RF lifting: what is it and how is it done?

RF lifting is a cosmetic rejuvenating procedure that involves exposure to an electric current or a field on the skin of the face. The procedure helps to successfully get rid of many aesthetic problems, and the effect will be noticeable after the first session.

The RF-lifting method originated back in 1908 thanks to the work of two medical scientists - R. Zeinik and F. Nagelschmidt, who introduced the term "diathermy" into everyday life, which means one of the methods of treating neuralgia and muscle pain. A little later, in the 30s, a fundamentally new therapeutic factor was discovered - exposure to a high-frequency electric field, and already at the beginning of this century, American scientists performed the first RF-lifting procedure.

Exposure to high-frequency currents causes heating and effective tissue tightening.

As you know, it is the presence of collagen that is responsible for the youthfulness of the skin. However, over time, cell activity decreases and its production stops. It is rather difficult to normalize the situation with the help of medicines, ointments and masks, so the effect of radio waves has become a real breakthrough in cosmetology. After the cells come into contact with RF devices, they begin to develop neocollagenesis at an accelerated rate, simultaneously with these molecules, elastin and glycosaminoglycans are formed in the cells, which give the very rejuvenating effect.

The mechanism of action here is as follows: the human skin heats up to a predetermined temperature, as a result, the fibrillar fibers become hard and are transformed into spirals with a rather compacted frame - it is he who is responsible for the connection of cells and determines the elasticity of the skin from the inside. As you know, collagen is a protein, therefore, under the influence of high temperatures, it coagulates, and the skin becomes taut.

Simultaneously with this process, thermal action causes the accumulated subcutaneous fat to melt, which is excreted through the pores in a physiological way.

All performed manipulations effectively stimulate increased blood circulation, normalize metabolic processes, supply cells with oxygen and promote the elimination of toxins from the human body.

The result before and after applying the lifting procedure is pronounced.

The effect is:

• the disappearance of the orange cellulite peel;
• increasing skin turgor and elasticity;
• reducing the number of wrinkles and large folds;
• improving skin color;
• reduction of puffiness and black circles under the eyes;
• getting rid of a double chin.

The procedure has its pros and cons.

The benefits include:

• versatility - the procedure can be carried out on any skin of the face (dry, oily or combination);
• at the end of the manipulations, there are no scars, bruises and other unaesthetic marks, as is the case with plastic surgery;
• the procedure is absolutely painless - as a rule, patients feel only a pleasant warm tingling sensation;
• hardware lifting does not require special preparation;
• it is important that the anti-aging effect is achieved through the use of natural resources, the body does not experience any foreign invasion.

The effect on the skin is noticeable after the very first procedure, although for a more pronounced and lasting effect, it is advisable to undergo a course of 6-12 sessions with an interval of 10-14 days, and to maintain the achieved effect, the treatment should be repeated every six months.

If we talk about the disadvantages of RF-lifting, then like any other radio wave radiation, the effect of devices affects the work of the internal organs of a person. When lifting, the contact time and the dose of radiation are minimal, however, no doctor will give you a guarantee of 100% safety.

The procedure is quite expensive, and given that the sessions are carried out in a course, it cannot be called accessible to most of our compatriots.

Cosmetologists point out that in some cases, after a tightening, edema, skin hyperemia and, in rare cases, hyperpigmentation may develop. The likelihood of such unpleasant consequences depends on the level of professionalism of the cosmetologist and the level of technical equipment of the clinic.

Speaking about the RF-lifting technique, one should dwell on the difference between this method and similar procedures. Thermage and RF lifting are very often confused, since each method involves exposure to radio frequency radiation.

But there are some differences between these procedures:

• thermage is carried out at a temperature of 40 degrees, and radio wave rejuvenation heats it up to 60 degrees;
• Thermage involves the functioning of high-frequency monopolar energy, which is much weaker;
• Thermage involves a complete change in the structure of collagen protein in the skin.

No less problems arise with biorevitalization, since women often encounter damage to the skin. And the recovery process takes quite a long time.

Of particular importance is the fact that with wave rejuvenation, any likelihood of infection is completely excluded. Even an inexperienced cosmetologist, if such a thought occurred to him, would not be able to implement it, this is a great advantage of the procedure over many other manipulations that require the use of antibiotics, which reduce the risk of developing inflammatory processes.

And, of course, a big bonus is the opportunity to go about your business immediately after the procedure - none of the friends and colleagues you meet will notice that you have changed your appearance in any way. This cannot be said about plastic surgeries, after which a person drops out of the usual rhythm of life for at least 10-14 days.

