RF lifting: what is it, indications and contraindications

lifting skin rejuvenation

Lifting is the generic name for a range of cosmetic procedures aimed at 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, this is one of the few non-surgical methods of effective tightening, which has a long-lasting effect and significantly improves skin health (including anti-inflammatory effect) without significant side effects.

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

For men, the procedure will help to cope with fat deposits in the chin and neck area, to restore the silhouette in case of 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 the 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 sacs are most often formed, that is, which are characterized by age-related flabbiness. These are the areas of the face - the forehead, temples, cheeks, nasolabial triangle, chin and neck to the thyroid cartilage; and torso - abdomen, inner thighs, sides (above the iliac pelvic bones). Also, radiofrequency lifting of the whole body is used.

As a result of deep heating to various temperatures (depending on the zone and sensitivity of the skin), the fatty sublayer becomes thinner, the vessels reflexively expand, and with the acceleration of blood flow, the metabolism in the skin accelerates. But the main thing is the transformations that occur with collagen: it changes its structure - long stretched fibers connecting the dermis and epidermis are reduced, and the skin regains firmness and elasticity. After 21 days, new collagen begins to be intensively produced, providing a long-lasting effect.

As a result, "flews" are noticeably lifted, eyebrows are raised, nasolabial folds become less pronounced, acne scars and stretch marks are smoothed and reduced. The orange peel effect disappears. The skin becomes more elastic to the touch, the complexion is evened out: the shadows under the eyes brighten, the yellow tint is replaced by pink.

Views

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

  • Monopolar.Evenly works on the selected layer of skin at the same depth. It has the most powerful effect and, accordingly, the highest temperatures (50-60OC). This device should not be used on fine skin areas, including the area around the eyes (crow's feet only). Well suited for the treatment of cellulite as part of body shaping
  • Bipolar.Polarity is switchable to reduce power and temperature (up to 45OC), therefore the appliance is suitable for delicate areas. Does not create a magnetic field
  • Tripolar (tripolar).The latest generation of lifting devices with constant polarity reversal. The most gentle mode with the lowest temperatures and the highest processing speed. Suitable for all skin types (even for RF eye lifting), can be used all over the body. Absolutely painless

RF and thermolifting - what's the difference?

Thermolifting (thermage) is most often called high power RF body lifting (that is, performed by a monopolar apparatus). Temperature effects reach 60OC. With thermolifting, controlled damage to the skin triggers a more powerful immune response, so post-procedure edema is more likely to develop.

Features of thermolifting:

  • Good results in the treatment of deep fat deposits (the penetrating ability of radio waves with this method reaches 40 mm), but a limited scope (cannot be used for treating the eyes due to the risk of damage to the tissues of the eyeball)
  • Short course of procedures, but high likelihood of discomfort
  • Long list of contraindications

Features of RF lifting:

  • Versatility
  • Low power
  • Lack of sensations and side effects
  • Longer therapy
  • The need for repeated courses arises 1-2 times a year

Advantages

  • Non-invasiveness. The procedure does not leave scars and does not create conditions potentially hazardous to health (prerequisites for allergic reactions, infection, blood loss)
  • Doesn't require special training, rehabilitation and adherence to lifelong diets or other restrictive rules
  • All-seasonality. There are no restrictions for the procedure in 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 menopause
  • Fast action. The result is not only visible after a single procedure, but is summed up during the course and intensifies over time (long-term effect)
  • The accuracy of the impact allows you to process strictly defined areas
  • Suitable for the whole body
  • Can be used in complex rejuvenation schemes

Who suits

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

  • To maintain skin tone until the first signs of fatigue and aging appear (but not earlier than 25 years)
  • At the first signs of tissue ptosis (drooping of the eyelids, the appearance of "flews", "bags" under the eyes)
  • For body shaping, facial contours
  • As an anti-cellulite therapy (including as a means of combating obesity in the neck, double chin)
  • As part of a rejuvenation complex
  • For skin tightening after rapid weight loss
  • To improve skin turgor with general laxity, reduce acne marks
  • Stretch marks (stretch marks of various etiologies)
  • Expression lines and folds
  • Couperosis of the face, legs

Contraindications:

  • Connective tissue diseases
  • Acute period of viral or bacterial infection, exacerbation of chronic diseases
  • Pregnancy, lactation, 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 type
  • 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. When working on the eyelids and the area around the eyes, it is not recommended to wear contact lenses
  • In a beauty salon or clinic, the client is placed in a comfortable reclining position on a couch and covered with a disposable sheet. Hair is gathered under a hat
  • First, peeling of the facial skin is carried out for the purpose of deep cleansing.
  • Then a hypoallergenic (neutral) conductive gel is applied
  • The beautician begins to drive the device (maniple) along strictly defined lines in the treated area, while simultaneously massaging the skin
  • At the end of the procedure, the skin is washed, a nourishing mask is applied to the face

The mode of exposure is selected individually depending on the properties of the skin, the treatment area and the desired effect. Painful sensations rarely occur - during the manipulation, the client may experience tingling sensations of greater or lesser intensity, a surge of heat to the body surface in the area of operation of the device.

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

Side effects and recommendations after the session

Immediately after the RF lifting session, the blood vessels expand and fill them with blood. As a result, reddening of the treated area, a feeling of heat and a local increase in temperature are possible. These symptoms go away on their own within one to two days.

In the evening, a slight swelling may appear, which does not require intervention. When working on large areas of the body for the elimination of cellulite, it will be appropriate to combine RF lifting with lymphatic drainage.

A rare long-term complication of the procedure is skin fibrosis (abnormal proliferation of connective tissue as a result of excessive stimulation). It occurs when the procedure is abused or the cosmetologist regularly does not comply with the temperature regime and the duration of exposure.

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

On the first day after the session, the client will need to refrain from:

  • Bath visits
  • Sports hall
  • 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 will include about 4 sessions of 15-20 minutes (depending on the regimen and body area, the session can be extended up to 2 hours) for clients under 50 years old and about 6-8 procedures for clients in menopause, since a change in hormonal levels leads tomore persistent changes on the part of the skin.

Between the procedures of one course, at least 10 days must pass (this interval can be increased to two weeks, but cannot be reduced).

Benefits of having the procedure in a professional clinic:

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