Aging is a normal, natural process. With time, your skin will gradually show the effects of aging due to low collagen and elastin production, which are responsible for tightening and firming skin. When this happens, your skin begins to show the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and sagging. If you are looking for a minimally invasive skin tightening solution, radiofrequency skin tightening might be the solution you are looking for. At The Gael Center, we offer RF skin tightening treatments for younger-looking and glowing skin. Keep reading to learn about this cutting-edge treatment and how it can benefit your skin.
What Is Radio Frequency Skin Tightening?
Radiofrequency Skin Tightening, also known as RF treatment, is a safe, non-invasive cosmetic procedure that uses radio frequency (thermal) energy to heat the deep layers of your skin(dermis) to stimulate cutaneous collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. This results in firmer, smoother, and young-looking skin. It can be used in the face, neck, and body and is safe for all skin types due to the minimal damage and melanin changes. It is an excellent alternative to invasive surgical options.
What Are Radiofrequency Waves?
Radiofrequency waves are a form of radiation that releases energy from electromagnetic waves. They can be low or high-energy. Radiofrequency waves are low energy, while X-rays are high radiation. In skin tightening, the radiation used is a billion times lower than X-rays.
How Does Radiofrequency Treatment Tighten Skin?
Radiofrequency therapy devices use radio waves that pass through the skin’s surface to heat the underlying tissue and cause a controlled burn. During the treatment, a deep layer of your skin is heated to 50 to 70 degrees Celsius. This triggers the body’s innate healing process, which promotes elastin and collagen production and increases the skin’s elasticity and firmness. This can result in a tightening of loose or sagging skin. Results start to show after 3 to 4 therapy sessions. The number of sessions needed depends on the severity of the treatment area, age, and skin goals. After treatment, you may experience some redness which should go away in a few hours.
What Areas of the Body Can Radiofrequency Treatment Be Used On?
RF therapy can address the following skin concerns:
- Sagging skin under the chin
- Lines or folds between the eyebrows
- Crow’s feet
- Wrinkles around the mouth
- Lines or sagging skin under the eye
- Nasolabial folds
- Lose crepey skin on the body (including the abdomen, chest, and under the arms)
What Are the Benefits of Radio Frequency?
The RF treatment is generally safe and effective, and benefits include:
- Boosts collagen production
- Tightens skin
- Facial slimming
- Improves texture and tone overall
- Reduced wrinkles
- Facial dermal volumizing
- Offers immediate results
- Accelerates healing
- Diminishes or reduces cellulite
- Contour shaping
- Stretch marks and scar improvement
- Reduction of body fats
- Skin Retexturizing
- Treating sun damage
- Treating dry eye
- RF is less expensive than other invasive procedures
- Creates a more youthful appearance
- Can lead to long-lasting results with repeat procedures.
- Sessions only take approximately 30 to 60 minutes
- Requires no healing time after the therapy, and patients can return to their daily activities after the procedure
How to Prepare for Radiofrequency Skin Treatment
This therapy requires little prep work, but if you have recently had a micro-needling treatment, chemical peel, dermal fillers, and wrinkle reducers, it’s best to wait one month before getting RF skin tightening. You should also avoid using any products that contain retinol or alpha-hydroxy acids, as this can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the heat generated by the radiofrequency energy.
What to Expect During a Radiofrequency Skin Tightening Treatment
RF skin treatments are not painful. However, dermatologists will apply a topical numbing cream just in case. Most radiofrequency sessions take about an hour to complete depending on the areas you wish to treat. You can expect to see results after 3 to 4 different treatment sessions. However, the number of sessions may depend on your age, treatment area, and treatment goal.
What Is The RF Treatment Procedure?
The procedure involves:
- Before your radiofrequency skin tightening appointment, cleanse your skin, and if you can, go without makeup.
- During the procedure, you will lie down on a bed or table
- A cool gel is first applied to the face to protect it during treatment.
- The handpiece is moved across the skin of the targeted area to deliver a customized treatment based on each patient’s skin condition.
What is the RF Treatment Recovery Process?
This procedure is noninvasive, and you won’t have much recovery time. You may be able to go back to normal activities right after the treatment. RF skin tightening treatments can last over a year if you properly take care of your skin by using sunscreen and a good skincare routine. If you have ongoing treatments, your results may last longer, depending on treatment frequency.
The Potential Risks of Radiofrequency Treatments
RF skin tightening treatments are complex, and to be safe, they should only be performed by a surgeon certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. If the procedure is not done by a trained professional, it is possible to experience various side effects after treatment, including the following:
- Blistering
- Tingling
- Temporary swelling
- Bruising
If you have darker skin, you are at high risk of laser side effects post-treatment. The radiation emitted by the RF device is similar to a Wi-Fi signal or cell phone. However, the side effects mentioned can be avoided when the radiation is safely and carefully administered. According to research, RF therapy is a safe and effective treatment for skin tightening that can help treat the signs of aging.
If you are interested in transforming and rejuvenating your skin with RF treatments, we can help. Contact The Gael Center today or schedule an appointment online for more information. We are glad to help.
