RF lifting: what is it, indications and contraindications

• What is radiofrequency lifting
• Why radiofrequency lifting and thermage are not the same thing
• What devices are used for radiofrequency lifting?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of radiofrequency lifting?
• What are the indications and contraindications for radiofrequency lifting?
• How does the radiofrequency lifting procedure work?
• What are the possible consequences of radiofrequency lifting?
• How to care for your skin before and after radiofrequency lifting

Unfortunately, we do not have a magical means of immortality to prevent our own aging, but effective methods have long existed to help us look young for a long time. We will not list in this article all the options for maintaining the health and beauty of the skin, but will focus on one of them, which is called radio frequency lifting. Its effectiveness has been proven, and this technology is used in many beauty salons. Lifting has many benefits. It can be used on all areas of the skin to quickly correct existing imperfections.

What is radiofrequency lifting

Girls who are interested in their appearance know that the function of collagen, which is produced by fibroblasts, is to maintain the firmness and elasticity of the skin. With age, the process of cell renewal slows down. Elastin and collagen begin to be produced worse. The skin becomes covered with a network of wrinkles and sags.

What is radiofrequency face and body lifting ? This is the effect of electrical discharges on the dermis, after which the cells begin to more actively produce collagen.

The main task of modern hardware cosmetology is to create effective, but at the same time comfortable and painless procedures. Thirty years ago, the first lifting devices practically burned the face, but today the specialist only lightly touches the surface of the skin without causing discomfort.

Read material on the topic: Hardware cosmetology clinic: the most popular procedures

History of the method

The technique came to the world of cosmetology from physiotherapy. Here are the main stages of using radio frequency techniques.

• Second half of the 19th century - inventor Nikola Tesla first tried high-frequency currents on himself, followed by physiotherapeutic use.
• 1908 - scientists R. Tseynik and F. Nagelschmidt introduced the concept of “diathermy”.
• 1926 - discovery of UHF - a new healing field with therapeutic effects.
• 1980s USA - invention of the first radio frequency device.
• 2001 - creation of the Thermage method.
• Since 2004 - progressive production of ThermaCool, Melody, Aluma devices and other devices for aesthetic effects on dermal and hypodermal structures.

Radiofrequency lifting and thermage are not the same thing

Thermage is a rejuvenating hardware procedure. Its essence is the effect of radio frequency waves, which locally heat areas of the skin. The temperature at the treatment site rises to +60 °C.

The table shows the distinctive features of Thermage and radiofrequency lifting:

What devices are used for radiofrequency lifting?

Now it is difficult to imagine that the first devices consisted of two electrodes that were simply attached to the skin. During the session, it was difficult to regulate the heating level, so redness, burns and swelling occurred after the procedure. In modern clinics, such monopolar devices for radiofrequency lifting are no longer used, since more high-tech ones have been developed.

1. Multipolar machines - have several electrodes, two work simultaneously, then switch automatically.
2. Bipolar devices allow you to act effectively and carefully. If a woman comes for the procedure with very dry skin and hidden imperfections, she can also undergo a rejuvenating course with a bipolar device.
3. Combined devices are a new generation of multipolar lifting devices.

They are equipped in accordance with the requirements of the time:

• multipolar electrode;
• unipolar electrode;
• infrared laser radiation;
• vacuum pump, which allows you to act locally.

Improvement of blood circulation in the skin occurs already at the stage of working with a vacuum pump. Fibroblasts “wake up” and begin to actively produce collagen and elastin.

Read material on the topic: Plasmolifting of the face - a breakthrough in domestic cosmetology

Advantages and disadvantages of radiofrequency lifting

Let's look at why radiofrequency (or RF) lifting is a modern replacement for plastic surgery in the fight against skin aging.

Here are the main advantages of this technology:

• effective for all skin types, the procedure can be done from 18 years of age;
• The session goes quickly, lasting about half an hour;
• compatible with other skin care methods;
• passes without pain and discomfort;
• can be performed without prior preparation;
• after the session there are no scars, burns, swelling, the skin does not require a recovery period.

The following can be considered disadvantages:

• high price for radiofrequency face lifting;
• there is a chance of getting to an inexperienced cosmetologist and getting burns if he works with a monopolar device;
• There is little information about the effect of radiofrequency pulses on the entire body.

Like other cosmetic procedures, radiofrequency lifting has contraindications that are worth paying attention to.

