What Are the Benefits of Facial Radio-Frequency Skin Tightening?

People are increasingly talking about the benefits of facial radio-frequency skin tightening. It isn’t a totally new technique, but it has been perfected. In this article, we tell you what it is, as well as its effects.

Written and verified by the doctor Leonardo Biolatto.

Last update: 27 May, 2022

Both doctors and patients talk about the benefits of facial radio-frequency skin tightening. Although it also has its detractors, the fact is that the technique has advanced a lot in recent times.

While cosmetic surgery is a different approach, this technique has become its competition. As a non-invasive technique, it’s cheaper and yields results in a short time.

Often, it’s called a non-surgical facelift, although this isn’t an exact description. Unlike surgical techniques, it doesn’t require anesthesia and doesn’t constitute the expected side effects of a bigger procedure.

This technique uses energy as heat. RF devices emit energy that penetrates the dermis to stimulate collagen production and regeneration.

It achieves the desired effect because the heat induces fibroblasts, a type of cell present in the skin, to produce new collagen. It can be used on almost any part of the body. There are techniques for the neck, buttocks, and abdomen.

The benefits of radio-frequency skin tightening are notorious in facial application. The patient will require more than one session, and probably at least six.

Radio-frequency devices

The benefits of facial radio-frequency skin tightening have been shown with different pieces of equipment. They can be massagers, toners, or stimulators, and they all act in the same way.

Before conducting the sessions, it’s essential for the skin to be clean. There can be no traces of make-up or any other substance that can hinder the effects of the heat energy.

The professional spreads a conductive gel over the skin. In other words, a substance that allows the passage of energy. The apparatus of choice is positioned over the gel and the professional starts moving it around the area.

Sometimes, facial radio-frequency skin tightening is combined with hyaluronic acid to boost its benefits. However, this isn’t the most common way of doing it.

There are three radio-frequency systems:

• Monopolar. This targets adipose tissue present in deep dermis layers.
• Bipolar. This acts on the surface layers of the skin.
• Tripolar. This combines monopolar and bipolar, stimulating collagen and elastin production and removing fat. Today, it’s the most recommended system, due to its efficacy.

Side effects and contraindications

The side effects of facial radio-frequency skin tightening are related to the heat transmitted to the skin. Although it isn’t a painful technique, it can swell and irritate the dermis. In more extreme cases, it can cause bruising that subsequently disappears. However, this isn’t common.

Some countries have reported changes in the conductivity of the facial and trigeminal nerve after the sessions. This led to a more serious establishment of the usage and clear specifications of those who shouldn’t use it.

Thus, here are the contraindications of facial radio-frequency skin tightening, which were internationally agreed upon:

• Firstly, pregnancy and lactation. The adipocytes (fat cells) removed through the technique travel through the lymphatic system and can reach the embryo or the baby that the woman is breastfeeding.
• Oncologic patients. In general, oncologists recommend waiting until five years after remission.
• Pacemakers. The heat radiated by the appliances can alter pacemaker functioning.
• Finally, patients with serious heart problems. Heat energy causes vasodilation and the removed fat circulates through the blood. Both situations are counterproductive to a heart patient. If you still want to undergo facial radio-frequency skin tightening, you should assess the benefits and risks with a cardiologist.

The benefits of facial radio-frequency skin tightening

Experts worldwide are conducting more and more scientific studies to verify the benefits of facial RF. As of yet, experts have proven its collagen regeneration effects. With new collagen, the skin regains firmness and turgor, reducing wrinkles.

Caloric stimulation also increases circulation on the areas it’s applied. Not only blood circulation, but also lymphatic, allowing the drainage of waste fluids and cells.

In purely medical and mathematical terms, studies showed:

• Brow lift up to 1 mm after three months of treatment.
• Nasolabial fold improvement and reduction of wrinkles in 50% of treated patients.
• Increased cheek contour in 60% of patients.

User satisfaction is high. In general, those who underwent RF sessions believe they saw benefits.

Whatever the case, medical consultation is important before starting. In addition, be sure to get the treatment from a professional.