What is RF lifting, how effective is it and who is it contraindicated for?

RF lifting is a universal cosmetic technique that has few contraindications and is suitable for almost all ages. Among its advantages are painlessness and relatively short rehabilitation. But there are also disadvantages. Despite the pronounced effect, the result will not last long and one session will not be enough. Together with experts, we explain what RF lifting is, what types exist, and how to properly prepare for the procedure.

• What is this
• Kinds
• Indications
• Contraindications
• How they do it
• Periodicity

The material was commented on:

Oksana Ignatieva, dermatologist, cosmetologist at the Sensavi Beauty Institute;

Yana Khodnevich, dermatovenerologist, dermatologist and cosmetologist at the European Medical Center (EMC);

Marina Kartasheva, dermatovenerologist, cosmetologist, leading specialist of the Semeynaya network of clinics.

What is RF lifting

RF lifting is a cosmetic procedure to improve the tone and condition of the skin, including tightening the oval of the face, due to targeted exposure to radio frequency radiation (1). The session is conducted by a doctor or certified cosmetologist in an office setting using a device with attachments. Depending on the problem, they work on different parts of the body: most often it’s the face, but you can correct the area of ​​the hips or abdomen.

The basis of RF lifting is the mechanism of heating the skin using radio waves. When they penetrate deep layers, they generate thermal energy caused by impedance – the natural resistance of tissues to the movement of electrons in a radio frequency field. The depth of penetration of this effect depends on the current strength and exposure time (2).

Directed and controlled heating triggers regenerative processes in the dermis, the main of which is associated with collagen. When heated, collagen fibers contract, which results in the effect of smoothing out fine wrinkles and tightening the skin.

RF lifting is a painless procedure. Based on the nature of the effect on the skin, there are two main types of RF lifting (3):

• Non-invasive. In this case, the effect occurs only on the inner layers of the skin, without damaging the epidermis.
• Minimally invasive. It is a combination of radiofrequency radiation with microneedles. This procedure is called micro-needle RF lifting.

Interesting fact: radio waves have been used in medicine for quite a long time and in different directions. One of the first such devices was invented back in the 1920s.. The technology was adapted for aesthetic correction relatively recently. In the United States, the first radiofrequency device for the treatment of facial wrinkles was approved in 2002. The procedure has become most popular in the last 15 years.

Pros of RF lifting

RF lifting has a number of advantages that fundamentally distinguish it from other cosmetic procedures. The difference is mainly due to the minimal recovery period and the absence (or minimal sensation) of pain. Here are a few more advantages of RF lifting:

• Painless. During the procedure, the patient's skin is not damaged, with the exception of a device with microneedles. But even in this case, the sensation of pain is minimal when comparing RF lifting with laser treatment, injections or chemical peels.
• Non-invasive nature. Unlike the surgical approach associated with incisions in the skin and other tissues, RF lifting allows you to achieve almost comparable results, but without the risks and recovery after surgery.
• Efficiency. By heating the deep layers of the skin, radiofrequency technology promotes the synthesis of collagen and elastin – proteins that lose their properties with age.
• Minimal rehabilitation. Unlike more aggressive procedures, there is no long recovery after RF lifting. Although some restrictions must be observed, in general, a return to the usual way of life occurs almost immediately.
• Versatility. RF lifting is widely used on various areas of the body, including the face, neck, arms and abdomen, making it a versatile treatment for a variety of skin problems.

Cons of RF lifting

RF lifting does not replace a facelift or any other correction by a plastic surgeon. Depending on the problem and the initial condition of the skin, the result may be comparable, but it will have to be maintained. This means that the procedure is carried out in courses. In addition, the effect of RF lifting may be delayed, so you should not expect drastic changes right away. Sometimes changes become noticeable after a month.

Here are a few disadvantages of RF lifting:

• Requires several sessions. Achieving the desired results from RF lifting is possible after several visits to a cosmetologist (up to ten procedures). After some time, in agreement with the doctor, the course is repeated.
• Temporary results. Despite the fact that RF lifting stimulates collagen production, the procedure cannot reverse the natural aging process. Occasionally, touch-up sessions may be required to maintain results over time.
• Possible side effects. Although rare, mild redness, swelling, or short-term discomfort may occur after treatment. Some patients experience slight pain when using RF microneedling technology.
• Contraindications. RF lifting has contraindications, so some patients cannot use it.
• Price. An RF lifting course can be very expensive. The final price depends on the type and quality of the equipment, the experience of the specialist and the area that needs to be treated.

Types of RF lifting

There are several types of RF lifting: according to the characteristics of the device, as well as according to the methods of interaction with tissues. Clinical studies show that a subcutaneous temperature of 65 is required to achieve optimal results.–68 degrees and 38–42 degrees on the surface of the skin. These parameters are determined by the doctor.

At the initial consultation, the cosmetologist will tell you all the details and also determine the most optimal solution to a specific problem.

1. Monopolar RF lifting. Electrical current flows from the RF energy source through a monopolar electrode in the handpiece. It then passes through the patient to the grounding pad, completing the circuit.
2. Bipolar RF lifting. Such devices pass electric current between two electrodes. The configuration and settings of bipolar RF lifting devices provide more controlled or localized energy distribution and less discomfort. Also, these systems do not require a grounding pad. Bipolar devices have limited depth and penetration area of ​​radio frequencies, says Oksana Ignatieva. “They are good for working with the “orange peel” on the body and for tightening the skin in general, providing a gentle warming effect that starts the process of lymphatic drainage. For a long-term effect, it is necessary to do eight to ten procedures,” notes the cosmetologist.
3. Combined RF lifting. Such RF systems use mono- and bipolar mechanisms. The monopolar tip provides deep volumetric heating of the skin, while the bipolar tip works more superficially and locally. There are also devices that combine infrared or diode radiation with radiofrequency exposure.
4. RF lifting with vacuum. This is another hybrid system that creates a vacuum with bipolar radio frequency radiation. The vacuum folds the skin and subcutaneous fat, ensuring contact and alignment of the dermis in optimal alignment with the path of radiofrequency energy.
5. Micro-needle RF lifting. This…