Radio Frequency Skin Tightening

HELPS CONTROL:

Skin Looseness
Localized Fat Loss
Acne Scarring
Stretch Marks
Skin Wrinkles
Keloid + Hypertrophic Scars

PRICE RANGE: Treatments range depending on location, specific device used, at home or clinical setting. Typically from $$200 to $2,000.

AVERAGE DOWNTIME: No downtime is required; however, some patients may experience mild redness, swelling, or tingling.

RADIO FREQUENCY TREATMENT OVERVIEW

WHAT IT DOES:Radio frequency is a form of energy transmitted through electromagnetic waves, generating friction that produces heat. This heat can be targeted at adipose tissue (fat), raising its temperature to destroy fat cells. Radio frequency can also be delivered in short, intense pulses that penetrate the skin, creating deep thermal heat to trigger collagen remodeling (skin tightening) and stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:The use of radio frequency for non-surgical skin tightening is widespread and appealing for patients seeking significant results with minimal downtime. However, as with any procedure that delivers a concentrated dose of energy, radio frequency can have side effects, such as burns and unwanted fat loss. These risks can be nearly eliminated by selecting a clinician with extensive experience and expertise in the radio frequency treatment you are considering.

RADIO FREQUENCY FAQS

Does radio frequency really work?

While not always a permanent solution, radio frequency is a safe and effective procedure for addressing anti-aging concerns such as wrinkles and loose or sagging skin, as well as for reducing localized fat deposits. FDA-approved since 2001, radio frequency treatment has remained a popular choice for non-surgical skin tightening and body sculpting.

Is radio frequency treatment permanent?

The body's biological processes are continuous, making no aesthetic treatment truly permanent. Even radio frequency treatments that destroy fat cells cannot prevent other fat cells from expanding and accumulating more fat in the same area. This is why post-treatment care is crucial for maximizing the benefits of radio frequency treatments.

The good news is that the biological activity in the skin stimulated by radio frequency is quite long-lasting. For instance, the effects of a radio frequency skin tightening treatment can last from six months to a year or more, depending on the patient's individual response and lifestyle post-procedure. Depending on the device used and the patient's goals, additional treatments may be recommended every six months or once a year.

Is radio frequency treatment harmful?

Radio frequency has been deemed safe and effective by the FDA for skin tightening and wrinkle treatment. Its use in medicine dates back to the 1930s, with numerous clinical studies supporting its application for various purposes. Radio frequency devices used in aesthetics are highly controlled, and FDA-cleared technologies allow practitioners to monitor and adjust the depth and heat levels during treatment, ensuring non-surgical skin tightening results without overheating.

Does radio frequency treatment burn fat?

Radio frequency generates an oscillating electrical current that causes collisions between ions and molecules within a fat cell, producing friction that converts to heat. As the radio frequency waves continue to penetrate the adipose tissue, the temperature rises, eventually reaching 112-113℉ (44-45℃), causing lipolysis, or fat cell destruction. Some fat cells are destroyed instantly, while others die over a few weeks, with all destroyed cells eventually being eliminated by the lymphatic system. This is why the full effects of a radio frequency treatment may take a few months to become fully apparent. It's important to note that not all radio frequency machines are designed to destroy fat cells; many radio frequency skin tightening procedures carefully monitor the location and temperature of the energy to avoid unwanted fat loss.

What are the side effects of radio frequency treatment?

Radio frequency has gained popularity because it provides impressive lifting and skin-tightening results with minimal post-procedure recovery when performed correctly. While some patients may experience mild redness, swelling, and/or tingling, these side effects are generally minimal and short-lived. The low incidence of side effects after a radio frequency skin tightening treatment makes it a popular choice to combine with other procedures such as microneedling or injectables.

Things to not do after radio frequency treatment?

Radio frequency generates internal heat necessary to stimulate new collagen and elastin production. However, this heat increases sensitivity to inflammation triggers. After a radio frequency treatment, it's crucial to avoid heat-inducing environments like saunas, steam rooms, and hot showers, as well as activities such as sunbathing and intense workouts. It's also beneficial to refrain from alcohol and other substances that strain the liver, which is already processing deactivated fat from the radio frequency treatment.

Can radio frequency treatment cause hyperpigmentation?

When performed correctly, radio frequency does not induce hyperpigmentation in the skin. The energy penetrates deep into the skin without activating melanocytes, making microneedling radio frequency procedures beneficial for lifting pigment and correcting abnormal pigment disorders. This ability to safely treat all skin tones distinguishes radio frequency from some other modalities that may lead to unwanted pigmentation issues in certain skin types. However, the internal activity and inflammation triggered by radio frequency skin tightening procedures can heighten the skin's sensitivity to hyperpigmentation triggers such as sun exposure. It's advisable to avoid sun exposure for up to two weeks following a radio frequency treatment.

Can I shower after radio frequency treatment?

While radio frequency is non-invasive and typically involves no downtime, it generates significant internal activity and inflammation. Unlike certain laser treatments, radio frequency does not affect the top layer of the skin, allowing showering on the day of treatment. However, to minimize inflammation and support healing, it's crucial to avoid heat-inducing environments like saunas, steam rooms, or hot showers. Additionally, enhancing recovery from radio frequency treatments can be facilitated by using gentle cleansers that preserve the skin's barrier and essential lipids.

*Always consult your physician before undergoing any procedure

**Follow all product use instructions and warnings

***If irritation occurs, discontinue use; if irritation persists, consult your physician