Radio Frequency Skin Tightening

Radio Frequency Skin Tightening helps shrink pores and regenerate collagen to tighten skin in a non-invasive and pain-free manner. With sophisticated devices specially designed to treat men and women's common skin aging problems like wrinkles, sagging, excess fatty tissues or cellulite, Radio Frequency Skin Tightening is becoming a popular choice. Mainly for delivering consistent firming and tightening results. The results can last up to two years!

Science behind Radio Frequency Skin Tightening

It is an innovative aesthetic technique. The primary purpose is to increase collagen, a protein that is naturally produced by the body but that which diminishes with age.

Collagen is the most abundant protein (approximately ¼ of all protein) in the human body. Collagen provides body's structure and form. It is found in the bones, muscles, skin and tendons. Not just inside, collagen is found on the outside too. It is in skin, hair, nails and teeth as well. There are 28 different types of collagen with a specific role. The first three are identified as types that tend to dominate the sphere.

Type I:

• Most prevalent type of collagen in the body
  
  
• Replenishes skin thus helps reverse aging
  
  
• Benefits the hair and nails
  
  
• Major structural component of the skin, tendons, bones and organs
  
  
• Has numerous benefits for health and well-being.
  

Type II:

• Main component of cartilage and benefits cartilage health.
  
  
• Body depends on both collagen and cartilage to function normally.
  
  

Type III:

• Is found typically alongside Type I and serve similar functions
  
  
• Is found in reticular fibers (bone marrow)
  
  

Our body makes less collagen with advancing age. Say, in mid to late 20s, the body stops producing as much as it used to. The levels begin to drop by 1-2% each year. This affects skin's structural integrity. Exposure to the sun's UV rays and smoking also contribute to compromising skin's structural integrity.

What does it lead to? Wrinkles, fine lines and sagging are the first obvious signs. Radiance and fullness reduces. The skin doesn't appear healthy and youthful as before. Further, joint cartilage weakens. Added to this is deficiency in Vitamin C which is absolutely necessary for healthy collagen. This also leads to less collagen and whatever collagen made is of inferior quality. Bones become brittle. New bone formation is obstructed. Capillaries burst. Old scars or wounds don't heal. Old scars reopen as the body is constantly substituting the collagen in scar tissue.

Process of RF Skin Tightening : Actually the idea of using Radio Frequency to heat is nothing new. Your Microwave oven uses RF waves falling under the spectrum of Microwaves - specifically at a frequency of 2450 MHz to heat. Cosmetologists have been trying to use any technology available in their fight against aging. Laser skin resurfacing technique has surfaced. RF Skin tightening - specifically the type which uses RF to heat the skin - non ablative kind (which does not vaporize skin tissues) has gained wider acceptance owing to lesser risks and faster recovery times. Many studies indicated that low frequency Radio Frequency waves from 1 MHz to 6 MHz at fairly moderate power - about 50 W or so caused increase in epidermis temperature to about 35 degree C to 45 degree C (95 degree F to 113 degree F). Many devices available now vary widely in their power output - from 50 W - 250 W. They provide power adjustment controls to modify the power output to suit the area of treatment. They can heat the epidermis to 40 degree C/ 104 degree F while the upper layer of the skin - dermis will rise all the way up to 50 to even 75 degree C. But typically the time duration is about 5 - 10 minutes per unit area of about 1.5 square inch. Most of the time, you should not even feel any pain - Other than the mild discomfort due to heat you may experience when you sunbathe in a tropical climate.

Radio Frequency Skin Tightening

The results can be dramatic. Radio Frequency Skin Tightening reduces the appearance of wrinkles and loose skin. The main physiological effects, you will see are the contraction of collagen in the short term and the stimulation of collagen synthesis through the tissue repair process in the long term. The skin looks enriched with a smoother and more youthful appearance.

If you have decided to go ahead - the very next question to arise would be - is it safe? Yes, provided you choose an experienced provider, such as a board certified cosmetic surgeon, who offers FDA approved or FDA cleared technologies.

Now let us understand how it works. Radio Frequency is (energy) technology. Radio Frequency uses energy to heat the skin below the surface. Heat is the key. The Radio Frequency waves create heat for skin treatments. It heats the different layers of the skin to over 40 degrees.

In the process, the heat penetrates both the epidermis and dermis while protecting the upper visible layers and keeping them intact. This causes the body to immediately accelerate production of collagen and elastin. Two things happen. The existing collagen fibers tighten and the collagen producing cells within the area are stimulated to produce more or new collagen - a process known as neocollagenesis. These devices stimulate changes in collagen conformation and induce neocollagenesis by converting the alternating RF waves to thermal energy induced in deep layers of the skin and subcutaneous tissues.

There is visible immediate change in skin laxity. The skin is smoother, softer with a more youthful appearance. To a large extent, even cellulite deposits are reduced.