Read material on the topic: How to remove wrinkles on the face: the most effective methods

The uniqueness of Reaction technology

Unlike other RF lifting devices currently used in cosmetology, Reаction uses CORE technology, which provides maximum results in the shortest possible time. Bipolar RF energy is produced with different frequencies: 0.85 MHz, 1.7 MHz, 2.45 MHz. Each frequency targets different tissue depths, from the superficial layers of the dermis to the hypodermis. The multi-channel mode combines all three frequencies in one pulse and allows you to simultaneously influence all layers of the skin.

Indications and contraindications for radiofrequency lifting

A course of radiofrequency (RF) lifting helps to correct many age-related skin changes. Any woman, looking at herself in the mirror, can assess the condition of the dermis and come for a consultation with a cosmetologist. After examination, the specialist will determine whether this procedure is necessary.

Lifting may be useful if you have the following problems:

• age and expression wrinkles;
• the corners of the eyes and mouth drooped;
• imperfections and defects of the dermis that require treatment and rehabilitation;
• folds have formed at the nasolabial triangle;
• the oval of the face blurs and loses its shape;
• a double chin appeared;
• dark circles and bags under the eyes;
• very dry and flabby skin, low tone;
• scars, scars, pockmarks, rosacea, post-acne;
• sagging skin or ptosis;
• “orange peel” cellulite;
• aging of the dermis in different parts of the body: décolleté, neck, face, hips, abdomen, buttocks;
• stretch marks after sudden weight loss or after childbirth.

How radiofrequency lifting works, look at the before and after photos:

Experts disagree about the minimum age threshold at which this procedure can be performed. The reviews here are very different. Some consider it possible to do sessions even for twenty-year-olds as a preventive measure for skin aging. For others it seems premature. They advise using such radical methods only if there are serious deficiencies that cannot be eliminated in any other way.

Recommended articles on the topic:

• How to properly care for your skin
• Ultrasound facial cleansing: features of the procedure, indications and contraindications
• Microcurrent facial therapy is a beneficial treatment for your skin

All cosmetologists consider it acceptable and effective to carry out such procedures after 30–35 years, up to 55–60 years (even at this age you can get good results, however, the course will have to be completed several times).

The consequences of radiofrequency lifting can be serious and unpredictable if contraindications are neglected:

• the presence of metal or silicone implants anywhere in the body;
• the client’s young age, less than 20 years, with the exception of solving problems that cannot be influenced by other means;
• presence of a hearing aid or pacemaker;
• open skin lesions - cuts, ulcers, burns, wounds;
• hypertonic disease;
• skin systemic diseases;
• pathologies of the thyroid gland, diabetes mellitus;
• inflammation of the skin of any origin;
• oncological problems;
• autoimmune pathologies;
• any chronic diseases in the acute phase or seasonal infectious diseases;
• taking certain medications: sulfonamides, hormonal drugs, anticoagulants, antibiotics;
• period of pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• days of menstruation;
• low blood clotting.

Such a large list indicates that a preliminary consultation with a cosmetologist must be carried out without fail. The responsibility here is mutual.

There are absolute contraindications that serve as a ban on performing ultrasonic radiofrequency lifting, and some are only a temporary restriction.

Read material on the topic: Laser facial skin rejuvenation: useful tips and recommendations

Photorejuvenation

Photorejuvenation is the effect of pulsed light of a certain wavelength on the superficial and deep layers of the dermis. The vessels absorb light and heat up, transferring heat to surrounding tissues, as a result of which collagen production is activated.

The procedure takes 25-45 minutes, the number is determined by the cosmetologist at the first session. There are no painful sensations.

At the beginning of the session, a conductive gel is applied to the treatment area, and at the end, a restorative cream is applied.

The course of photorejuvenation does not lead to the formation of scars. The skin recovers very quickly - on average it takes 3 days. The effect of the course lasts for years.

Age

Experts recommend starting photorejuvenation at the age of 30-35 years. There is no point in attending treatments too early. After 55 years, the effectiveness of light exposure becomes much lower; collagen is poorly stimulated by thermal exposure.

How does the radiofrequency lifting procedure work?

The first stage is facial cleansing. Complete removal of dirt and makeup residues. Not a single procedure is complete without this stage. You need to wash your face thoroughly using a soap solution.

The second stage is applying markings. This is necessary so that the specialist knows exactly where the treatment has already been carried out.

The third stage directly depends on the type of device. At this step, conductive gel is applied if necessary.

The fourth stage is the procedure itself. The specialist sequentially passes through all areas of the skin, lingering on each one to warm up.

