RF lifting: what it is, indications and contraindications

lifting skin rejuvenation

Lifting is the generic name for a series of cosmetic procedures aimed at firming the skin. This includes plastic surgery and numerous non-invasive methods, ranging from drug therapy (injection) to apparatus therapy.

According to the reviews of cosmetologists and people who use hardware lifting for rejuvenation, this is one of the few non-surgical methods of effective tightening, which has a long-lasting effect and significantly improves skin health (including the anti-inflammatory effect) without causing effects. significant collateral.

As maintenance therapy for ptosis (ptosis) of skin areas with the onset of age-related changes, hardware lifting is indicated for patients over the age of 25 (gender does not matter) in the form of regular short courses.

For men, the procedure will help to cope with fat deposits in the chin and neck area, to restore the silhouette in case of shingles obesity.

What is radio wave lifting?

RFlifting (or RFlifting) of the face and body is an age-related change therapy based on the radio wave method of heating the deep layers of the skin (dermis and hypodermis) under the epidermis (superficial layer).

The essence of the method lies in the punctual effect of radio waves on the most vulnerable areas, where cellulite and sacs are most often formed, i. e. characterized by age-related flaccidity. These are the areas of the face: forehead, temples, cheeks, nasolabial triangle, chin and neck up to the thyroid cartilage; and torso - abdomen, inner thighs, hips (above the pelvic iliac bones). In addition, full-body radiofrequency lifting is used.

As a result of deep heating at various temperatures (depending on the area and sensitivity of the skin), the fatty substrate becomes thinner, the vessels reflexively expand, and with the acceleration of blood flow, the metabolism of the skin is accelerated. But the main thing is the transformations that occur with collagen: its structure changes: the long and elongated fibers that connect the dermis and epidermis are reduced and the skin regains firmness and elasticity. After 21 days, the new collagen begins to be produced intensively, providing a lasting effect.

As a result, the "flywheels" are noticeably tightened, the eyebrows are raised, the nasolabial folds become less pronounced, acne scars and stretch marks are smoothed and reduced. The orange peel effect disappears. The skin becomes more elastic to the touch, the complexion is uniform: the shadows under the eyes light up, the yellow is replaced by pink.

Views

The RF Face and Body Lift procedure can be performed in different ways depending on the device type and settings. The difference is in the power (and the temperature generated in the skin) and the polarity of the device.

  • Monopolar.Works evenly on the selected skin layer at the same depth. It has the most powerful effect and, consequently, the highest temperatures (50-60OhC). This device should not be used on thin skin areas, including the area around the eyes (crow's feet only). Suitable for cellulite treatment as part of body shaping
  • Bipolar.Polarity is switchable to reduce power and temperature (up to 45OhC), so the appliance is suitable for delicate areas. It does not create a magnetic field
  • Tripolar (tripolar).Latest generation lifting devices with constant polarity inversion. The gentlest mode with the lowest temperatures and the fastest processing speed. Suitable for all skin types (also for RF eye lift), can be used on the whole body. Absolutely painless

RF and thermolifting: what's the difference?

Termolifting (thermage) is most often called high-power RF body lifting (i. e. performed by a monopolar apparatus). The effects of temperature reach 60OhC. With thermolifting, controlled skin damage triggers a more powerful immune response, so post-procedure edema is more likely to develop.

Characteristics of thermolifting:

  • Good results in the treatment of deep fat deposits (radio wave penetration capacity by this method reaches 40 mm), but limited range (cannot be used to treat eyes due to the risk of tissue damage of the eyeball)
  • A short course of procedures, but a high probability of discomfort
  • Long list of contraindications

RF Lift Features:

  • Versatility
  • Low power
  • Lack of sensations and side effects
  • Longer therapy
  • The need for repeated courses arises 1-2 times a year

Benefits

  • Non-invasive. The procedure leaves no scars and does not create potentially dangerous conditions for health (prerequisites for allergic reactions, infections, blood loss)
  • It does not require special training, rehabilitation and adherence to permanent diets or other restrictive rules
  • All seasonality. There are no restrictions on the procedure in the summer, as the epidermis is not involved in the process
  • Efficacy in different age groups regardless of gender. Equally well tolerated by men and women aged 25 to menopause
  • Fast action. The result is not only visible after a single procedure, but is summarized during the course and intensifies over time (long-term effect)
  • The precision of the impact allows you to process strictly defined areas
  • Suitable for the whole body
  • It can be used in complex rejuvenation schemes

Who fits?

