Cellulite radiofrequency: what it is, results, costs and contraindications

Cellulite radiofrequency: what it is, results, costs and contraindications

Cellulite radiofrequency is a painless, non-invasive and side-effect free aesthetic treatment. It is useful for combating the much hated cellulite and its blemishes, as well as localized fat deposits or sagging skin, due to various factors such as weight change, age, menopause, unhealthy diet or genetic aspects.

It is a treatment that makes use of specific medical devices, which exploit electromagnetic waves capable of reaching the deepest part of the skin, acting effectively against cellulite and adiposity located above all on the abdomen, legs, buttocks, hips and back.

It can also be used on the face to counteract the signs of skin aging.

So find out what anti-cellulite radiofrequency is, what results you can get, how much it costs and the contraindications.

What is cellulite radiofrequency, anti-cellulite treatment

Radiofrequency for cellulite is a non-invasive procedure used mainly as an anti-cellulite practice to counteract the typical orange peel appearance of the subcutaneous adipose tissue.

It is based on the use of high-frequency electromagnetic waves to heat the skin tissue and stimulate the production of collagen, in particular the production of fibroblasts, the cells that produce collagen and elastin. During the treatment, a radiofrequency device is applied to the skin so that the electromagnetic waves are able to penetrate the underlying tissues.

The energy released increases the temperature of the skin tissue and stimulates blood circulation. This can help improve the appearance of your skin in a number of ways.

  • Reducing the size of fat cells: The increase in temperature helps break down fat cells and reduces them in size.
  • Collagen Stimulation: The heat produced by radio frequency promotes the production of new collagen, which can improve skin elasticity and firmness.
  • Improved blood circulation: the stimulation of circulation can help reduce water retention and therefore also cellulite.

Anti-cellulite radiofrequency usually requires a series of treatments to obtain visible and satisfactory results which can vary from person to person. However, it should be remembered that this is not a definitive solution and that it may require several sessions to maintain the results obtained.

It must then be performed by expert medical personnel, after evaluation to understand if it is a procedure suitable for specific individual needs and conditions.

Who can undergo radiofrequency? It is an aesthetic treatment suitable for both women and men. Specifically, for those suffering from cellulite and localized fat and for those who want to eliminate water retention and swelling in the legs and to reshape the silhouette. But also new mothers who want to get back in shape after giving birth.

If you want to know more, read our in-depth analysis on what cellulite is and how to fight it.

Areas to be treated

Radiofrequencies for cellulite can treat different areas of the body such as:

  • Thighs and legs. Leg radiofrequency aims to reduce the appearance of cellulite on the upper and inner thighs as well.
  • Buttocks. The most common area where cellulite can occur. In this case, the goal is to improve the appearance of the bottom by making the skin smoother and more toned.
  • Abdomen. Cellulite can also appear on the abdomen, especially the lower one.
  • Arm. The arms can also be affected by cellulite, especially in the upper part.
  • Other areas such as knees, back and hips.

Types of radiofrequency

In the field of aesthetic medicine, radiofrequency is divided into 4 types: monopolar, bipolar, multipolar and capacitive. The choice depends on the area to be treated, the result to be achieved and the depth of the layers of the dermis to be stimulated. In particular:

  • Monopolar: transfers heat in depth, reaching the adipose tissue and exerting a beneficial action at this level. It is mostly used to combat cellulite.
  • Bipolar: the device has two electrodes that spread energy at the level of the epidermis and dermis. It is mainly used to counteract wrinkles and signs of aging on the neck, face and hands.
  • Multipolar: in this treatment the energy is distributed simultaneously to the deep and superficial layers of the skin.
  • Capacitive: it is a new generation treatment in which the temperature increase goes from the inside out, in a controlled way without the risk of burns.

What is radiofrequency for cellulite and for whom it is indicated

Anti-cellulite radiofrequency in aesthetic medicine is a treatment that uses machines that emit a high-frequency electromagnetic current.

