Whether you’re desperate to reverse signs of ageing or tighten loose and sagging skin, a radio frequency (RF) skin treatment is the ideal alternative to a potentially dangerous cosmetic procedure. Safe, effective and clinically proven to transform your figure, this highly sought after treatment has gained rapid popularity in recent years. And there’s little reason why — radio frequency treatments are quick, easy, non-invasive, non-surgical and entirely pain-free. If you’re ready to turn back the clock on ageing skin, melt away fat, or sculpt, lift and tone your figure, we’ve broken down everything you need to know about radio frequency skin tightening treatments.
What is RF skin tightening?
Whether you have loose body skin around your abdomen and upper armsor stubborn face wrinkles and deep vertical brow creases, radio frequency treatments use alternating energy waves to heat the deepest layer of the dermis to stimulate collagen and elastin production — two vital proteins that give your skin volume, bounce and plumpness.
Using a medical-grade device, the frequency heats the skin tissue to 40 degrees, creating thermal trauma that impacts collagen fibres. The local heating causes these fibres to contract and, at the same time, increases the metabolism of fibroblasts that accelerate collagen and elastin fibre production. The regeneration of collagen and elastin helps tighten the underlying structure without damaging the top layer of the skin. The result? Smoother, firmer and softer looking skin that offers a youthful, lit-from-within glow.
Which areas can be treated with radio frequency skin tightening?
If you’re seeing signs of ageing or hoping to tighten and firm skin post weight loss or pregnancy, there are a range of areas you can treat. You’re the ideal candidate if you wish to do the following:
- Body sculpting and contouring — If you’re struggling with skin sagging as you age, radio frequency skin treatments can firm and tighten the skin by stimulating the body’s collagen and elastin production.
- Diminish the appearance of cellulite— Cellulite is persistent subcutaneous fat that causes dimpling of the skin, especially in women. RF skin tightening targets subcutaneous fat by emitting RF waves to heat the fatty layers under the skin. The effects of tissue tightening and increased blood circulation mean that fatty deposits are drained through the lymphatic system, reducing the appearance of cellulite.
- Reducing body fat — Radio frequency skin treatments melt subcutaneous fat that’s processed through your body’s lymphatic draining system. Unlike liposuction, there’s no chance of infection as you’re not introducing anything foreign to the body. This means those with sensitive skin can reap the benefits of radio frequency skin tightening treatments.
- Post-operation smoothing — If you’ve undergone weight loss surgery and you’re left with loose, sagging skin, this treatment will help maintain skin elastin.
- Anti-ageing — Say goodbye to wrinkles once and for all with this safe, non-invasive treatment method. RF skin tightening can treat crow’s feet, nasolabial folds, drooping eyebrow lines and neck wrinkles. By triggering collagen production, your cells are firmer and tighter, resulting in smoother, softer and more plump skin. Each treatment builds upon the last, so you’ll look progressively younger after every session.
How many sessions do I need, and how long does radio frequency skin tightening last?
Like most things in life, there’s no quick fix or cure-all treatment that will completely eradicate your skin concerns. This energy-based bio-stimulative treatment requires several sessions — usually eight to 10. Patients looking to tighten, tone, and create a skin contouring effect typically undergo two to six sessions to achieve desired, long-term results.
It’s difficult to predict how long your results will last, given radio frequency skin treatments stimulate the body’s natural collagen and elastin production. While results continue to improve over several months, it really depends on your metabolism and your natural ageing process. With that said, patients generally notice effects for up to two years.
To prolong results, most therapists recommend completing the full course of treatment. Most people book one treatment per week, however, patients with more mature skin may need to book their appointments two weeks apart when treating the same area.
Do radio frequency skin treatments hurt?
Unlike liposuction or a tummy tuck, radio frequency skin tightening treatments are not painful. When performed correctly by an expert, this low-risk cosmetic treatment simply heats the skin, which most patients find soothing and relaxing. If you desire to sculpt problem areas and wish to avoid pain and long periods of recovery, RF skin tightening is the ideal choice.
Are there any side effects?
Radio frequency skin treatments carry minimal risk. The treatment is non-invasive, meaning it doesn’t penetrate the skin, so there’s no risk of infection or potential complications. During the treatment, you won’t experience pain or discomfort, simply a mild heat sensation. After your radio frequency skin tightening session, you can expect some redness and warmth in the treated area, but this settles quickly. With no aftercare or downtime required, you’ll walk out of the clinic pain-free and ready to go about your day as planned.
What is the cost of radio frequency skin tightening?
At jackies you get 50% off for you first and second visits, per section with your 50% off you only pay $199 per session. whether you’re treating your face, neck and decolletage or your arms, forearms, bra rolls, love handles, stomach, buttocks, inner thighs, outer thighs, rear thighs or knees. If you have any questions or concerns about the cost of radio frequency skin tightening, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Radio Frequency (RF) Skin Tightening
During radio frequency (RF) skin tightening, providers use an electromagnetic device that generates heat to stimulate the production of collage, elastin and new skin cells. This nonsurgical facelift firms and lifts sagging skin. The results are temporary, but they’re similar to a surgical facelift.