Readying for Radio Frequency Skin Tightening

Well, you can do this at home and buy a D-I-Y Radio Frequency Skin Tightening kit. Or, opt for a professional who administers Radio Frequency Skin Tightening. For at home use, there are portable devices which are easy to carry in a bag or a suitcase. The kit consists of a clinic skin renewal device, a 50ml preparation gel, a 50ml treatment gel and an instruction manual. In terms of how often to use, it may be one to three treatments a week and for desired results it may take from one to three months.

Call it pre-treatment steps. These aren't absolutely necessary but highly recommended by experts to get better results and to make results last longer.

• Weeks before, at least 5-6 weeks earlier, stop smoking
  
  
• Make it a point to keep skin hydrated. Drink plenty of water
  
  
• At least a week earlier, avoid aspirin, anti-inflammatory or herbal supplements as it increases the chances of bleeding.
  
  
• Two weeks before the procedure, do not use self-tanning lotions or tanning booths.
  
  
• Do not sunbathe two weeks prior to appointment.
  
  
• Few hours before the procedure, stop using topical creams, lotions on the skin.
  

You have arrived at the center on the appointed day. Here is what to expect.

• Wash face with mild soap and warm water to remove excess oil or cosmetics, if any.
  
  
• Lay down comfortably on a treatment bed.
  
  
• Just before the treatment, a numbing cream will be applied to the skin to reduce chances of discomfort, if any.
  
  
• Numbing cream is used one hour before beginning the actual process.
  
  
• After ensuring the cream has sufficiently numbed the skin, it will be removed.
  
  
• An ink grid transfer is used to identify and mark the target area of treatment.
  
  
• A gliding gel will be applied to the skin to ensure RF waves are delivered to the skin.
  
  
• Bipolar or multipolar hand pieces deliver RF waves deep into the skin.
  
  
• It is limited to the select area.
  
  
• The epidermis is bypassed via a cooling hand piece tip.
  
  
• This keeps surface of skin cool and comfortable.
  
  
• The result is reduced wrinkles and reduced skin laxity
  
  
• After treatment is over, a topical gel will be applied to minimize discomfort.
  

FAQ – Radio Frequency Skin Tightening

Make an informed decision. Before you go ahead and spend money on Radio Frequency Skin Tightening, read the FAQ on Radio Frequency Skin Tightening.

Is Radio Frequency Skin tightening suitable for all skin types?

Yes, it is. Anyone who wishes to benefit from tighter, healthier looking skin can opt for Radio Frequency Skin Tightening.

What areas of the body are best suited for Radio Frequency Skin tightening?

Experts opine that Radio Frequency Skin Tightening will not tighten skin in all parts of the body. It is best where there is loose skin with less or not much of muscle attachment. The best areas are the jaw line, near the eyes and on the neck.

• Face (Jowls, cheeks, brows and sensitive zones of the eyes and forehead)
  
  
• Neck
  
  
• Décolleté
  
  
• Underarms
  
  
• Arms and Hands
  
  
• Stomach
  
  
• Thighs and Buttocks
  
  
• Vagina.
  

What is the duration of a session?

Each treatment session lasts 30-40 minutes and depends on the area.

How often should I do Radio Frequency Skin Tightening?

One treatment would suffice to get desired results. A normal course of treatment includes four to twelve sessions. A treatment course of 3-6 sessions is recommended for optimal results. Regular sessions make the skin improve its production of collagen, filling in the lines in the skin, renewing skin contours. Yet, be informed that the results will vary from person to person. It depends on age, lifestyle habits, skin type and medical history etc.

What are the possible reactions after Radio Frequency Skin Tightening ?

Reactions are possible; though very minimal. They disappear after a few hours or after a couple of days. As the Radio Frequency waves enter the skin and penetrate deep down the epidermis and dermis, the heat generated can cause typical reactions like:

• Slight redness of the skin
  
  
• Sensitivity
  
  
• Tightness
  
  
• Slight dryness
  
  
• Swelling
  
  
• Heated Sensations
  
  
• Mild pain
  
  
• Tiny scabs
  

Any precautions required while undergoing the procedure?

Remember to follow the instructions. For desired results:

• Avoid doing anything that may damage, irritate or over heat the skin (sunbathing or using hot tubs or tanning beds).
  
  
• Refrain from applying any creams or lotions that have not been provided to you for the first 90 minutes after treatment.
  
  
• Drink plenty of water and keep skin hydrated
  
  
• Do not scratch if scabs are formed. Consult doctor immediately.
  
  
• Wash the skin with lukewarm water with gentle cleanser for at least 3 days.
  

Post Radio Frequency Skin Tightening, is there a recovery period ? How soon can I resume normal activities ?

As such there is no downtime. Many persons who have done Radio Frequency Skin Tightening have resumed normal activities soon after the procedure. According to them, the procedure was akin to a warm, relaxing massage. It is also pleasant and comfortable.

Who should avoid Radio Frequency Skin Tightening ?

Anyone with pacemakers, heart valves or artificial metal joints should avoid the procedure. Pregnant woman should not opt for Radio Frequency skin tightening till delivery. People prone to skin infections and allergies should never try Radio Frequency Skin Tightening.