RF lifting: what is it and how is it carried out?

RF-lifting is a cosmetic anti-aging procedure, which involves exposure to electric shock 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 method of RF lifting originated in 1908 thanks to the work of two medical scientists - R. Tseinik and F. Nagelshmidt, it was they who introduced the term “diathermy”, which designates 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 our century, American scientists conducted 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 youthful skin. However, over time, cell activity decreases and its production stops. It is quite difficult to normalize the situation with the help of medications, ointments and masks, so the effect of the radio wave has become a real breakthrough in cosmetology. After the cells come into contact with RF devices, they begin to produce neocollagenesis at an accelerated rate, while elastin and glycosaminoglycans are formed in the cells at the same time as these molecules give the same anti-aging effect.

The mechanism of action here is as follows: the skin of a person is heated to a predetermined temperature, as a result, the fibrillar fibers become solid and are converted into spirals with a fairly densified skeleton - 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, in this regard, under the influence of elevated temperatures, it coagulates, and the skin becomes toned.

Simultaneously with this process, thermal exposure causes the accumulated subcutaneous fat to melt, which is excreted through the pores physiologically.

All ongoing manipulations effectively stimulate enhanced blood circulation, normalize metabolic processes, nourish cells with oxygen and help to eliminate 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;
• increase turgor and skin elasticity;
• reduction of wrinkles and large folds;
• skin color improvement;
• reduction of edema and black circles under the eyes;
• getting rid of the second chin.

The procedure has its pros and cons.

The benefits include:

• universality - the procedure can be performed on any skin of the face (dry, oily or combination);
• at the end of the manipulation there are no scars, bruises and other unaesthetic traces, as is the case with plastic surgery;
• the procedure is absolutely painless - as a rule, patients feel only a pleasant warm tingling;
• hardware lifting does not require special preparation;
• it is important that the rejuvenating 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 long-lasting effect, it is desirable to take a course of 6-12 sessions with an interval of 10-14 days, and to maintain the achieved effect, treatment should be repeated every six months.

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

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

Beauticians indicate that in some cases, after tightening, swelling, 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 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 warms 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 face damage to the skin. And the recovery process lasts quite a while.

Of particular importance is the fact that with wave rejuvenation, any possibility of infection is completely excluded. Even an inexperienced cosmetologist, if he had thought such an idea, could not have realized it, this is a great advantage of the procedure over many other manipulations that require taking antibiotics that reduce the risk of inflammatory processes.

Well, of course, the big bonus is the ability to go about your business right after the procedure - none of the friends and colleagues you met will notice that you have somehow changed your appearance. This cannot be said about plastic surgeries, after which a person falls out of the usual rhythm of life for at least 10-14 days.

In radiofrequency rejuvenation systems, several systems are used that are used by all modern beauty salons. Conventionally, they are divided into several main types.

Monopolar - in this case, two main electrodes work through which electric current passes. The first is changing, and the second is static, while the maximum temperature increase is localized in those places where the movable electrode is located. The exposure depth of this method is 2-3 centimeters.

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

The consequences of this procedure can be burns, scar formation, as well as changes in the structure of subcutaneous tissue. Of course, the risk of such consequences is not so great, but, nevertheless, it is better to play it safe, especially today there are more sparing and effective methods of working with the radio wave. In addition, monopolar rejuvenation can be used only once, so resorting to such a technique makes sense only if it is a matter of combating fatty deposits and cellulite deposits and manifestations on the stomach and legs. If a facial treatment is required, bi-or multipolar lifting should be preferred.

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

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

Combined is a common name for a wide variety of techniques, the most popular of which is considered vacuum. With it, one fold is captured, which allows the device to have a more intense effect. Combinations of a radio-wave stream and laser radiation are widely used. A similar tandem causes a more intense heating. In modern clinics, devices are installed that have an integrated cooling system, which reduces the risk of burns, but at the same time they are less effective.

