RF lifting: what is it, indications and contraindications

Radiofrequency lifting is a popular technology for correcting age-related and metabolic deficiencies on the face and body, which is used from 30 years of age for any skin type. RF lifting effectively affects the deep layers of the skin for subsequent remodeling and restoration of biochemical mechanisms. With a competent individual approach using high-quality equipment, the result of course sessions will fully meet the expectations of the doctor and the patient.

In the modern world, hardware cosmetology is used for general rejuvenation and correction of aesthetic imperfections on the face and body. One of the main professional techniques with effective results on the medical market is the radiofrequency lifting procedure, which slows down the mechanisms of natural aging and normalizes metabolic processes in the body.

What is radiofrequency lifting

Girls who are interested in their appearance know that the function of collagen, which is produced by fibroblasts, is to maintain the firmness and elasticity of the skin. With age, the process of cell renewal slows down. Elastin and collagen begin to be produced worse. The skin becomes covered with a network of wrinkles and sags.

What is radiofrequency face and body lifting ? This is the effect of electrical discharges on the dermis, after which the cells begin to more actively produce collagen.

The main task of modern hardware cosmetology is to create effective, but at the same time comfortable and painless procedures. Thirty years ago, the first lifting devices practically burned the face, but today the specialist only lightly touches the surface of the skin without causing discomfort.

Read material on the topic: Hardware cosmetology clinic: the most popular procedures

History of the method

The technique came to the world of cosmetology from physiotherapy. Here are the main stages of using radio frequency techniques.

Second half of the 19th century - inventor Nikola Tesla first tried high-frequency currents on himself, followed by physiotherapeutic use.
1908 - scientists R. Tseynik and F. Nagelschmidt introduced the concept of “diathermy”.
1926 - discovery of UHF - a new healing field with therapeutic effects.
1980s USA - invention of the first radio frequency device.
2001 - creation of the Thermage method.
Since 2004 - progressive production of ThermaCool, Melody, Aluma devices and other devices for aesthetic effects on dermal and hypodermal structures.

Radiofrequency lifting and thermage are not the same thing

Thermage is a rejuvenating hardware procedure. Its essence is the effect of radio frequency waves, which locally heat areas of the skin. The temperature at the treatment site rises to +60 °C.

The table shows the distinctive features of Thermage and radiofrequency lifting:

Restrictions

To avoid increased pigmentation after the procedure, it is not recommended to expose the skin to sunlight, including a solarium. Outdoors, you must use a cream with a sun protection factor of at least SPF 50, including in cloudy weather and in the autumn-winter period.

In order for tissue restoration to proceed as quickly as possible, it is important to avoid physical activity, lead a healthy lifestyle, follow a decongestant diet, do not smoke or drink alcohol, so as not to interfere with the access of oxygen to the tissues.

Radio frequency lifting also imposes restrictions on visiting swimming pools or open bodies of water, since the surface of the skin is very vulnerable, and disinfectants, salt and tiny grains of sand can damage it. For the same reason, the use of any types of peelings and scrubs is not recommended.

During the recovery period, any procedures that can cause a temperature difference on the surface of the skin are prohibited - baths, saunas, hot baths will have to be postponed until a later period.

What devices are used for radiofrequency lifting?

Now it is difficult to imagine that the first devices consisted of two electrodes that were simply attached to the skin. During the session, it was difficult to regulate the heating level, so redness, burns and swelling occurred after the procedure. In modern clinics, such monopolar devices for radiofrequency lifting are no longer used, since more high-tech ones have been developed.

Multipolar machines - have several electrodes, two work simultaneously, then switch automatically.
Bipolar devices allow you to act effectively and carefully. If a woman comes for the procedure with very dry skin and hidden imperfections, she can also undergo a rejuvenating course with a bipolar device.
Combined devices are a new generation of multipolar lifting devices.

They are equipped in accordance with the requirements of the time:

multipolar electrode;
unipolar electrode;
infrared laser radiation;
vacuum pump, which allows you to act locally.

Improvement of blood circulation in the skin occurs already at the stage of working with a vacuum pump. Fibroblasts “wake up” and begin to actively produce collagen and elastin.

