RF lifting: what is, indications and contraindications

Lifting skin rejuvenation

Lifting is the generic term for a number of cosmetic procedures for tightening the skin. This includes plastic surgery and numerous non-invasive methods, ranging from drug (injection) to apparatus therapy.

According to the reviews of cosmetologists and people who use hardware lifting for rejuvenation, it is one of the few non-surgical methods of effective tightening that has a long-lasting effect and greatly improves skin health (including anti-inflammatory effects) without causing significant onesSide effects.

As maintenance therapy for ptosis (ptosis) of skin areas with incipient age-related changes, hardware lifting is indicated in patients over 25 years of age (gender does not matter) in the form of regular short cures.

In men, the procedure helps to cope with fat deposits in the chin and neck area, restore the silhouette in shingles obesity.

What is radio wave lifting?

RFlifting (or RFlifting) of the face and body is a therapy of age-related changes based on the radio wave method of heating the deep layers of skin (dermis and hypodermis) under the epidermis (surface layer).

The essence of the method lies in the point effect of radio waves on the most vulnerable areas, where cellulite and vesicles most often form, i. e. which are characterized by age-related slackness. These are the areas of the face - forehead, temples, cheeks, nasolabial triangle, chin and neck down to the thyroid cartilage; and torso - abdomen, inner thighs, sides (above the pelvic bones). Radiofrequency whole body lifting is also used.

By deep heating to different temperatures (depending on the zone and the sensitivity of the skin), the fat layer becomes thinner, the vessels expand reflexively and with the acceleration of the blood flow, the metabolism in the skin is accelerated. But the main thing is the transformations that occur in collagen: it changes its structure - elongated fibers connecting the dermis and epidermis are reduced, and the skin regains firmness and elasticity. After 21 days, the intensive production of new collagen begins, which ensures a long-lasting effect.

As a result, "flies" are noticeably tightened, eyebrows are raised, nasolabial folds are less pronounced, acne scars and stretch marks are smoothed and reducedYellow tint is replaced by pink.

Views

The RF face and body lift can be performed in different modes depending on the device type and settings. The difference lies in the power (and the temperature generated in the skin) and the polarity of the device.

  • Monopolar.Works evenly on the selected skin layer to the same depth. It has the strongest effect and, accordingly, the highest temperatures (50-60ÖC). This device should not be used on fine areas of skin, including the eye area (crow's feet only). Well suited for the treatment of cellulite as part of body contouring
  • Bipolar.Polarity can be switched to reduce power and temperature (up to 45ÖC), therefore the device is suitable for sensitive areas. Does not generate a magnetic field
  • Tripolar (tripolar).Latest generation lifting devices with constant polarity reversal. The gentlest mode with the lowest temperatures and the highest processing speed. Suitable for all skin types (also for RF eye lifting), applicable to the whole body. Absolutely painless

RF and thermolifting - what's the difference?

Thermolifting (Thermage) is most commonly referred to as high power RF body lifting (that is, performed by a monopolar device). Temperature effects reach 60ÖC. With thermolifting, controlled damage to the skin triggers a stronger immune response, so that edema is more likely to develop after the procedure.

Features of thermal lifting:

  • Good results in the treatment of deep fat deposits (the penetration ability of radio waves in this method reaches 40 mm), but limited scope (cannot be used to treat the eyes as it can damage the tissues of the eyeball)
  • A short course of treatment, but a high likelihood of discomfort
  • Long list of contraindications

Features of RF lifting:

  • versatility
  • Low current
  • Lack of sensations and side effects
  • Longer therapy
  • The need for refresher courses arises 1-2 times a year

advantages

  • Non-invasiveness. The procedure leaves no scars and does not create any potentially harmful conditions (conditions for allergic reactions, infections, blood loss)
  • Does not require special training, rehabilitation, and adherence to lifelong diets or other restrictive rules
  • All year round. There are no restrictions on the procedure in the summer, since the epidermis is not involved in the process
  • Effectiveness in different age groups regardless of gender. Equally well tolerated by men and women from 25 to the menopause
  • Act quickly. The result is not only visible after a one-off procedure, but is added up over the course of the process and intensifies over time (long-term effect)
  • The accuracy of the impact allows you to work on strictly defined areas
  • Suitable for the whole body
  • Can be used in complex taper schemes