The fifth stage is processing. Upon completion, a gel or special soothing lotion is applied.

Depending on the surface being treated, the session can last from twenty minutes to an hour. A specialist will spend 40 minutes on RF face lifting, treating the area from the nose to the chin will take half an hour, and treating the shoulders of both arms will take 30–40 minutes.

A full course can last from four to twelve sessions with a break of five or even seven days.

Read material on the topic: Skin redermalization: all the pros and cons

Prices for RF body lifting

Radiofrequency lifting: possible consequences

The procedure for radiofrequency body and face lifting is characterized by the absence of negative side effects and complications. Safety confirmed by preliminary studies. Of course, taking into account contraindications. But no specialist can guarantee 100% that something unexpected will not happen later.

Attention! The human body is a very complex system. Some internal changes do not manifest themselves externally for a long time, but any procedure, even the most harmless one, can trigger pathological processes. Allergies may appear for no apparent reason. Then you will definitely have to give up lifting and switch to other anti-aging technologies.

The following manifestations have been noted, usually passing quickly:

• slight swelling;
• tingling and mild itching;
• redness in the treatment area.

Usually, after a few hours or a maximum of two to three days, the normal condition of the skin is restored.

If the symptoms persist and bother you, then it is better not to delay your visit to the specialist who performed the fractional radiofrequency lifting session.

Sometimes you can observe a complete lack of results for a client. Such a negative consequence is possible if the patient is over 60 years old, the initial condition of the skin was poor before the procedure, inappropriate equipment was used, or the manipulation was performed by a cosmetologist with low qualifications.

Some experts express the opinion, although it is not confirmed by research, that the opposite effect is possible after completing a radiofrequency lifting course. This means that the skin will not look young for a long time, but, on the contrary, the aging process will go faster in a short period of time.

However, it was not possible to prove that the acceleration of the skin aging process occurred due to the lifting procedures performed.

Read material on the topic: Cryotherapy in a beauty salon - transformation with the help of cold

Fractor procedure using the INMODE device

INMODE FRACTORA has two 60 pin handsets (60 needles), the needle length is 1 millimeter. They penetrate very shallowly and they even out the microrelief of the skin very well and work on superficial wrinkles and sagging skin. They work well, just superficially.

Here is a manipulator with 24 needles - called 24 pin. Their length is 3 mm and this manipulator works very well for reducing the skin area. That is, if we need to shrink the skin, remove sagging and work with post-acne spots, post-acne scars. This needle works especially well on chipped scars, with which other methods do not work very effectively. In this case, this handpiece and INMODE FRACTORA are an excellent alternative to laser

This is not just an alternative to laser, it is probably the best replacement for laser. So we looked, Lyudmila Eduardovna has pronounced flabbiness. The skin tone is very reduced, but this is in principle logical, given the patient’s age. Therefore, if we want to achieve maximum effect, we need to apply those techniques that will give the maximum result at a time, and INMODE FRACTORA gives such a result.

Photo gallery of RF microneedling lifting procedure

Doctor's work INMODE device

Handpiece for 24 needles

Handpiece for 60 needles

About equipment for cosmetology procedures

The device I work on is Israeli, it’s called INMODE. It has several handpieces with different functions. Today we will do Fractor - this is a radiofrequency ablative lifting. Facelift.

There is lumecca - this is photorejuvenation. It is for removing age spots, it works well. It works very well with blood vessels, removes spider veins and redness on the face. This is work with rosacea and rosacea.

There is also a diode laser that works well on hair darker than medium brown, not on very dark skin - an ideal candidate for this type of hair removal. We also have a rather interesting attachment for those who are too early to do micro-needle RF lifting or for some reason cannot do it. Then needleless thermolifting works very well.

Needleless thermolifting is a classic! They have been using it for a long time regarding micro-needling lifting. For many years. Microneedle lifting is a fairly new technique and has existed for only a few years, while needleless thermolifting is 3-4 times longer. It is also aimed at improving the quality of the skin, reducing the area of ​​the skin, it just has a milder effect, and if the skin is young and you want to freshen up your face a little, then at the age of 28-29 you can safely use needleless thermolifting and the result will be good. A course of 5-6 procedures, even from 3 to 6 depending on the situation, with a difference between procedures of 1 week.

If we are talking about micro-needle thermolifting, then of course there are more serious indications. These could be young people who have problems on their faces: post-acne and chipped scars, impaired skin texture and it is very difficult to use anything (procedure) to bring the skin to the desired state, with a smoother texture and a more even skin color.

