From this article you will learn:
- RF face lifting: what is it, reviews,
- thermolifting, facial thermage – reviews from cosmetologists, photos.
RF lifting (English: Radiofrequency) is a technology for non-surgical tightening of skin that has the first signs of aging. In Russia, this procedure is often called thermage or thermolifting. This procedure is ideal for those who (due to their still young age) do not want or do not trust surgical rejuvenation procedures.
Radiofrequency energy in cosmetology is used to treat sagging skin, face lifting and is best suited for patients aged 30-45 years, who still have a high level of production of their own collagen. The most famous devices for RF lifting are: “Thermage”, “Accent”, “Pelleve”, “Tripollar”.
What is thermolifting of the face?
Thermolifting is the effect on the skin of infrared or radio wave rays, which are converted into thermal energy and have a positive effect on the skin.
The procedure is aimed at stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, reducing the depth of wrinkles and enhancing skin lifting and allows achieving results comparable to plastic surgery. Thermolifting improves blood circulation, launches rejuvenation processes, and activates the restoration of collagen fibers. In addition to eliminating age-related changes on the face and body, with the help of thermolifting you can get rid of stretch marks on the stomach and remove the “orange peel” from the buttocks and thighs.
Contraindications
The Thermage procedure is not suitable for everyone without exception - the method also has its own contraindications, which we will discuss in detail below. So, you can’t do facial Thermage in the following cases:
- during pregnancy, lactation;
- when wearing a pacemaker or other electrical equipment for medical purposes;
- after a fresh tan;
- when undergoing drug therapy;
- with existing threads (gold, silver, etc.) in the skin in the treatment areas;
- for pathologies associated with blood clotting;
- with weak immunity;
- for oncology, diabetes, infectious diseases.
You may also be interested in information about how and why facial peeling is done at home for dry skin.
Types of thermolifting
RF lifting
Radio frequency thermolifting (or RF lifting) is a procedure based on the radio wave method of heating the deep layers of skin under the epidermis. As a result of targeted impact on the most vulnerable areas, thinning of the fat layer occurs, reflex expansion of blood vessels and acceleration of metabolism. But the main effect is the effect on collagen. Stretched collagen fibers are reduced under the influence of RF lifting, due to which the skin becomes firm and elastic again.
RF lifting can be carried out in several modes, depending on the type of device and the settings used:
1
Monopolar. Uniform development of the selected area at the same depth. It is characterized by high power and correspondingly high exposure temperatures (50-60°C), so it is not suitable for delicate areas.
2
Bipolar. Switching the polarity allows you to reduce the power and temperature of exposure (up to 45°C). Suitable for delicate areas.
3
Tripolar. The latest generation of devices with constantly changing polarity. It has the most gentle effect and allows you to quickly work on large areas. Can be used on any skin type and in the most delicate areas, including the area around the eyes.
Idealist cosmetology uses a modern monopolar device Radiosurg made in Germany and a bipolar device Geneo+ from Pollogen made in Israel.
The cost of RF lifting at Idealist cosmetology depends on the area where it is performed. Prices start from 3 thousand rubles – separately for the eye area, neck, and décolleté. The cost of the face + neck + décolleté complex is 8 thousand rubles.
Infrared
Thermal effects are produced using infrared radiation. The procedure is gentle on the skin and does not cause complications. Thermolifting allows you to correct and tighten the oval of the face, reduce nasolabial folds and jowls, tighten the skin and reduce the depth of wrinkles.
Fractional infrared thermolifting
Fractional means that the maniple does not act as a continuous spot, but in fractions, that is, it is divided into small segments of influence.
Let's summarize. Thermage or SMAS lifting: what to choose?
Radiofrequency thermage affects the upper layers of the dermis, rejuvenating and restoring the skin. It is an effective, proven, simple, but outdated technology. Newer, more advanced technological innovations have already appeared that solve the same problems, but more successfully.
Ultrasonic SMAS lifting g acts at different depths and can effectively work even with facial muscles. The technology is also not new, but to date no fundamental new products have been invented for HI-FU SMAS lifting Altera. There are only repetitions, such as the South Korean Ultraformer.
How is the procedure performed?
Thermolifting of the face is a quick and painless procedure that does not require special preparation. Stages of implementation:
1
Consultation with a cosmetologist, determination of the thermolifting technique, area of influence, number of sessions.
2
Skin cleansing.
3
Applying a special thermal lifting product to the skin. It not only eliminates discomfort, but also increases the efficiency of penetration.
4
Impact on the skin using a device configured to individually selected parameters. The procedure takes 20-30 minutes.
No recovery required. For the first time after thermolifting, it is not recommended to be exposed to direct sunlight, visit baths, or open reservoirs.
Recovery period (5 tips)
Rehabilitation after thermage lasts no more than 2 days. But it may last longer, depending on the severity of the skin defects. Within a couple of days after the procedure, a person can lead his normal lifestyle, but with a number of precautions:
- do not stay under the scorching rays of the sun for a long time and use special protective creams;
- For the first time, avoid visiting the solarium, bathhouse and sauna;
- remove salty and spicy foods from your daily diet, which can lead to swelling;
- do not use decorative makeup for at least 2 weeks, so as not to provoke allergies;
- do not use alcohol-containing products;
- Avoid alkaline soap.
The time it takes to recover depends on following these simple rules. It is advisable to additionally consult a doctor about this.
Patient reviews with before and after photos
Cosmetologists at the Idealista clinic practice only those procedures that give visible results. Positive reviews about thermolifting of the face and body confirm the effectiveness of the technique; the visual result can be assessed from the before and after photos.
