What Can an RF Radio Frequency Machine Do For You?
RF (radio frequency) machines have been around for years. They’re the same technology used by Judy Murray’s Morpheus 8 machine, but have more uses.
There are bipolar and monopolar RF devices that bulk-heat the skin to tighten it, reduce wrinkles and minimise textural issues such as stretch marks. And body-sculpting RF machines that destroy fat cells and melt away unwanted pockets of fat.
Skin Tightening
RF, or radio frequency, is a noninvasive technology that uses heat to tighten the skin. It is also known to stimulate collagen production and reduce cellulite. It’s a popular treatment for both women and men who want to get rid of excess skin and wrinkles, especially in the neck, abdomen and thighs. It’s a great alternative to surgical facelifts or liposuction.
The procedure involves lying down and having the therapist move the device over the area being treated. They’ll apply a conductivity gel to the area beforehand, so it won’t be damaged by the RF waves. During the treatment, you’ll feel warmth and tingling vibrations. If it feels uncomfortable, let the therapist know. They can lower the RF intensity or use a cooling device to prevent overheating.
In a small 2017 study, participants who had five to eight sessions of RF skin tightening saw significant results. This was comparable to the results of surgical facelifts.
During the RF body skin tightening procedure, the therapist applies a handpiece to the patient’s thighs, arms, stomach or back and delivers a pulse of energy RF Radio Frequency Machine through it. The RF energy heats the deeper layer of the skin called the dermis, which stimulates collagen production to tighten loose skin and reverse signs of the natural aging process. Unlike X-ray radiation, which can cause burns, the RF energy releases very little heat.
Fat Reduction
RF treatments for fat reduction are hot right now, but they’re not necessarily painful. “RF is a very effective treatment for tightening skin and eliminating fat without surgery,” says New York City dermatologist Ryan Neinstein.
Neinstein explains that the RF energy heats the specific area, raising the temperature of the tissue several degrees. This is followed by electromagnetic technology that induces muscle contractions, resulting in the destruction of fat cells and tightening of the skin.
The RF energy can also stimulate the production of collagen, which boosts the skin’s elasticity. This can help improve the look of sagging skin that occurs after pregnancy, significant weight loss or liposuction.
RF can reduce the size of fat cells, too, by draining them through your lymphatic system. It’s great for reducing the so-called “bat wings” on your arms or the dreaded “double chin.”
The RF-powered CoolSculpting device, for example, is an FDA-cleared option for noninvasive body fat reduction. Another device that can treat stubborn fat deposits, according to Dermatology Times is the eon FR (Dominion Aesthetic Technologies) system. This body-contouring device uses an automated articulated arm to apply the RF-powered applicators to the abdomen and flanks. A noncontact, automated cooling mechanism protects the skin while delivering 1064-nm wavelength energy to trigger apoptosis and lipolysis of the fat cells, explains Dermatology Times.
Cellulite Reduction
For cellulite reduction RF radio frequency energy heats the deep layers of skin whilst protecting the epidermis. This causes microscopic changes to the collagen fibres, triggering contraction and remodelling. This reorganisation of the collagen fibres reduces cellulite dimples, and results in smoother and firmer looking skin.
Unlike lasers which can damage the surface of the skin, radiofrequency has no impact on the upper layer of the skin. This is the key to its effectiveness in reducing wrinkles, tightening skin and promoting the growth of new collagen. It also works well to stimulate fat loss for body sculpting, without damaging the underlying tissues.
A good quality RF device will be able to work at both bipolar and monopolar frequencies. The latter utilises two electrodes on the hand piece that conduct and complete an electrical circuit, thus creating the heating effect. Bipolar delivery delivers the energy in a controlled manner to the tissue, so no energy is wasted at the skin surface.
The latest devices are using radiofrequency with Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology to treat a range of aesthetic conditions. Combining IPL and radiofrequency offers better outcomes than either modality alone, especially for red and brown discolouration. The elos TriPollar machine is currently the only system to offer this combination of energies. This enables IPL to target pigment and radiofrequency to target deeper tissue structures.
Skin Resurfacing
RF treatments use radiofrequency waves to heat skin tissues, tricking the body into thinking that your skin is being injured. This prompts the body to send in growth factors, RF Radio Frequency Machine and stimulate collagen production to resurface the skin. The new, tighter tissue can diminish wrinkles and sagging. The heat also reduces fat.
You’ll lie down on a treatment bed and the clinician will apply a conductivity gel to the area being treated. The clinician then uses the RF hand-pieces to move over the treatment areas. You will feel warmth and occassional cooling during the treatment. The practitioner will adjust the intensity to match your skin sensitvity, and monitor the temperature to avoid overheating.
There are different types of RF treatments, each targeting a different type of problem. One of the best is ‘fractional RF’ which targets fine lines and wrinkles, improves skin tone and texture and lightens freckles. It works by heating tiny segments of the skin, which triggers the healing response, rebuilding the damaged tissues and resulting in a fresher, more youthful look.
Another type of RF treatment is the full-face ‘polar’ machine. This works by heating larger sections of the skin and is more effective for improving skin elasticity and firmness, reducing scars and stretch marks and for skin rejuvenation. You will need to complete a course of around six professional RF treatments.
