy with special contact lenses worn during the noninvasive procedure. In some cases, a local anesthetic may be used in the periorbital region.

What causes sagging skin in the neck and arms?

Loose skin and excessive skin laxity can cause wrinkles and sagging skin in the face, neck, abdomen, arms and legs. RF skin tightening provides effective results by delivering heat to the tissue below the epidermis, stimulating collagen production and contracting fibers to tighten the skin.

What is the indentation on the side of the nose called?

Nasolabial folds, the indents on either side of the nose commonly referred to as smile or laugh lines, are also effectively treated. In fact, the tightening of the nasolabial folds following RF skin tightening is one of the most dramatic observations noted by researchers.

How long does it take for periorbital skin tightening to show?

In general, and with proper skin care, results last for two to three years. Periorbital skin tightening.

How does RF tightening work?

RF skin tightening works by targeting the tissue beneath the outer layer of your skin, or epidermis, with radio frequency energy. This energy generates heat, resulting in new collagen production. This procedure also triggers fibroplasia, the process in which the body forms new fibrous tissue and stimulates the production of collagen, ...

What is RF treatment?

RF treatments can be used on areas of the body other than the face – including the neck, abdomen, arms, thighs, knees and buttocks. In some cases, patients undergo treatments for the purpose of body contouring, which reduces fat in addition to tightening sagging skin and wrinkles. Skin tightening on the neck requires the radio frequency machine ...

What happens when you tighten your skin with a radio frequency?

Over time, collagen and elastin, two components present within your skin, break down and cause your skin to lose its elasticity. During a radio frequency (RF) skin tightening procedure, heat is used to encourage the production of new collagen and elastin. The renewed production of these components helps to eliminate wrinkles and fine lines, ...

What temperature does RF cause?

During treatment, RF stimulates structures under the skin, and the heat produced causes targeted, controlled damage. Heating skin to around 152 degrees F prompts the best results, and in turn, collagen and elastin both undergo degradation.

What are the benefits of RF facials?

What Are the Benefits of RF Facial Skin Tightening? The two most visible benefits provided by this treatment are tighter skin and a smoother surface – meaning fewer wrinkles. But RF therapy is versatile, so you can also expect an improvement in sun damage.

How long does it take for RF to work?

Studies show that after three months of RF treatment, patients saw clinically significant improvements in mild to moderate signs of sun damage. This is great news for those with photoaged skin; treating dark spots, sagging, and other effects of the sun is notoriously hard to do. Most people think aging is the only culprit behind collagen ...

How long does RF last?

Your results can therefore continue up to two years.

How does heat affect the body?

The heat generated during treatment also increases cell metabolism and helps detoxify tissues. At the heat temperatures we achieve, blood vessels widen to increase blood flow and feed cells with more oxygen and nutrients. All that fresh, healthy blood flowing into your face also removes waste products like carbon dioxide. The effect is hard-working cells that provide an energy boost for dermal remodeling – and overall healthier skin.

What is the difference between high frequency and low frequency?

High frequencies, on the other hand, transmit just a short distance. Higher frequencies are those used to treat the human body in both medicine and aesthetics.

How does RF work?

An RF current travels too rapidly to produce these effects. It moves at the speed of light, meaning muscles and nerves don’t even register it. But our cells conduct RF currents and use them as part of their own electrical circuits. RF therefore moves freely through tissues, and any sources of resistance generate heat.

What is the most common technology used to tighten skin?

It employs different technologies with the most common being infrared laser skin tightening, radiofrequency technology skin tightening, and laser skin tightening. Radiofrequency has off late gained popularity for toning and firming skin. It uses radio waves to tighten your skin.

What is skin tightening?

Skin tightening can be done all over your body where there is loose or sagging skin. It employs different technologies with ...

How long does it take to tighten skin?

The procedure is carried out using a hand-held instrument, which applies radio waves over the affected area. It just takes 30-45 minutes depending on ...

How does radio frequency work?

Radio frequency works by stimulating the production of collagen fibers as well as improving lymphatic flow in the skin. In the process, the lost collagen and elastin molecules are regenerated.

Why does skin tighten when exposed to radio waves?