“I thought for a long time about which rejuvenation procedure to choose, and in the end I settled on thermolifting. I was satisfied with everything! And the price, and the procedure itself, and its result. The changes are noticeable immediately. The skin became smoother and very beautiful. And over the next month, my appearance only improved; all my friends immediately started asking what I was using. Be sure to try it!”
“For a long time I wanted to correct the contour of my face and remove age-related folds, so I decided to go to a cosmetology clinic. They suggested that I do thermolifting. The price, of course, is not very cheap, but I am completely satisfied with the result. It will be necessary to repeat periodically for the results to be maintained. A good procedure and absolutely painless. Yes, and the recovery is very fast and almost imperceptible. Compared to other procedures, this seems to me the most reliable.”
“With age, unsightly folds have formed on the face. Wrinkles are completely invisible in comparison. I read a lot about thermolifting, so I decided to sign up for this procedure. As a result, it took little time and did not cause any discomfort. After the procedure, the result was noticeable almost immediately. The cost is high, but justified, I think. I will continue to do thermolifting.”
Indications
Thermage procedure is usually performed after the patient reaches 35 years of age. In some cases, it is possible to carry out it after 30 years - but this issue is resolved strictly individually; it is not accepted among the masses. Thermage is not indicated for younger people, since collagen synthesis occurs quite actively and independently until the age of 30-35.
This procedure is ideal in the following cases:
- with drooping upper eyelid;
- if you have crow's feet;
- for swelling of the area around the eyes, bags;
- to get rid of a double chin;
- elimination of nasolabial problems;
- correction of facial oval;
- getting rid of unhealthy complexion;
- eliminating sagging skin, wrinkles;
The procedure is suitable for those women who would like to see the result of a circular surgical facelift, but do not want to go under the knife, choosing a more gentle method.
But you can see what laser biorevitalization of facial skin looks like and how it is carried out in this video.
Preparatory stage. Analyzes and preliminary examination
Like any serious cosmetic procedure, facial thermage has several stages: preparatory, main and restorative.
The preparatory stage begins 2 weeks before the main procedure. It includes a mandatory initial consultation with a cosmetologist, who will assess the condition of the skin and issue a referral for a medical examination. It may include not only a laboratory blood test, but also an additional consultation with a dermatologist if a skin disease is suspected.
Facial thermage - what kind of procedure it is, how it is performed, what contraindications there are and whether it is recommended for the patient - a specialist should give detailed answers to all these questions at the initial consultation.
A week before the thermolifting procedure, the patient should refuse:
- visits to the solarium and open beaches;
- eating fatty foods, large amounts of herbs, spices, pickles and preservatives;
- smoking and alcohol.
Thermage is carried out only if the skin is clean, without pustules, wounds and pimples. Refusal of salt, drinking a large amount of water per day, increasing grain and plant foods in the diet will solve the problem of infectious rashes.
Only after passing all the tests and undergoing the necessary consultations will the cosmetologist set a date for the procedure.
Differences from RF lifting
Facial Thermage is an analogue of RF lifting. Many people think that these are the same thing. Indeed, these techniques are distinguished by a common principle based on the effect of radiofrequency radiation on the dermis. However, there are also significant differences.
First of all, we are talking about the heating temperature of the skin. For Thermage this figure is 60°C, and for RF lifting it is 40°C. Therefore, in the first case there is a greater chance of getting a thermal burn.
You can also note the following differences:
- the difference in the monopolar frequency of radiation (with Thermage it is more powerful);
- complete denaturation of collagen during thermolifting and partial denaturation during RF lifting;
- number of necessary procedures (1 course for Thermage and a course for RF lifting).
Price
This procedure is quite expensive. The final cost is determined individually and depends on the total processing area and the complexity of the original “material”.
Of course, each salon has its own pricing policy, so here we have indicated average prices. So, the cost of facial thermage:
- eyelids - 70,000-75,000 rubles;
- cheeks and middle part of the face - 90,000-100,000 rubles;
- neck area - 100,000 rubles.
Note that Thermage can also be performed on the skin of the chest and buttocks: it will tighten and make these areas more elastic. The cost of treating the buttocks, on average, is 180,000-200,000 rubles, the chest area - 200,000-250,000 rubles.
It is important to apply for thermage only to well-equipped specialized clinics. Make sure that the cosmetologist performing Thermage has undergone appropriate training, and that the clinic itself has a license, all documents and permits.
You may also be interested in information about how facial skin lifting is done.
Where to get Thermage done and how much does it cost?
The second question that is often asked after explaining the technique is the cost of the procedure. Many are put off by the high price, but given the instant results and long-lasting effect, it’s worth it.
The average price for facial thermage varies within the following limits:
- eyelids – from 70 to 100 thousand rubles;
- neck – from 100 to 120 thousand rubles;
- average region - from 100 thousand rubles.
In regional cosmetology centers, prices are on average 15-20% lower.
When choosing a clinic for the procedure, you need to pay attention to the following points:
- availability of original equipment from an American manufacturer;
- experienced professional cosmetologists with certificates confirming their qualifications;
- one-time procedure.
During the consultation, the specialist must not only explain what facial Thermage is, but also give the opportunity to become familiar with the equipment and warn about all possible side effects and contraindications. Only such a responsible approach will allow you to obtain a guaranteed, and most importantly, safe result.
Side effects and consequences
One of the advantages of the procedure is the almost complete absence of side effects.
However, if the rules of the recovery period are violated or if mistakes are made by the cosmetologist, the following “cons” may be observed:
- lack of visible result;
- thermal burns;
- fibrosis.
The last point is a particularly strong side effect that occurs when fibroblasts overreact to radiation. As a result, connective tissue grows and subcutaneous scars form.