RF rejuvenation systems use several systems that are used by all modern beauty salons. They are conventionally divided into several basic types.

Monopolar - in this case, there are two main electrodes through which an electric current passes. The first changes, and the second is static, while the maximum temperature rise is localized in those places where the movable electrode is located. The depth of influence of this method is 2-3 centimeters.

It has been scientifically proven that unipolar lifting has significant disadvantages, which include a strong thermal effect on the skin, as well as contact with a secondary magnetic field, which poses certain risks to the functioning of internal organs.

The consequences of such a procedure can be burns, scar formation, as well as changes in the structure of the subcutaneous tissue. Of course, the risk of such consequences is not so great, but, nevertheless, it is better to play it safe, especially nowadays there are more gentle and effective methods of working with radio waves. In addition, monopolar rejuvenation can be used only once, therefore, turning to such a technique makes sense only if it is about the fight against fat and deposits and the manifestations of cellulite on the abdomen and legs. If a facial treatment is required, bi- or multipolar lifting should be preferred.

Bipolar ones are characterized by greater safety in comparison with monopolar ones, since in this case the electrodes are located close to each other, at the same time, the degree of influence is small and does not exceed the distance between them.

Multipolar - this method assumes the presence of a large number of electrodes within one handpiece. However, only one pair functions at a time, and due to a special scheme that determines the working elements, the system allows you to achieve the most uniform and extremely safe impact with a depth of 1.5-2 cm.

Combined is the general name for a wide variety of techniques, the most popular of which is vacuum. With it, one fold is captured, which allows the apparatus to have a more intense effect. Combinations of radio wave flux and laser radiation are widespread. This tandem causes more intense heating. In modern clinics, devices are installed that have a built-in cooling system, which reduces the risk of burns, but at the same time they have less efficiency.

In recent years, device manufacturers have been working on the task of the deepest possible penetration of radio waves under the skin.For this, a wide variety of types of metal electrodes are used, which are applied to the skin. The classic version involves the mechanism of vacuum suction of the skin into the attachment, but the real discovery was the creation of needle lifting. This method of rejuvenation effectively solves all the problems associated with the supply of heat to the deep layers of the skin. With microneedles, it reaches a depth of 3.5 mm, while forming the necessary radio frequency pulses. Further - more: in addition to electromagnetic rays, the skin gets invisible to the eye punctures from the needles - these microdamages stimulate the start of regeneration processes and, thus, "in one fell swoop" and young collagen fibers are formed and the process of skin protein formation begins.

RF rejuvenation is an effective procedure that is used in the following cases:

• with the manifestation of age-related skin changes, the appearance of wrinkles, pronounced nasolabial and frontal folds, as well as "crow's feet" in the corners of the eyes;
• with a "floated" oval of the face, which occurs with partial sagging of the upper layers of the dermis and subcutaneous fat;
• with acne, accompanied by the appearance of scars and darkening;
• with photoaging, which implies the appearance of wrinkles and folds under the influence of ultraviolet radiation.

In addition, the following aesthetic problems are considered indications for RF lifting:

• stretch marks that appear with intense weight loss and after childbirth;
• localized fat deposits;
• sagging of large areas of skin after pregnancy and childbirth;
• age-related wilting of the skin, flabbiness and deterioration of elasticity.

Like any other intervention in the work of the internal systems of the body's vital activity, RF-lifting has contraindications for use.

First of all, they include the presence of such diseases as:

• oncological processes;
• diabetes;
• viral infections;
• inflammation of blood vessels and capillaries;
• autoimmune diseases of the connective tissue;
• endocrine pathologies;

• hypertension;
• epilepsy;
• impaired blood clotting;
• skin diseases and other violations of the integrity of the skin;
• fever and fever;
• severe neurological diseases.

Also, one should not resort to radio wave rejuvenation for pregnant and lactating women, as well as persons in the decompensated stage of chronic and cardiovascular diseases.

Any cosmetic procedures are carried out in specialized cosmetic clinics, where certified equipment is installed.

RF-lifting is based on two basic principles of work:

• Diathermy. It involves heating tissues under the influence of an alternating electric current. The active substance, which transmits working currents, contains heat inside itself, due to which both the skin itself and subcutaneous fat are more intensely subjected to thermal influence. This technique is used by TriWorks devices, as well as IntraDerma - they are based on Aluma technology, which involves the use of metal electrodes.
• Exposure to an electromagnetic field (UHF). In this case, the mechanism of action is similar to the principle of operation of a kitchen microwave, during which tissue molecules completely change their location. Since the force field that orientates them is referred to as variable, then, accordingly, the frequency of changing its position is equal to the frequency of the field itself. This effect is called "dipole shift", while heating occurs due to the direct relationship between the level of heating of the subcutaneous tissue and the energy of the moving molecules.

