Introduction:
As you age, due to sun exposure and other factors, the skin may show signs of damage, such as wrinkles, sagging, and cellulite, among others. Recent years have shown an increase in demand for cosmetology, and this has led to newer innovations in the field. There are a number of cosmetic procedures available to combat these skin problems, which include surgical procedures, ablation, and dermal fillers.
A novel technique that is non-invasive and requires a minimal recovery period is radiofrequency. Fine lines, wrinkles, and lax tissues are clinical signs of photodamage. Traditionally, lasers were used, but they have a higher recovery period. This is where radiofrequency stands apart as it uses electric current, as opposed to a light source.
They can be used in dermatology to treat rhytides, acne scars, cellulite, skin laxity, and other esthetic problems.
What Is Radiofrequency?
Radiofrequency is a form of energy and, according to the classification in the electromagnetic spectrum, lower than visible light. This is used in certain cosmetic procedures. The RF energy used is in the 450-kilohertz range.
How Does It Work in Skincare?
At present, there are an array of procedures that help treat skin problems, which include invasive and non-invasive procedures. Radiofrequency acts as a non-invasive procedure; it is used in cosmetic procedures by increasing the tissue temperature. This thermal damage to the skin stimulates the deep layers of the skin and initiates neocollagenesis.
As age increases, collagen production in the body reduces; this causes sagging, laxity, wrinkles, and so on. Depending on the skin condition, different ranges of thermal stimulation are used, ranging from 0.3 to 10 MHz. The purpose of this is to induce collagen conformation and produce new collagen in deep layers of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. It helps in elastin production, making the skin tighter, firmer, thicker, and more youthful in appearance.
What Is the Physiological Effect on Skin?
Studies have shown that the main physiological effect is the stimulation of collagen synthesis.
The short-term effect includes the contraction of collagen, and the long-term effect is tissue repair.
What Can Radiofrequency Treat?
Radiofrequency can be used as an anti-aging therapy. It helps in facial rejuvenation, skin tightening, facial remodeling, skin laxity, body shaping or contouring, rhytides, and skin contraction, among others.
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Fighting Sun Damage: UV rays and sun exposure hasten skin damage by breaking down collagen. Studies show that radiofrequency treatment helps improve skin damage significantly.
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Body Contouring: Skin laxity can affect the quality of life as it reduces the self-esteem of an individual. It occurs due to collagen fiber damage as a result of biomolecular changes. Radiofrequency helps tighten loose skin by increasing collagen production.
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Face Contouring: Sagging skin on the face is a sign of aging. Radiofrequency shows up to 73 % improvement in middle-aged women. It helps by reducing laxity.
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Wrinkles and Fine Lines: Wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes have shown significant improvement with radiotherapy. For individuals who do not prefer dermal fillers, radiofrequency is an alternative.
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Facial Slimming: RF treatment helps to break down the fat deposits in the face, especially in the lower part of the face. Within two weeks of treatment, patients reported 20 to 30 % of visible changes; with just 4 Hz of power, RF therapy can cause tightening of the skin.
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Combination Therapy: RF therapy can also be used as an adjuvant with other modalities such as :
- Fractional skin resurfacing.
- Microneedling RF.
- These help in coagulation and collagen remodeling.
Combined with microneedling, RF therapy can improve fine lines, the texture of the skin, and acne scars. Since it is nonsurgical, the patient will not require recovery time; some redness and tingling may occur in the first 24 hours.
How Long Does Radiofrequency Last?
The effect post-procedure may not last as a surgical procedure would. But it does last for a significant amount of time. One may need re-treatment after one or two years. On average, it lasts six months. Within the first few weeks, evident changes are experienced; as the months pass, the skin becomes tighter and more collagen is produced. It is a type of procedure that improves as time passes. Newer techniques have home-based treatment options, but in-house treatment is said to have more lasting effects.
What Are the Advantages of Radiofrequency?
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Non-invasive.
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Lower recovery time.
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Painless.
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No known side effects.
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Nonsurgical.
The primary takeaway of RF therapy is that it is a non-invasive procedure. Hence, more patients will be interested and less apprehensive.
When compared to lasers, RF therapy uses heat which is at a lower frequency, hence improving the structure of the skin and its tone. This is because it penetrates the lower layer of the skin when lasers only work on the superficial layers. There is less chance of pigmentation or discoloration when compared to lasers.
What Are the Common Systems Used?
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Exilis.
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Profound RF.
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Thermi.
The range of temperature includes 122 to 167 degrees Fahrenheit. And studies show that temperatures above 115 degrees Fahrenheit release a set of proteins called heat shock proteins that help stimulate new collagen fibers.
What Are the Concerns and Side Effects of Radiofrequency?
Since it is a novel technique, the market interests in it are yet to be explored. Also, the research is not completed to establish if it can replace surgical and invasive procedures. It may not have lasting effects in comparison to surgical procedures and may need secondary treatment, while that can be avoided in invasive procedures. It may lead to burns if incorrectly performed.
Side Effects Include:
Temporary swelling, redness, and tingling. But its recovery time is less than that of any surgical procedure.
Conclusion:
Radiofrequency is a boon to individuals who are apprehensive about an invasive procedure. It requires less downtime, is painless, and is a new weapon in the armamentarium to fight to age. It is safe and tolerable and can be used for cellulite and skin rejuvenation. It promotes cellular changes and is an alternative to surgical procedures, not a substitute.