Who fits

The RFlifting procedure has its own indications and limitations. Recommended by:

  • To maintain the skin tone until the first signs of tiredness and aging appear (but not earlier than 25 years)
  • At the first signs of tissue ptosis (drooping of the eyelids, appearance of "flies", "pockets" under the eyes)
  • For body shaping, facial contours
  • As anti-cellulite therapy (e. g. to combat excess weight in the neck, double chin)
  • As part of a rejuvenation complex
  • For tightening the skin after rapid weight loss
  • To improve skin turgor for general slackness, reduce acne spots
  • Stretch marks (stretch marks of various etiologies)
  • Expression lines and folds
  • Couperose of the face, legs

Contraindications:

  • Connective tissue diseases
  • Acute phase of viral or bacterial infection, exacerbation of chronic diseases
  • Pregnancy, breastfeeding or menstruation
  • The presence of prostheses, implants (including gold reinforcement), pacemakers
  • Simultaneous patient receiving botox injections
  • High blood pressure or severe hypertension
  • Wounds, eczema, active inflammation of the skin
  • Oncological diseases
  • Diabetes of any kind
  • Age under 25

How is it done

  • Before the procedure, the patient should not apply cosmetics - the skin should be dry and clean. Men need to shave thoroughly. Wearing contact lenses is not recommended when working on the eyelids and around the eyes
  • In a beauty salon or clinic, the client is placed in a comfortable lying position on a couch and covered with a disposable sheet. Hair is collected under a hat
  • First, the facial skin is peeled for deep cleansing.
  • Then a hypoallergenic (neutral) conductive gel is applied
  • The beautician begins to drive the device (manipula) along strictly defined lines in the treated area and at the same time to massage the skin
  • At the end of the procedure, the skin is washed and a nourishing mask is applied to the face

The type of exposure is selected individually depending on the nature of the skin, the treatment area and the desired effect. Painful sensations rarely occur - during the manipulation the customer may feel a tingling sensation of greater or lesser intensity, a thermal shock on the body surface in the operating area of the device.

Before visiting a beauty salon, you need to consult a dermatologist about the presence of contraindications.

Side effects and recommendations after the session

Immediately after the RF lifting session, the vessels are widened and filled with blood. This can lead to reddening of the treated area, a feeling of heat and a local increase in temperature. These symptoms go away on their own within a day or two.

In the evening there may be a slight swelling that does not require surgery. When working on large areas of the body to remove cellulite, it is advisable to combine RF lifting with lymphatic drainage.

A rare long-term complication of the procedure is skin fibrosis (abnormal connective tissue overgrowth as a result of excessive stimulation). It occurs when the procedure is abused or the beautician regularly fails to comply with the temperature regime and the duration of exposure.

Therefore, when choosing this method of rejuvenation, you should strictly adhere to the recommended intervals between sessions, carefully choose a clinic, pay attention to the qualification and evaluation of the doctor.

On the first day after the session, the customer must refrain from:

  • Bathing visits
  • Gym
  • solarium

How often should the procedure be carried out

Radiofrequency lifting has a long-lasting effect, so it is enough to repeat the course 1-2 times a year. Each course comprises approx. 4 sessions of 15-20 minutes (depending on the course and body area, the session can be extended to up to 2 hours) for clients under the age of 50 and approx. 6-8 treatments for clients in the menopause, due to changesof hormone levels lead to more persistent skin changes.

There must be at least 10 days between the interventions of a course (this interval can be extended to two weeks, but not shortened).

Advantages of the procedure in a professional clinic:

  • Innovative technologies - tripolar RF lifting: gentle complex effect without pain
  • Experienced beauticians and physiotherapists
  • Consultation with a dermatologist before the procedure
  • A wide range of cosmetic services
  • Individual selection of complex anti-aging programs