What Is Radio Frequency Skin Tightening? Pros and Cons

Human skin will certainly show signs of aging with advancing age. The skin will loosen up when it starts losing the proteins (elastin and collagen), which are responsible for keeping it firm. As a result, we have fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin on the face, neck, and hands.

There are many anti-aging treatments like dermal fillers that can reduce the damage caused by wrinkles and there is also plastic surgery, which is costly. The recovery process is also long.

Radio frequency skin tightening is a better option for those who want to avoid surgery and are looking for an alternative to the fillers. The technology uses radio waves or RF waves, which is a type of radiation. The energy is released through electromagnetic waves face treatment, stimulating collagen production, and to reduce the signs of aging.

Each session takes between 30 and 90 minutes. The right age for radio frequency treatment is after 30. It is also recommended to patients who show signs of sagging skin before they turn 30.

What Is Radio Frequency Skin Tightening?

What is RF or Radio frequency skin treatment? It is a non-surgical, cosmetic solution for tightening the skin and reducing the visible signs of aging. Some people also refer to this procedure as ‘skin tightening facial’. It is also known as Thermage, Thermalift, Thermi, Profound RF, and Exilis.

Done correctly, it can restore a youthful appearance for your face and body. The best person to carry out radio frequency therapy skin tightening is a certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon.

How does RF technology work? RF skin tightening can be carried out at the doctor’s office. The professional will use a wand connected to a machine that makes radio waves. The wand will be moved over your body. The waves will produce heat to boost the production of elastin and collagen fibers. It will also improve cell turnover, and as a result, the skin will over time, become thicker and firmer. The procedure uses low-dose waves around 450 kilohertz. It converts to thermal energy and causes small injuries at the skin surface or the outer layer to prompt tissue repair.

There is really nothing to worry about. RF treatment was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) way back in 2002.

How much time each session will take will depend on your present skin condition and also whether you have taken the treatment before? Three to five sessions are recommended for most people.

The radio frequency for skin tightening healing can be carried out on the following treatment areas of your body –

• Face
• Stomach
• Arms
• Neck
• Breasts

The procedure works for all types of skin. It will not just reduce wrinkle damage and reverse the signs of aging, it can also reduce fat and the signs of scar on your face and other areas.

Radio Frequency Skin Tightening Benefits

There are two main benefits of radio frequency skin tightening –

1. It helps you get rid of wrinkles
2. Makes your skin tighter to reduce sagging

There are some other benefits as well.

Fights sun damage – Exposure to the sun’s UV rays can break down the collagen fibers in your body. Facial skin tightening treatments can stimulate its production and reverse this. A 2011 study discovered that there was a significant improvement after 3 months of RF therapy.

Body contouring – It can also tighten the body’s loose skin when the collagen level is increased. Researchers found in a 2017 study that 24 of the 25 participants showed improvement between 5 and 8 sessions. This shows that the treatment really works.

Face contouring – The researchers have also discovered that facial skin laxity improves radically. It works even better when RF facial and pulsed electromagnetic treatment is combined. 73 percent of the participants showed positive results.

RF for face slimming – According to the results of another study from 2017, the procedure may also remove fat from the face by breaking down the fatty cells. After five weeks, 90 percent of the subjects showed a marked reduction in the fat level.

Is Radio Frequency Skin Tightening Safe?

Radio frequency facial is considered as an effective and safe procedure, which is why it is FDA approved.

There can be a few side effects. But they are usually short-lived and minimal, so there is nothing to worry about. You may see some mild and temporary redness, swelling, and there can also be a tingling sensation. The side effects will go away in less than 24 hours. Your skin will start getting tighter and may stay that way for up to six months after skin tightening with radio frequency.

It is completely non-invasive, so there is minimal recovery time. You can return to your normal activities immediately after the session.

Radio Frequency Skin Tightening Pros and Cons

Radio frequency skin tightening treatment is both effective and safe. But you may still like to look closely at its pros and cons before deciding.

• Pros – Here are the pros of the process –
  1. It improves the production of collagen and elastin
  2. Tightens the skin
  3. Removes scars and wrinkles
  4. Reduces skin sagging
  5. Fight sun damage
  6. Helps in body and face contouring
  7. May even help in face slimming
• Cons – There can also be a few cons like any other process –
  1. There can be temporary redness
  2. Temporary swelling
  3. Slight tingling sensation
  4. Overexposure to the radio waves can cause a burning sensation

Always look for a certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist if you are considering radio frequency skin tightening.