Radiofrequency: effectiveness and dangers

Definition / mode of action:

This technology has been used in aesthetic medicine for over 10 years. It uses electromagnetic waves (THF) on the skin to stimulate collagen in order to prevent and improve skin aging.

The production of heat (over 50°C) retracts the collagen fibers and stimulates the fibroblasts that produce new collagen, and especially elastic fibers which firm the skin, so the main indication is skin retention.

The advantage of radiofrequency is that it presents almost no risk of burns and very few contraindications.

The main parameter is the number of poles (mono, bi or tripolar), which allow to treat more or less deeply without burning.

 

Indications:

Radiofrequency can act on the retention of the skin in the following areas:

• Face oval, jowls, neck and décolleté, eyelids etc.
• Inner sides of the arms, thighs, stomach, under the buttocks.
• Post-liposuction optimization

Contraindications :

• Irritated, inflamed skin (acne, infection, herpes),
• Untreated skin cancer
• Pace maker
• Pregnant women
• Poor healing (keloid, burn)

 

In practice:

There are RF machines for which a single session is sufficient (Thermage), however it is more sensitive for the patient and, ideally, should be performed under sedation or anesthetic cream. Most RF machines require multiple sessions at 3 week intervals.

A special handpiece is applied regularly to the entire area to be treated, one or more passes are necessary during a session. The feeling of heat is more or less unpleasant depending on the area and the sensitivity of the patient. On average, 5 to 6 sessions are required for a complete treatment of an area. The benefit can be noticed after the first sessions, we recommend doing a follow up session every 6-12 months.

 

Advantages:

• Non-invasive treatment that can be performed on most patients
• Quickly visible tightening effect
• Anti-aging prevention
• Improved post-aspiration retraction
• Painless and without side effects
• No social exclusion
• No surgery
• Compatible with other aesthetic facial treatments (botox, hyaluronic acid, mesotherapy)

 

Consequences and risks:

After your radiofrequency session, you may have some mild redness and swelling which lasts for a few hours, in very rare cases, up to 2-3 days. Most of the time, no social exclusion is necessary.

The huge advantage is that the risks associated with aesthetic radiofrequency are close to zero, apart from rare cases of burns that are mostly due to poor machine settings. This gesture remains a medical act and is reserved for trained doctors.