Read material on the topic: Plasmolifting of the face - a breakthrough in domestic cosmetology

Mechanism of action of RF lifting

1. Controlled high-frequency currents act with the release of heat on the leading layer of skin - the dermis and the lower layer - subcutaneous fat; epidermal and muscle tissue do not overheat.

2. Local thermal effect enhances microcirculation, lymphatic drainage, activates fibroblasts and renews the skin.

3. At average temperatures, toning, coagulation, and compression of spiral-shaped collagen and elastic fibers occur, followed by the formation of an elastic frame.

4. At high temperatures, old collagen molecules are destroyed and after a month the natural process of producing new fibers begins - neocollagenesis.

5. At the same time, metabolism is enhanced and lipolysis is stimulated, during which fat cells decrease in volume, are broken down into fatty acids and glycerol, and are subsequently eliminated from the body physiologically.

Advantages and disadvantages of radiofrequency lifting

Let's look at why radiofrequency (or RF) lifting is a modern replacement for plastic surgery in the fight against skin aging.

Here are the main advantages of this technology:

effective for all skin types, the procedure can be done from 18 years of age;
The session goes quickly, lasting about half an hour;
compatible with other skin care methods;
passes without pain and discomfort;
can be performed without prior preparation;
after the session there are no scars, burns, swelling, the skin does not require a recovery period.

The following can be considered disadvantages:

high price for radiofrequency face lifting;
there is a chance of getting to an inexperienced cosmetologist and getting burns if he works with a monopolar device;
There is little information about the effect of radiofrequency pulses on the entire body.

Like other cosmetic procedures, radiofrequency lifting has contraindications that are worth paying attention to.

Read material on the topic: How to remove wrinkles on the face: the most effective methods

Features of the procedure

During heating with high frequency currents, intense destruction of protein tissue and strengthening of collagen fibers occurs. Despite the fact that the current damages the latter, this leads to the formation of new cells that actively replace old ones.

In addition to enhancing collagen restoration, fat cells are destroyed and blood circulation is increased. Thanks to this, facial wrinkles are smoothed out and the appearance of the skin improves.

Operating principles

To obtain a positive result, two principles of action are used:

Diathermy. It heats up the tissue. The substance that carries the current contains heat. In tissues with high resistance, the thermal effect is especially strong. These include fat and skin. Devices based on this operating principle have metal electrodes.
UHF. This technique allows tissue to be heated using an electromagnetic field. The mechanism of action is similar to the operation of a microwave: the molecules change their location with the same frequency as the electromagnetic field. Such devices use electrodes coated with a dielectric.

When using this type of lifting, the skin and layers underneath are heated at temperatures up to 50 degrees. Collagen fibers turn into spirals, create a strong frame, and maintain intercellular connections.

Under the influence of high temperature, fat dissolves and is excreted physiologically. Therefore, we can talk about a lipolytic lifting effect.

Indications and contraindications for radiofrequency lifting

A course of radiofrequency (RF) lifting helps to correct many age-related skin changes. Any woman, looking at herself in the mirror, can assess the condition of the dermis and come for a consultation with a cosmetologist. After examination, the specialist will determine whether this procedure is necessary.

Lifting may be useful if you have the following problems:

age and expression wrinkles;
the corners of the eyes and mouth drooped;
imperfections and defects of the dermis that require treatment and rehabilitation;
folds have formed at the nasolabial triangle;
the oval of the face blurs and loses its shape;
a double chin appeared;
dark circles and bags under the eyes;
very dry and flabby skin, low tone;
scars, scars, pockmarks, rosacea, post-acne;
sagging skin or ptosis;
“orange peel” cellulite;
aging of the dermis in different parts of the body: décolleté, neck, face, hips, abdomen, buttocks;
stretch marks after sudden weight loss or after childbirth.

How radiofrequency lifting works, look at the before and after photos:

Experts disagree about the minimum age threshold at which this procedure can be performed. The reviews here are very different. Some consider it possible to do sessions even for twenty-year-olds as a preventive measure for skin aging. For others it seems premature. They advise using such radical methods only if there are serious deficiencies that cannot be eliminated in any other way.

Recommended articles on the topic:

How to properly care for your skin
Ultrasound facial cleansing: features of the procedure, indications and contraindications
Microcurrent facial therapy is a beneficial treatment for your skin

All cosmetologists consider it acceptable and effective to carry out such procedures after 30–35 years, up to 55–60 years (even at this age you can get good results, however, the course will have to be completed several times).

