I know we are not the only ones who’ve been thinking about getting Radio Frequency Skin Therapy. It seems like every other girl our age is talking about it. But does it really work? Are there alternatives we can use at home instead of going to a clinic? Is it safe? We will share our research and tips in this post.
What is Radio Frequency Skin Tightening?
Radio frequency therapy, also called radio frequency skin tightening or RFST for short is a way to minimize wrinkles without surgery. The procedure involves using energy waves that heat the deep layer of your skin, called the dermis, which stimulates collagen production and thus firms up loose elasticity. As we age, we produce less and less collagen due decreasing number of cells producing it.
How Radio Frequency Devices actually work?
Radio frequency skin tightening is a treatment that uses radio waves to heat the skin and promote collagen production. The radio waves penetrate the skin and cause the tissue to become heated. This stimulates collagen production, which can help to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. The radio waves also help to tighten the skin by increasing elastin production.
Elastin is a protein that helps to keep the skin firm and elastic. Radio frequency skin tightening is a non-invasive procedure that does not require any downtime. It is often used as an alternative to surgery or other more invasive procedures. Radio frequency skin tightening is safe for most people and has few side effects. The most common side effect is mild redness or swelling around the treatment area, which typically resolved within a few hours.
Let’s get into the details a little bit and talk more about the dermis, collagen and elastin!
The Dermis
The dermis is the inner layer of skin, and it's what gives our skin its strength and elasticity. It's composed of two main types of fibers: collagen and elastin.
Collagen provides strength and structure, while elastin gives skin its stretchiness. The dermis also contains blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, and sweat glands. All of these components work together to keep our skin looking healthy and functioning properly. Without the dermis, our skin would be dry and wrinkled, and we would be susceptible to infection and disease.
So the next time you look in the mirror, remember to give your dermis a little bit of credit!
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Studies that support RF Technology
There were a number of studies done that asked the same question. Is this technology actually effective? The short answer is, yes. It is not perfect, just like any other treatment but there are positive effects.
Check out this study done in 2017:
Application for lower facial fat reduction and tightening by static type monopolar
Results:
During the study, more than ninety percent of patients showed volumetric change by fat reduction at the treated area, with an average of 2.7 ml. Sixty percent of patients were either “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with the tightening effects. The treatments were accompanied only by very mild heat pain. Efficacy was maintained for 2 months after the treatments, and three patients showed a higher fat reduction effect at 2 months after the final treatment compared with the final treatment. A mild redness was observed just for few hours after the treatment, but complications such as, swelling, induration, burn, sensory disturbance or facial paralysis, were not observed.
There is another study that looked into RF effects on the whole body, not just the face.
Ninety-two percent of the patients were pleased with the results after completing all of the treatment sessions, and 92 percent of the patients would recommend the treatment to others. Twenty-two patients saw significant improvement in body shape, two saw only mild improvement, and only one patient did not see any change.
Is RF Skin tightening safe?
Radio frequency skin tightening is a new cosmetic procedure that has become popular in recent years. The procedure uses radio waves to heat the skin and promote collagen production. Some people worry about the safety of radio frequency skin tightening, but there is no evidence to suggest that it is harmful. In fact, the radio waves used in the procedure are similar to those used in radio and microwave ovens, which have been safely used for decades. radio frequency skin tightening is a safe and effective way to reduce wrinkles and improve skin appearance.
Disclaimer and generally good practice is to always check with your doctor. Most devices come with user manuals and clear indications of when to stop using a device if you experience any of side effects. Although very rare, they can occur so be mindful.