The RFlifting procedure has its own indications and limitations. Recommended by:

  • To maintain skin tone until the first signs of fatigue and aging appear (but not before the age of 25)
  • At the first signs of tissue ptosis (drooping of the eyelids, the appearance of "fly", "bags" under the eyes)
  • To shape the body, contours of the face
  • As anti-cellulite therapy (also as a means to combat obesity in the neck, double chin)
  • As part of a rejuvenation complex
  • To firm the skin after rapid weight loss
  • To improve skin turgor with general laxity, reduce acne marks
  • Stretch marks (stretch marks of various etiologies)
  • Lines and folds of expression
  • Couperosis of the face, legs

Contraindications:

  • Diseases of the connective tissue
  • Acute period of viral or bacterial infection, exacerbation of chronic diseases
  • Pregnancy, breastfeeding or menstruation
  • The presence of prostheses, implants (including gold reinforcements), pacemakers
  • Simultaneous patient receiving botox injections
  • High blood pressure or severe hypertension
  • Wounds, eczema, active inflammation of the skin
  • Oncological diseases
  • Diabetes of any kind
  • Age under 25

As did

  • Before the procedure, the patient should not apply cosmetics - the skin should be dry and clean. Men need to shave thoroughly. When working on the eyelids and the area around the eyes, it is not recommended to wear contact lenses
  • In a beauty salon or clinic, the client is placed in a comfortable position lying on a bed and covered with a disposable sheet. The hair is gathered under a hat
  • First, peeling of the facial skin is carried out for the purpose of deep cleansing.
  • Then a hypoallergenic (neutral) conductive gel is applied
  • The beautician begins to guide the device (handpiece) along strictly defined lines in the treated area, massaging the skin at the same time
  • At the end of the procedure, the skin is washed, a nourishing mask is applied to the face

The exposure mode is selected individually based on the properties of the skin, the area to be treated and the desired effect. Painful sensations rarely occur: during manipulation, the client may experience tingling sensations of greater or lesser intensity, a wave of heat on the body surface in the operating area of the device.

Before visiting a beauty salon, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist about the presence of contraindications.

Side effects and recommendations after the session

Immediately after the RF lifting session, the vessels are dilated and filled with blood. As a result, redness of the treated area, a sensation of heat and a local increase in temperature are possible. These symptoms go away on their own within a day or two.

In the evening, a slight swelling may appear, which does not require intervention. When working on large areas of the body for the elimination of cellulite, it will be appropriate to combine the radiofrequency lifting with lymphatic drainage.

A rare long-term complication of the procedure is skin fibrosis (abnormal proliferation of connective tissue due to excessive stimulation). It occurs when the procedure is abused or the cosmetologist does not regularly comply with the temperature regime and duration of exposure.

Therefore, when choosing this method of rejuvenation, it is necessary to strictly observe the recommended intervals between sessions, carefully choose a clinic, pay attention to the qualifications and evaluation of the doctor.

The first day after the session, the client must refrain from:

  • Visits to the baths
  • Sports Hall
  • Solarium

How often should the procedure be performed

Radio frequency lifting has a lasting effect, so it is enough to repeat the course 1-2 times a year. Each course will include approximately 4 sessions of 15-20 minutes (depending on the regimen and body zone, the session can be extended up to 2 hours) for clients under 50 and approximately 6-8 procedures for clients in menopause, as a change in hormone levels leads to more persistent skin changes.

Between the procedures of one course, at least 10 days must pass (this interval can be increased to two weeks, but it cannot be reduced).

Advantages of having the procedure in a professional clinic:

  • Innovative technologies - Tripolar RF lifting: complex soft effect without pain
  • Experienced cosmetologists and physiotherapists
  • Consultation with a dermatologist before the procedure
  • A wide range of cosmetic services
  • Individual selection of complex anti-aging programs