Radio-frequency Treatments for Skin Tightening

Radio-frequency Therapy

• Uses energy waves to heat the deep layer of your skin known as dermis, this heat stimulates the production of collagen and elastin 
• Collagen is the most common protein in the body which creates the framework of your skin and gives your skin its firmness
• As you age, your cells produce less collagen and lead to stretched skin and wrinkles
• Skin laxity occurs around 35 to 40 years old when the quantity and quality of your collagen begins to decline
• RF therapy has been used since 2001 to help fight against signs of aging

How it Works: 

• The most common types of RF systems:
  • Exilis
  • Profound RF
  • Thermage 
  • Thermi 
• Each type of technology works in the same way through RF waves that heat the deep layer of your skin between 122-167 degrees Fahrenheit (50-75 degrees Celcius). 
• Studies Trusted Source have found that through maintaining a temperature over 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 Celcius) for over 3 minutes causes the body to release heat -shock proteins which stimulate the body to create collagen fiber. 

What are RF Waves? 

• RF waves are a form of radiation that releases energy in the form of electromagnetic waves 
• classified as low energy or high energy depending on the amount of energy released
• X-rays and gamma rays are examples of high energy radiation 
• Radio waves, WiFi, and microwaves are forms of RF waves (low energy)

Benefits: 

1. Primary benefit is skin tightening to help get rid of wrinkles, smooth stretch marks, tighten loose skin in areas such as the face, chin, neck, etc.
2. Fat reduction through a cell process called adipocyte apoptosis. RF can be used for face slimming as well the upper and lower abs, inner and outer thighs, and upper arms. It is also found to help reduce the appearance of cellulite. 
3. RF is painless, requires no downtime, leaves no surface irregularities, and reinvigorates the skin for a healthy glow. 

Not a Quick Fix:

• RF requires time and several sessions before visible signs of improvement
• Energy based bio-stimulating treatments naturally require a course of treatments, inducing benefits gradually over serval months
• It is recommended having treatments every 3-4 days ideally
• Having weekly treatments should show results after a month or so

When to Avoid RF:

• If you have rosacea you should avoid RF treatment 
• If you have broken blood vessels or capillaries, it is also not advisable 
• Heat based treatments are likely to cause further inflammation, dilate vessels, and/or worsen redness with rosacea and other conditions