Thermage technology devices work according to this standard. Among them, the most widespread is the equipment of the Revital RF brand. A distinctive feature of such devices is the coating with a dielectric layer.

In addition to these devices, in modern clinics you can often see the IntraDerma device. However, technologies are constantly being improved, so it is possible that in the beauty salon you will see a more modern model for RF-lifting. This should not scare you, however, before agreeing to such a procedure, it makes sense to study the new product and get acquainted with the reviews about it.

For example, the Scarlet apparatus is one of the most popular among visitors to cosmetic clinics and salons. Its effectiveness is associated with the deep penetration of radio waves into the layers of the epidermis, which stimulates the enhanced formation of collagen, and this process occurs not only on the surface of tissues, but also deep inside.

The Scarlet RF system fights puffiness, sagging and deep wrinkles.

Infini is also popular for 3D RF-lifting, thanks to which you can remove a double chin, tighten sagging cheeks and reduce wrinkles. This device also effectively fights scars and scars, but only a specialist can decide how justified the use of this device is in each specific case.

Fractional RF-lifting on the Matrix RF apparatus is no less effectiveMoreover, this development of the Israeli concern Syneron has been widely used in cosmetology since 2010. Today it is, perhaps, the most effective device for classical rejuvenation using radiofrequencies, which combines lifting and fractional thermolysis, due to which many tiny electrodes act on the skin in a complex manner, which provide a result that lasts throughout the year.

Nevertheless, if you decide to engage in rejuvenation yourself at home, then first you should get to know as closely as possible both the working methodology itself and the technical and operational features of the device. You must follow them exactly, otherwise the risk of injury increases sharply.

The main stages of manipulation are similar to salon ones:

• first you need to cleanse the skin with a scrub, tonic and water;
• then comes the stage of direct exposure to the skin using the selected device, the principle of its action should be detailed in the instructions;
• then a soothing mask is applied, which improves the condition of the skin and promotes its final regeneration.

Experts recommend giving preference to devices of the Gezatone brand, which are classified as complex due to triple exposure to the subcutaneous layers using radio waves, ultrasound and light.

Another device that has received the most positive reviews from users is Newa, which provides a fairly good effect of radio wave rejuvenation at home.

The procedure for preparing for radio wave rejuvenation does not require much effort, but it is necessary to know some of its nuances.

Do not use cosmetics and creams immediately before lifting. The skin must be thoroughly cleaned before starting treatment.

Contact lenses and glasses, if any, should be removed and men should shave smoothly.

The doctor applies a special gel to the cleansed skin of the patient, which serves as a conductor between the tissues and the radio wave.

Then the doctor, using special attachments (maniples), massages the skin along the necessary lines. In general, the procedure lasts from 15 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the work and the tasks set.

Immediately after radiolifting, you can notice a significant improvement in appearance - the skin becomes fresher, taut and youthful.

By themselves, manipulations do not cause the slightest discomfort to patients. During processing, they only feel a slight warm tingling sensation.

In order to consolidate the achieved result, it is necessary to undergo several procedures, optimally from 5 to 8 with an interval of 1.5-2 weeks. Despite the obvious positive effect immediately after the session, the collagen production processes start for another three weeks, so the maximum effect is achieved after 21 days.

Cosmetologists note that immediately after the end of the radiofrequency exposure procedures on the skin tissue, the patient may experience slight swelling and redness. These symptoms go away after 2-3 days, but for this you should adhere to all the recommendations given by the doctor.

We must not forget about the need for good skin hydration, for this you need to use moisturizing cosmetic preparations and consume at least 2.5-3 liters of water daily.

During the week after the procedures, you should refrain from sunbathing, visiting beaches, solariums and areas open to the sun.

The use of decorative cosmetics should also be postponed for a week or even two to keep the integument clean and prevent clogging of pores and sweat glands.

During the recovery period, visits to saunas, baths and swimming pools are not allowed. The use of peels and abrasive scrubs can also harm the skin during the recovery period.

At first, physical activity should be limited, and it is also worth thinking about giving up bad habits, establishing nutrition and minimizing stressful situations.

Leading plastic surgeons note the high efficiency of the RF-lifting procedure, however, they emphasize that only a professional cosmetologist should carry out the manipulations. The fact is that the temperature working with this method is 40-60 degrees, and if you make it lower, then the procedures will have no effect, and if you overestimate the temperature, you can get a serious skin burn, which will further cause the formation of an ugly scar.

How the RF lifting procedure goes, see the next video.