The consequences of radiofrequency lifting can be serious and unpredictable if contraindications are neglected:

the presence of metal or silicone implants anywhere in the body;
the client’s young age, less than 20 years, with the exception of solving problems that cannot be influenced by other means;
presence of a hearing aid or pacemaker;
open skin lesions - cuts, ulcers, burns, wounds;
hypertonic disease;
skin systemic diseases;
pathologies of the thyroid gland, diabetes mellitus;
inflammation of the skin of any origin;
oncological problems;
autoimmune pathologies;
any chronic diseases in the acute phase or seasonal infectious diseases;
taking certain medications: sulfonamides, hormonal drugs, anticoagulants, antibiotics;
period of pregnancy and breastfeeding;
days of menstruation;
low blood clotting.

Such a large list indicates that a preliminary consultation with a cosmetologist must be carried out without fail. The responsibility here is mutual.

There are absolute contraindications that serve as a ban on performing ultrasonic radiofrequency lifting, and some are only a temporary restriction.

Read material on the topic: Laser facial skin rejuvenation: useful tips and recommendations

Indications for RF lifting in facial cosmetology

Increased oiliness of the skin with enlarged pores and hyperfunction of the sebaceous glands.
Prevention of “premature aging” syndrome.
Dry, atonic skin with signs of aging.
Chrono- and photoaging (wrinkles), jowls (sagging skin) and hypodermis.
Correction of the periorbital zone - sagging of the upper eyelid,
“bags”, “dark circles” under the eyes, “crow’s feet”.
Ptosis is drooping of facial tissues and swelling.
Folds in the neck and décolleté.
Having a “double” chin.
Hyperpigmentation.
Microrelief defects - post-acne, scars, uneven color of the epidermis.

How does the radiofrequency lifting procedure work?

The first stage is facial cleansing. Complete removal of dirt and makeup residues. Not a single procedure is complete without this stage. You need to wash your face thoroughly using a soap solution.

The second stage is applying markings. This is necessary so that the specialist knows exactly where the treatment has already been carried out.

The third stage directly depends on the type of device. At this step, conductive gel is applied if necessary.

The fourth stage is the procedure itself. The specialist sequentially passes through all areas of the skin, lingering on each one to warm up.

The fifth stage is processing. Upon completion, a gel or special soothing lotion is applied.

Depending on the surface being treated, the session can last from twenty minutes to an hour. A specialist will spend 40 minutes on RF face lifting, treating the area from the nose to the chin will take half an hour, and treating the shoulders of both arms will take 30–40 minutes.

A full course can last from four to twelve sessions with a break of five or even seven days.

Read material on the topic: Skin redermalization: all the pros and cons

Contraindications

Radiofrequency lifting is not performed if there are the following contraindications: blood diseases, coagulation problems, taking anticoagulants, the presence of diseases of the musculoskeletal system, diseases of the cardiovascular system, the presence of a pacemaker, mental illness, metal frames and structures in the field of skin treatment (for example, supporting frames in abdominal area or threads of any metal). The doctor may refuse to perform the procedure if the patient is under 18 years old, if he has epilepsy, cancer or autoimmune diseases. Contraindications to radiofrequency lifting also include: pregnancy and lactation, chronic herpes, skin disorders, exacerbation of infectious diseases, history of keloid scar formation, polycystic disease, benign formations.

Radiofrequency lifting: possible consequences

The procedure for radiofrequency body and face lifting is characterized by the absence of negative side effects and complications. Safety confirmed by preliminary studies. Of course, taking into account contraindications. But no specialist can guarantee 100% that something unexpected will not happen later.

Attention! The human body is a very complex system. Some internal changes do not manifest themselves externally for a long time, but any procedure, even the most harmless one, can trigger pathological processes. Allergies may appear for no apparent reason. Then you will definitely have to give up lifting and switch to other anti-aging technologies.

The following manifestations have been noted, usually passing quickly:

slight swelling;
tingling and mild itching;
redness in the treatment area.

Usually, after a few hours or a maximum of two to three days, the normal condition of the skin is restored.

