Radiofrequency facials, also known as radiofrequency skin tightening, is a nonsurgical method of tightening the skin to allow for a similar effect to a face lift, or to reshape sagging skin.
It can be done to the body and face in many different ways, with a number of different treatments available, here’s everything you need to know.
What is radiofrequency?
Radiofrequency is a particular form of energy wave, with a number of physical effects possible. It comes in very different strengths, for examples X-rays is one type but they use one billion times more energy than what is used on the body.
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Radiofrequency skin tightening
When used to treat the skin, the radiofrequency goes deep into the skin, to the layer called the dermis (where collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid is produced). When the waves enter the dermis, they heat up the area and force the skin to regenerate and produce more collagen, which gives way to tighter skin.
Radiofrequency facials
Research has shown that heating the skin to between 50-75°C for more than three minutes causes the body to release heat-shock proteins. The dermis then uses these proteins to create new collagen.
Collagen is like the skeleton of the skin, it creates the framework of your skin and is what gives it firmness, but the amount present in our skin decrease over time — particularly over the age of 40.
A good radiofrequency skin tightening facial will lift the entire face, or jowls, to create a similar effect to a face lift. I tried a Radiofrequency Skin Tightening Lift Shape Treatment at London’s Woodford Medical Clinic and halfway through I could visibly see that one side of my face was completely lifted. Read about it here.
AT-HOME RADIOFREQUENCY DEVICES FOR FACE & BODY
Radiofrequency fat reduction
It can also be used to pass the dermis and penetrate the fat layer below the skin. In this instance, the heat from the waves breaks down the fat cells, which are then drained from the body through the lymphatic system, resulting in fat reduction and body contouring.
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Radiofrequency skin tightening stomach
Radiofrequency can be done all across the body but is particularly popular on the stomach as after pregnancy the skin can loss become lax and saggy. It can be used in two ways: firstly, to heat and destroy fat cells giving way to weight loss; and secondly, to tighten the skin. When used on the bum and thighs, it can also reduce cellulite.
Radiofrequency skin tightening dangers
The risks involved are minimal and occur rarely. People with dark skins tones are more at risk of side effects.
Sometimes, fat loss can be uneven, and this will require further treatments to balance things out. As radiofrequency heats the body, there is a risk of burning. I’ve been told many times that this is extremely rare, but for this reason it is really important to tell the technician if the heat is becoming too much to bear. It is normal to need breaks during a treatment, especially when targeting the fat cells deeper in the body.
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How often can you do radiofrequency?
It completely depends on the particular treatment. Some can be done as often as once a week, others (especially when targeting fat) are done once a month.
