Radiofreqency (RF) Skin Tightening is a non-surgical treatment that has been around since the early 2000’s. It has gained popularity due to Hollywood celebrities posting and raving about results. So, you may be wondering what all the hoopla is about and if it’s safe, are there any side effects, and where you can get this amazing, zero downtime, modern medical aesthetics treatment.
RF is a type of energy measured by “frequency” or wavelengths per second. It is measured on the “electromagnetic spectrum”, which includes things like WiFi signals, radio and TV waves, and microwave ovens. The RF energy used in skin tightening is in the measurement of 450 kilohertz (kHz). This is on the slow end of the RF range. For example, this is about 100 million times slower than visible light and over 1 billion times slower than an X-Ray.
How Safe is Titan Radio Frequency (RF)?
RF is very safe if you have chosen an experienced provider who offers FDA & Health Canada approved technology. And – the more you research its’ effectiveness – the more informed choice you can make when choosing a treatment plan and the right medically trained professional. So, the safety and effectiveness depend on the experience and skill of the provider. The treatment and the reason is RF carries a risk for burns if performed incorrectly.
The RF used in medical aesthetic, non-surgical treatments is different from the RF emitted by a microwave or cell phone, etc., and the RF in skin tightening treatments is highly controlled in a focused area. FDA & Health Canada cleared equipment allows the professional administering it to monitor and control the device settings during treatment, as well as having medical research and studies to back up the claims of actual skin tightening. It is necessary to ensure the tissue reaches optimal temperature without overheating.
How Does Radiofrequency (RF) Work?
RF, like many other forms of energy, has the capacity to produce deep dermal heating and works by heating the deeper water layer to stimulate collagen and elastin production. This encourages cell turnover which helps skin become tighter, thicker, and healthier looking. Our devices can employ various technologies, and varying degrees of wavelengths per second, but the manner in which it works will still be the same.
Our Titan® Radio Frequency treatments are extremely gentle – and by heating the water deep in the dermis we create a controlled injury, physiologically the reaction in the body is to heal. Once this occurs, the body responds to this controlled injury by making new collagen and elastin, fibroblasts shorten. This result is considered permanent tightening (although we continue to age on).
Radiofrequency (RF) is Different Than Laser
How our Titan RF differs from Laser Genesis is Titan RF goes deeper into the layers of skin, while laser treats the more upper layers of the skin. Laser Genesis and Titan RF are safe for all skin types and tones without the risk of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
What are Radiofrequency Treatments (RF) Like?
The clinic you choose will do a skin consultation with you and create a treatment plan. Using an RF device, a treatment can last about 60-90 minutes, depending on the area being treated. Treatments are usually recommended once every 3 weeks with an average of 6 – 10 treatments in a plan, followed by ongoing maintenance to prolong the results. AND, of course, an at home skincare regime with products that further support collagen and elastin production will help aid in making treatments more effective.
This is not an instant gratification treatment or overnight quick fix, it takes time for our bodies to make collagen, so the best results from RF treatment will show up in about 3-6 months. Be patient and don’t give up. This is a “good things come to those who wait” treatment.
TIP: At-home devices will be significantly weaker than professional units and this is for your protection. Nevertheless, it will still require care and adjusting the usage. Pay close attention to the manufacturer’s instructions. Expect results to take longer.
Recovery Time for Radiofrequency (RF) Treatments
Side effects are typically minimal and short-lived. Light to mild and temporary swelling, redness, and tingling, depending on the depth of treatment needed. This is of course part of the “controlled injury that is the anticipated outcome for this treatment. The inflammatory cascade that occurs post treatment is what creates the healing that in turn produces the tightening.
TIP: RF treatments can also be performed safely in tandem with injectables, microneedling, or other minimally-invasive Laser Genesis treatments. Again, it is best to work with a licensed esthetician for these treatments.
Scheduling a Radiofrequency (RF) Treatment
Be sure to have ZO Skin Health Recovery Crème and or ZO Growth Factor Serum on hand to treat any swelling or redness with improvement within minutes to hours and to jump start collagen production. DO NOT ICE. This will defeat the purpose of the treatment. The longer the heat stays in the dermis, the better the results. Search for Medical Aesthetician near me to find your recommendations for treatments.
Learn more about our Titan Radio Frequency Skin Tightening in Calgary