Radiofrequency (RF) therapy, commonly known as radiofrequency skin tightening, is a noninvasive method of skin tightening. The process includes heating the dermis, or deep layer of your skin, with energy waves. Collagen formation is stimulated by the heat.
The most prevalent protein in your body is collagen. It gives your skin its rigidity and creates the framework of your skin. Your cells create less collagen as you get older, resulting in drooping skin and wrinkles. Collagen quantity and quality begin to drop at the age of 35 to 40, resulting in skin laxity.
Since 2001, RF therapy has been used to treat drooping skin and other indications of ageing. We’ll look at how this cosmetic therapy works and what benefits it might have for your skin in this post.
How does it work?
Thermalift was the first RF device for skin tightening, although similar technology is now available from a variety of businesses.
The following are some of the most popular types of systems:
- Thermi
- Exilis
- Profound RF
- Thermage
Every piece of technology functions in the same way. The deep layer of your skin is heated to between 122 and 167°F (50–75°C) by RF waves.
Heat-shock proteins are released when your body maintains a temperature above 115°F (46°C) for more than 3 minutes, according to studies conducted by Trusted Source. These proteins encourage the formation of new collagen fibers in your body. The process should take less than an hour and be relatively painless.
What are RF waves?
RF waves are a type of electromagnetic radiation. The emission of energy in the form of electromagnetic waves is known as radiation. Depending on the amount of energy emitted, it can be characterized as low or high energy. High-energy radiation includes X-rays and gamma rays, while low-energy radiation includes radio waves.
RF waves include things like radio waves, Wi-Fi, and microwaves. It uses a kind of radiation that emits about a billion times less energy than X-rays.
Advantages of RF skin tightening
The main advantages of RF therapy are skin tightening and wrinkle reduction.
Due to its potential to stimulate collagen formation, RF therapy may also aid in the prevention of sun damage.
- Fighting sun damage
The collagen fibers in your skin might break down and become disordered when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays.
According to a 2011 study, a small group of persons with mild to moderate evidence of sun damage showed clinically significant improvements after three months of RF treatment, according to Trusted Source.
- Body contouring
By increasing the formation of collagen, RF therapy can help tighten loose skin on your body.
According to a 2017 study, according to Trusted Source, 24 out of 25 persons who received 5 to 8 sessions of RF therapy observed an improvement in their body form. Thirty-three persons were pleased with their outcomes.
- Face contouring
One tiny research project for eight weeks, Trusted Source studied the effects of RF paired with pulsed electromagnetic treatment. The researchers discovered that all 11 subjects had significant changes in facial skin laxity, and that 73 percent of them had improved facial shape.
- Wrinkles and fine lines
According to a 2018 study, the efficacy of RF therapy on wrinkles around the eyes was studied in 70 middle-aged women by Trusted Source.
Three treatments spread out over six weeks considerably decreased their wrinkles, according to the study.
- Face Slimming
The use of RF therapy as a nonsurgical approach of slimming your face is possible.
In a 2017 study, 14 middle-aged Asian women were given RF therapy to break down fat in their lower face. More than 90% of the ladies saw a reduction in fat after 5 weeks, and 60% were satisfied or very satisfied with their results.
Mild redness was seen several hours after the operation as the only negative effect.
Dangers of RF skin tightening
When performed by an American Board of Cosmetic Surgery-certified surgeon, RF skin tightening is usually deemed safe. It’s possible to get burned if the technique is done poorly.
Swelling, redness, and tingling are very transient symptoms.
Laser and RF treatments are more likely to cause negative effects in people with darker skin. The sort of RF radiation employed in this method is comparable to that released by other common household devices such as cell phones or Wi-Fi.
Although the long-term consequences of low-energy radiation are unknown, there hasn’t been any conclusive proof that RF radiation causes a health concern to people at this time.
Cost
The cost of radiofrequency therapy varies based on which region of your body is being treated and where you live. The cost ranges from $1,000 to $4,000 on average.
For comparison, a stomach treatment at Lakeview Dermatology in Chicago costs $2,300 right now. The cost of treatment at the Reflections Center in New Jersey ranges from $1,500 to $3,500, depending on which body region is treated.
Most insurance companies do not pay skin tightening since it is deemed cosmetic.