If the symptoms persist and bother you, then it is better not to delay your visit to the specialist who performed the fractional radiofrequency lifting session.

Sometimes you can observe a complete lack of results for a client. Such a negative consequence is possible if the patient is over 60 years old, the initial condition of the skin was poor before the procedure, inappropriate equipment was used, or the manipulation was performed by a cosmetologist with low qualifications.

Some experts express the opinion, although it is not confirmed by research, that the opposite effect is possible after completing a radiofrequency lifting course. This means that the skin will not look young for a long time, but, on the contrary, the aging process will go faster in a short period of time.

However, it was not possible to prove that the acceleration of the skin aging process occurred due to the lifting procedures performed.

Read material on the topic: Cryotherapy in a beauty salon - transformation with the help of cold

Fractor procedure using the INMODE device

INMODE FRACTORA has two 60 pin handsets (60 needles), the needle length is 1 millimeter. They penetrate very shallowly and they even out the microrelief of the skin very well and work on superficial wrinkles and sagging skin. They work well, just superficially.

Here is a manipulator with 24 needles - called 24 pin. Their length is 3 mm and this manipulator works very well for reducing the skin area. That is, if we need to shrink the skin, remove sagging and work with post-acne spots, post-acne scars. This needle works especially well on chipped scars, with which other methods do not work very effectively. In this case, this handpiece and INMODE FRACTORA are an excellent alternative to laser

This is not just an alternative to laser, it is probably the best replacement for laser. So we looked, Lyudmila Eduardovna has pronounced flabbiness. The skin tone is very reduced, but this is in principle logical, given the patient’s age. Therefore, if we want to achieve maximum effect, we need to apply those techniques that will give the maximum result at a time, and INMODE FRACTORA gives such a result.

Photo gallery of RF microneedling lifting procedure

Doctor's work INMODE device Manipule for 24 needles Manipule for 60 needles

About equipment for cosmetology procedures

The device I work on is Israeli, it’s called INMODE. It has several handpieces with different functions. Today we will do Fractor - this is a radiofrequency ablative lifting. Facelift.

There is lumecca - this is photorejuvenation. It is for removing age spots, it works well. It works very well with blood vessels, removes spider veins and redness on the face. This is work with rosacea and rosacea.

There is also a diode laser that works well on hair darker than medium brown, not on very dark skin - an ideal candidate for this type of hair removal. We also have a rather interesting attachment for those who are too early to do micro-needle RF lifting or for some reason cannot do it. Then needleless thermolifting works very well.

Needleless thermolifting is a classic! They have been using it for a long time regarding micro-needling lifting. For many years. Microneedle lifting is a fairly new technique and has existed for only a few years, while needleless thermolifting is 3-4 times longer. It is also aimed at improving the quality of the skin, reducing the area of the skin, it just has a milder effect, and if the skin is young and you want to freshen up your face a little, then at the age of 28-29 you can safely use needleless thermolifting and the result will be good. A course of 5-6 procedures, even from 3 to 6 depending on the situation, with a difference between procedures of 1 week.

If we are talking about micro-needle thermolifting, then of course there are more serious indications. These could be young people who have problems on their faces: post-acne and chipped scars, impaired skin texture and it is very difficult to use anything (procedure) to bring the skin to the desired state, with a smoother texture and a more even skin color.

When there is sagging, when it feels like the tissues on the face have slid down a little, micro-needle RF works as a preparation for thread techniques. With it you can quickly remove sagging skin with a minimum number of micro-needle RF lifting procedures. Microneedling RF gives a good effect when it is enhanced by biorevitalization, plasma lifting, peptides and other drugs.

Removes RF cream for forehead lifting Switching mode During the procedure Work of a cosmetologist

This is an ideal option, because ablation, whatever it is, has a negative effect on the skin and we expect the skin to regenerate and recover. So, of course, she must have some potential. And in order to give this potential to our skin, we must give positive stimulation, so to speak, feed our skin a little and set its cells to work properly. And these are peptides, biorevitalization and plasma lifting.