In recent years, device manufacturers have been working to maximize the penetration of radio waves under the skin., for this, use the most diverse types of metal electrodes that are applied to the skin. The classic version involves the mechanism of vacuum suction of the skin into the nozzle, but the creation of needle lifting was a real discovery. This method of rejuvenation effectively solves all the problems associated with the supply of heat to the deeper layers of the skin. With microneedles, it reaches a depth of up to 3.5 mm, forming the necessary radio frequency pulses. Further - more: in addition to electromagnetic rays, the skin receives punctures invisible to the eye from the needles - these microdamages stimulate the start of regeneration processes and, thus, “in one fell swoop” young collagen fibers are formed and the skin protein formation process begins.

RF rejuvenation is an effective procedure that is resorted to 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 “floating” 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 wrinkles under the influence of ultraviolet radiation.

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

• stretch marks that appear with intensive weight loss and after childbirth;
• local body fat;
• sagging large areas of the skin after pregnancy and childbirth;
• age-related withering of the skin, flabbiness and deterioration of elasticity.

Like any other intervention in the functioning of the body’s internal systems, RF lifting has contraindications.

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

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

• hypertension;
• epilepsy;
• bleeding disorder;
• 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 people in the decompensation stage of chronic and cardiovascular diseases.

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

Russian lifting is based on two basic principles of work:

• Diathermy. It involves tissue heating under the influence of alternating electric current. The active substance, which passes working currents, contains heat inside, due to which both the skin itself and subcutaneous fat are more intensively subjected to thermal influence. TriWorks and IntraDerma devices work in this technique - they are based on Aluma technology, which involves the use of metal electrodes.
• Exposure to electromagnetic fields (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 orienting them is related to the variable, then, accordingly, the frequency of change in their position is equal to the frequency of the field itself. This effect is called the “dipole shift”, and heating occurs due to a direct relationship between the level of heating of the subcutaneous tissue and the energy of moving molecules.

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

In addition to these devices, in modern clinics you can often see the IntraDerma device. However, the technology is 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 reviews about it.

For example, the Scarlet device 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 enhanced collagen formation, and this process occurs not only on the surface of tissues, but also deep inside.

The use of the Scarlet RF system fights puffiness, sagging contours and eliminates deep wrinkles.

Equally popular is Infini for 3D RF-lifting, thanks to which you can remove the second chin, tighten saggy cheeks and achieve wrinkle reduction. This device also effectively fights scars and scars, however, only a specialist can decide how justified the use of this device is in each case.

Fractional RF lifting with Matrix RF is no less effectiveMoreover, this development of the Israeli concern Syneron has been widely used in cosmetology since 2010. Today, this is perhaps the most effective apparatus for classical rejuvenation using radio frequencies, which combines lifting and fractional thermolysis, due to which many tiny electrodes are complexly applied to the skin, which provide a result that lasts for a year.

Nevertheless, if you decide to engage in rejuvenation yourself at home, then for a start, you should get to know as closely as possible both the working method itself and the technical and operational features of the device. It is necessary to follow them exactly, otherwise the risk of injuries increases sharply.

The main stages of manipulation are similar to salon:

• first you need to cleanse the skin with 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 contributes to its final regeneration.

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

Another device that has received the most positive reviews from users is Newa, which causes a pretty 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.

Immediately before lifting, cosmetics and creams should not be used. The skin before treatment should be thoroughly cleaned.

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

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

Then the doctor, using special nozzles (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 tasks.

Immediately after radiolifting, you can notice a significant improvement in appearance - the skin becomes more fresh, toned and young.

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

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

Doctors and cosmetologists note that immediately after the procedure of radiofrequency exposure to 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 hydration of the skin, for this you need to use moisturizing cosmetics and drink at least 2.5-3 liters of water daily.

Within a week after the procedures, you should refrain from sunbathing, visiting beaches, tanning salons and areas open to the sun.

The use of decorative cosmetics should also be postponed for a week or even two, in order to maintain cleanliness of the integument and to prevent clogging of pores and sweat glands.

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

At first, you should limit physical activity, and you should also think about giving up bad habits, establish nutrition and minimize stressful situations.

Leading plastic surgeons note the high efficiency of the RF lifting procedureHowever, they emphasize that only a professional cosmetologist should conduct manipulations. The fact is that the temperature working with this method is 40-60 degrees, and if you lower it, the procedures will not have any effect, and if the temperature is too high, you can get a serious skin burn, which in the future will cause the formation of an ugly scar.

See how the RF lifting procedure goes in the next video.