They consist of a generator of electric charges and two electrodes (a positive pole and a negative pole) through which the passage of energy and heat takes place. Thanks to the presence of a special handpiece, the electric charge is transmitted to the skin and subcutaneous tissues, carrying out the desired therapeutic action.

As already mentioned, radiofrequency for cellulite is used to correct and eliminate various types of blemishes. More precisely for:

  • Counteract wrinkles on the face.
  • Stop sagging skin.
  • Diminish acne scars.
  • Reduce stretch marks.
  • Fighting cellulite.

It is usually indicated for anyone who wishes to counteract cellulite blemishes and fat deposits. However, it is suitable for those with mild to moderate cellulite.

In fact, it may not be right for everyone, but it is in the following cases:

  • People with mild to moderate cellulite. It is most effective treatment in the early stages of cellulite, when it is less evident.
  • Who is healthy. It is important to stay in good general health. If you suffer from any disease or ailment, or are on any specific drug therapy, it is advisable to consult your doctor first.
  • If you want a non-invasive procedure. In fact, not only is it non-invasive but it does not require significant recovery times.
  • For those who want to improve the appearance of the skin and have greater skin tone and elasticity.

Before undergoing cellulite radiofrequency, however, it is always advisable to consult a doctor or a qualified professional. Only in this way can you be sure that the procedure is suitable for your needs and that there are no contraindications or risks associated with the treatment.

How to perform anti-cellulite radiofrequency

It is performed by passing a particular handpiece that emits electromagnetic waves over the skin. Thanks to the thermal energy in the dermis, the synthesis of new collagen is stimulated.

It is a procedure that must be performed by a cosmetic surgeon specialized in this type of treatment. Although it is not an invasive technique, it must still be performed by medical personnel to ensure its safety.

It takes place in an outpatient setting, without anesthesia, as it is a painless procedure, and lasts a maximum of 40-60 minutes. You can just feel a sensation of warmth in the treated areas. However, if the doctor deems it appropriate, he may apply an anesthetic ointment to the affected areas.

Immediately after the treatment, there is no need for a period of convalescence, you can easily return to normal daily activities. At most, you may notice a slight redness or sensitivity on the treated skin, which however usually disappears within a few hours.

For best results, you may need to have a series of treatments scheduled approximately every two weeks. The total number of applications will depend on the state of the cellulite and the individual response to the treatment.

Finally, it is important to follow the medical instructions at the end of each procedure. In fact, it may be necessary to apply moisturizers or avoid direct exposure to the sun for a short time.

Treatment stages

The anti-cellulite radiofrequency involves a few stages before starting the procedure. These are simple steps to make the treatment more effective.

  • Preparation: consists of an initial assessment to determine the type of skin, the degree of cellulite and the areas to be treated.
  • Skin cleaning: the area to be treated must be thoroughly cleaned to remove any traces of creams or cosmetics which could hinder the effectiveness of the treatment.
  • Application of a gel or cream: to facilitate sliding of the RF device and improve the conduction of electromagnetic waves.
  • Slow and continuous movements: to cover the entire area to be treated. The goal is to distribute the heat evenly and reach all affected tissues.

During the treatment, a warm sensation may be felt on the skin. This is completely normal and indicates that the RF energy is reaching the subcutaneous tissue.

Radiofrequency for cellulite: results and benefits

The results of anti-cellulite radiofrequency are most often satisfactory.

In particular, it is a procedure also appreciated for its anti-aging effect, with wrinkles and blemishes visibly reduced in a painless and non-invasive way. It’s like a kind of facelift without resorting to surgery.

Nonetheless, to obtain good results, more sessions are needed, also to maintain the effects over time.

In general, the effects obtained last from 6 to 12 months but, precisely, to preserve the results, it is important to undergo maintenance sessions at certain time intervals to be agreed with the doctor (usually, from two to four sessions a year ).

However, it is important to underline that the results obtained also have a lot to do with style…