When there is sagging, when it feels like the tissues on the face have slid down a little, micro-needle RF works as a preparation for thread techniques. With it you can quickly remove sagging skin with a minimum number of micro-needle RF lifting procedures. Microneedling RF gives a good effect when it is enhanced by biorevitalization, plasma lifting, peptides and other drugs.

Removes cream

RF forehead lift

Switching mode

During the procedure

Cosmetologist's work

This is an ideal option, because ablation, whatever it is, has a negative effect on the skin and we expect the skin to regenerate and recover. So, of course, she must have some potential. And in order to give this potential to our skin, we must give positive stimulation, so to speak, feed our skin a little and set its cells to work properly. And these are peptides, biorevitalization and plasma lifting.

The purpose of micro-needle RF lifting is not rejuvenation, but to stretch out the scars on the face, tighten the face because there are very pronounced chipped scars and it is very difficult to remove them with a laser, it is impossible to fill them with anything, and as a rule, such patients suffer from year to year trying to do something then do it. Of course, there are techniques, this is TCA cross-peeling. Now it is banned in Russia due to its 100% acid content. Therefore, if there are chipped scars after acne, pits on the cheeks (lipoatrophy), then micro-needle RF lifting is an ideal option.

It is the 3 mm needles that are very good at pulling out chipped and crater-shaped scars. One RF microneedling treatment is better than multiple resurfacings. And of course, in the case of scars, we do not stop only at hardware procedures. We supplement with other techniques, most often injections, which help restore tissue. There is also a more superficial effect, in order to also improve the quality of the skin in the eyelid area, in the forehead area, they are carried out with small 1 mm needles.

Recommendations for skin care before and after radiofrequency lifting

What a client undergoing a course of procedures needs to remember:

1. All metal objects, jewelry, and contact lenses must be removed for the duration of the session;
2. You should protect your skin from direct sunlight, do not sunbathe or visit a solarium for at least three days after lifting;
3. Avoid any other types of care in the treatment area;
4. Do not take anti-inflammatory medications for a week or more after the procedure;
5. It is advisable not to touch the skin with your hands at the site of exposure;
6. As a supportive measure, increase your vitamin C intake.

It is necessary to avoid visiting the solarium, bathhouse, and not to peel the skin immediately before the lifting session. The dermis should be clean, without makeup.

Radiofrequency lifting is good to combine with mesotherapy, which helps relieve stress and nourish the skin with antioxidants.

The rejuvenating effect will be more noticeable if the next day after the procedure you perform a lymphatic drainage massage that removes excess intercellular fluid.

Read material on the topic: Facial mesotherapy procedure: pros and cons

Where in Moscow to sign up for radiofrequency lifting

Nowadays, you no longer have to spend a lot of time performing complex and unpleasant procedures at home. It is much easier to seek help from real professionals - the Veronika Herba beauty and health center, equipped with effective and modern equipment.

Why clients choose Veronika Herba Beauty and Health Center:

• This is a beauty center where you can take care of yourself at a reasonable cost, while your face and/or body will be treated not by an ordinary cosmetologist, but by one of the best dermatologists in Moscow. This is a completely different, higher level of service!
• You can receive qualified help at any time convenient for you. The beauty center is open from 9:00 to 21:00, seven days a week. The main thing is to agree with your doctor in advance on the date and time of your appointment.

Sign up for a consultation with a specialist by phone +7 (495) 085-15-13

, and you will see for yourself!

Contraindications

Absolute contraindications to RF lifting:
stage 3-4 hypertension;

acne/acne and other skin diseases;

epilepsy;

autoimmune diseases.

During pregnancy, lactation and the presence of silicone implants, it is highly undesirable to perform a lift with high-frequency current.

RF lifting sessions eliminate many body skin imperfections with an increasing effect from session to session. Thanks to these procedures, cellulite and stretch marks become less noticeable. Also, heating the skin with high-frequency current burns fat.

Possible complications

You should not plan to go out immediately after the procedure - there will be redness on the skin for several hours. This is a normal reaction to thermal exposure.

Complications arise if sessions are carried out with excessive load on the skin and if the cosmetologist’s recommendations are not followed:

• burns;
• edema;
• high skin sensitivity;
• itching;
• exacerbation of herpes;

After each session, avoid sunbathing and other hardware procedures in the affected area. It is not advisable to visit the sauna or swimming pool.

Some people do RF lifting themselves at home. Home procedures carry serious dangers - from burns to hospitalization.