Contents
Overview
Procedure Details
Risks / Benefits
Recovery and Outlook
When To Call the Doctor
Additional Common Questions
Overview
Overview
What is radio frequency (RF) skin tightening?
Radio frequency (RF) skin tightening is a nonsurgical skin treatment to firm sagging skin. The procedure can give you a more youthful appearance.
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How does radio frequency skin tightening work?
Radio frequency devices use safe levels of low-frequency electromagnetic waves to generate heat. This heat penetrates deep into your skin’s layers. There, it stimulates new skin cell production (regeneration). The treatment also stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. These proteins give skin cells more strength and flexibility. As a result, sagging skin regains its firm shape and feel.
How common is radio frequency (RF) skin tightening?
More than 188,000 Americans received some type of skin tightening procedure in 2020. This type of nonsurgical facelift works on all sexes and skin tones. And there’s very little risk of skin discoloration (hyperpigmentation). It’s most effective on younger people who are just starting to show signs of aging. It’s not as effective on severely sagging skin.
Who gets radio frequency (RF) skin tightening?
People who don’t want the extra expense, pain or recovery time of cosmetic surgeries may choose radio frequency skin tightening. The procedure:
- Improves skin tone, texture and firmness.
- Minimizes the appearance of sun damage.
- Provides a more youthful appearance.
- Reduces the effects of aging skin like wrinkles, fine lines and saggy skin.
What does radio frequency (RF) skin tightening treat?
Healthcare providers use radio frequency skin tightening treatments for:
- Body contouring.
- Face, neck, arms and hands.
- Vaginal rejuvenation.
Procedure Details
Who performs radio frequency skin tightening?
Many providers perform radio frequency skin tightening procedures. These include dermatologists, plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgeons. You can also get the treatment at a medical spa (medspa or medispa) from a licensed aesthetician (skin care specialist).
What happens before radio frequency skin tightening?
During your consultation, your provider examines your skin and learns more about your treatment goals. They may take pictures so you can see before-and-after results. You should let your provider know if you have an active skin disease, are getting any skin treatments or are pregnant.
What happens during radio frequency skin tightening?
Radio frequency skin tightening is an outpatient procedure. It takes about one hour, depending on the treatment area. You go home soon after the procedure.
During the procedure, your provider:
- Cleans and sterilizes your skin.
- Moves a hand-held radio frequency electrode device over the treatment area.
The treatment area may feel warm. And you may experience tingling vibrations or mild discomfort. You should alert your provider if you feel an uncomfortable burning sensation.
How long does radio frequency skin tightening take to work?
It takes time for your skin to produce new skin cells, collagen and elastin. You should see changes to your skin tone and appearance within two to six months. If you don’t get the desired results, your provider may recommend another treatment. Some people need two to six treatments.
How long does radio frequency skin tightening last?
Your skin is always aging. But with proper skin care, the effects of radio frequency skin tightening may last for one to three years.
Risks / Benefits
What are the benefits of radio frequency skin tightening?
Radio frequency skin tightening can give you the results of a facelift(rhytidectomy) without the need for surgery. Other benefits include:
- Gradual, natural-looking skin changes.
- Fast, relatively painless procedure.
- Less expensive and invasive than cosmetic surgeries.
- No peeling skin or scarring.
- Speedy recovery with no missed work or activities.
What are the risks of radio frequency skin tightening?
Radio frequency skin tightening is a relatively safe procedure. You may have some mild redness and swelling (edema) after the procedure. These side effects should go away within 24 hours.
In rare instances, extreme heat from radio frequency treatments can cause burns. It’s important to choose a healthcare provider who has experience with radio frequency treatments. Your provider should only use radio frequency devices approved for use on the skin by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These devices have safety features that lower the risk of burns.
Recovery and Outlook
What is recovery like after radio frequency skin tightening?
Depending on the size of the treatment area, your recovery should be easy. You may be able to return to work after the treatment and resume activities within a day. You can wear makeup immediately after the procedure.
When To Call the Doctor
When should I call the doctor?
You should call your healthcare provider if you experience:
- Redness or swelling that lasts for several days.
- Skin rash or unexplained skin changes.
Additional Common Questions
Can you get other treatments at the same time as radio frequency skin tightening?
Depending on your treatment goals, your healthcare provider may recommend getting other nonsurgical cosmetic procedures during the same appointment. These treatments include:
- Botulinum toxin injections (Botox®).
- Dermal fillers like jawline filler or dissolving lip filler.
- Microneedling.
Do radio frequency skin procedures increase your risk of cancer?
The World Health Organization (WHO) lists radio frequency waves as potentially carcinogenic. This means they might increase your risk of cancer. However, studies haven’t found a link between radio frequency waves and cancer in people.
Microwave ovens, TVs, computers and smartphones use radio frequency waves. The radio frequency waves for cosmetic skin procedures are extremely low. At present, this skin treatment doesn’t appear to increase your risk of cancer.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Radio frequency (RF) skin tightening can give you a more youthful appearance without the need for a surgical procedure like a facelift. Heat from a radio frequency device penetrates deep into your skin. It stimulates the production of collagen, elastin and new skin cells. The procedure firms sagging skin, making you look younger. Your healthcare provider can discuss the different nonsurgical and surgical cosmetic treatments that can help you get the results you seek.