The skin is elastic and thus it stretches depending on what influences it. When it is exposed to radio waves, it contracts and vibrates causing the pores to become smaller. This results in a tighter skin as it contracts in response to heat as well as the closed skin pores.

How long do skin care results last?

However, most people attain optimal results after a course of six to eight sessions. The results are expected to last for 2 years.

How to treat radio frequency?

Radio Frequency Treatment Procedure. Before the treatment, you need to wash your face with soap and warm water. This is to eliminate skin oils or any makeup that might affect how well this treatment works. At times the practitioner might apply topical anesthetic cream to your skin to numb it slightly.

What type of energy does an iPod emit?

All types of energy, from the sound waves your iPod emits, to sunlight, to the heat coming off your body, to gamma rays, are classified according to their frequency on the “electromagnetic spectrum.”. Radiofrequency (RF) is one category on this spectrum, and includes a lot of common energy types we use every day: WiFi signals, radio and TV waves, ...

How does RF work?

Like any form of energy, RF has the capacity to produce heat—and while each brand-name application uses a slightly different technology, all work by heating the skin’s deeper layers to induce new collagen and elastin production and encourage cell turnover, helping skin become firmer, thicker and more youthful-looking.

Is Radiofrequency used for skin tightening?

Radiofrequency, the technology used by Thermi, Exilis, Profound RF, Thermage, etc., has been used for non-surgical skin tightening since 2001; however, it has only recently gained widespread recognition, thanks to high-profile celebrities who rave about the benefits of their RF treatments. If you’re new to the idea of non-surgical RF treatments as ...

Is skin tightening surgery or non surgical?

With quick, comfortable treatment, zero downtime, and no scars, non-surgical skin tightening has become a popular way for patients to enhance their appearance and self-confidence without taking time for surgery and recovery.

Is RF laser safe for burns?

As low-risk, convenient, and effective as they are, apply the same level of scrutiny in choosing a provider for non-surgical RF treatments as you would for cosmetic surgery. Like any concentrated dose of energy, RF carries a risk for burns if perform ed incorrectly. You can almost completely mitigate this risk by choosing a provider who has in-depth knowledge and extensive experience in cosmetic laser and energy treatments, and specific training and experience in the treatment application you are considering.

Is RF energy slower than visible light?

To put it in greater perspective, the wavelength used in RF skin tightening is about 100 million times slower than visible light, and over 1 billion times slower than an X ray. Physics lesson aside, RF energy is quite calm when one considers the whole electromagnetic spectrum.

Does RF cause cancer?

However, there is no conclusive evidence that RF exposure increases cancer risk in humans, even in people regularly exposed to higher amounts of RF for their jobs. Both the American Cancer Society and Federal Communications Commission have issued extensive reports on possible impact of radiofrequency exposure.

Fast facts

You can trust RealSelf content to be unbiased and medically accurate. Learn more about our content standards.

What does RF microneedling do?

Radiofrequency microneedling (RF microneedling) is a noninvasive skin rejuvenation treatment that enhances the collagen-boosting effects of microneedling with the heat of radiofrequency energy. It improves skin texture and tone, pore size, fine lines, wrinkles, laxity, and acne scars, as well as stretch marks.

What are the pros and cons of RF microneedling?

You reap the collagen production-boosting benefits of both microneedling and radiofrequency energy, all in one treatment.

How much does RF microneedling cost?

A series of RF microneedling treatments costs $800 on average, according to RealSelf members. How much you pay will depend on the specific treatment (which device is used), how many treatment sessions you have, your provider’s level of experience, and the location of their practice.

Who's a good candidate for RF microneedling?

According to Dr. Tanghetti, RF microneedling best suits people with some degree of skin laxity and sun damage—specifically solar elastosis, the crinkling that develops due to depleted skin elasticity. It can also benefit people with stubborn acne scarring.

Is RF microneedling better than microneedling?

Yes, RF microneedling produces more dramatic results than traditional microneedling or radiofrequency treatments alone, as the combination of the two technologies boosts their effectiveness.

Which RF microneedling device is best?

You’ll find a number of FDA-cleared RF microneedling devices available at providers’ offices, including Vivace, Morpheus8, Potenza, Infini RF, Fractora RF, Genuis RF, and Secret RF .

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9