The purpose of micro-needle RF lifting is not rejuvenation, but to stretch out the scars on the face, tighten the face because there are very pronounced chipped scars and it is very difficult to remove them with a laser, it is impossible to fill them with anything, and as a rule, such patients suffer from year to year trying to do something then do it. Of course, there are techniques, this is TCA cross-peeling. Now it is banned in Russia due to its 100% acid content. Therefore, if there are chipped scars after acne, pits on the cheeks (lipoatrophy), then micro-needle RF lifting is an ideal option.

It is the 3 mm needles that are very good at pulling out chipped and crater-shaped scars. One RF microneedling treatment is better than multiple resurfacings. And of course, in the case of scars, we do not stop only at hardware procedures. We supplement with other techniques, most often injections, which help restore tissue. There is also a more superficial effect, in order to also improve the quality of the skin in the eyelid area, in the forehead area, they are carried out with small 1 mm needles.

Recommendations for skin care before and after radiofrequency lifting

What a client undergoing a course of procedures needs to remember:

All metal objects, jewelry, and contact lenses must be removed for the duration of the session;
You should protect your skin from direct sunlight, do not sunbathe or visit a solarium for at least three days after lifting;
Avoid any other types of care in the treatment area;
Do not take anti-inflammatory medications for a week or more after the procedure;
It is advisable not to touch the skin with your hands at the site of exposure;
As a supportive measure, increase your vitamin C intake.

It is necessary to avoid visiting the solarium, bathhouse, and not to peel the skin immediately before the lifting session. The dermis should be clean, without makeup.

Radiofrequency lifting is good to combine with mesotherapy, which helps relieve stress and nourish the skin with antioxidants.

The rejuvenating effect will be more noticeable if the next day after the procedure you perform a lymphatic drainage massage that removes excess intercellular fluid.

Read material on the topic: Facial mesotherapy procedure: pros and cons

Possible side effect

Possible side effects include:

Skin pigmentation.
Increased sensitivity and pain.
Exacerbation of herpes.
Formation of scars and hardening on the surface.
Dermatitis of varying degrees.
Discomfort after the procedure, which does not disappear over time, but increases.

You must immediately tell your doctor about all these alarming symptoms, who will accurately assess the possible risks of further sessions and, in case of a negative response, suggest alternative cosmetic procedures.

Where in Moscow to sign up for radiofrequency lifting

Nowadays, you no longer have to spend a lot of time performing complex and unpleasant procedures at home. It is much easier to seek help from real professionals - the Veronika Herba beauty and health center, equipped with effective and modern equipment.

Why clients choose Veronika Herba Beauty and Health Center:

This is a beauty center where you can take care of yourself at a reasonable cost, while your face and/or body will be treated not by an ordinary cosmetologist, but by one of the best dermatologists in Moscow. This is a completely different, higher level of service!
You can receive qualified help at any time convenient for you. The beauty center is open from 9:00 to 21:00, seven days a week. The main thing is to agree with your doctor in advance on the date and time of your appointment.

, and you will see for yourself!

Question answer

It is not prohibited to go to the beach after RF lifting, because in this case there is no damage to the skin. After the session itself, redness is visible, but it disappears after a quarter of an hour. Bruises may also appear, since there is a vacuum, but they quickly disappear (after about a couple of days).

It is recommended to supplement this manipulation with physical exercise. As a result, you can get an excellent result. But if there is excess skin, only plastic surgery will help.

If you combine such manipulations, you can achieve a wonderful effect. After mesotherapy, at least 3 days should pass, after which you can safely go for RF lifting.

Expert opinion

Surgeon
Cosmetologist

Elsa Borodina

plastic surgeon

I would like to note that RF face lifting is not indicated for rosacea. We often use this procedure in our practice. It helps reduce swelling during the postoperative period.

Irina Dorofeeva

practicing cosmetologist

In order for the effect of RF body lifting to bring joy, you cannot remain silent during the consultation about existing contraindications.
Then the pre-procedure examination will allow the professional to fully assess the patient’s health condition and carry out the manipulation “at its best”. The procedure is successfully used by many patients. They are not afraid of side effects that look like redness of the skin and swelling on it. This happens quite rarely, and soon disappears. We, specialists, are pleased that no one now doubts the effectiveness of RF body lifting. RF body lifting is a wonderful way to rejuvenate the skin of problem areas. Moreover, the result is achieved without injections or incisions. Radiolifting carefully cares for the skin and prevents it from aging for a long period.

Features of RF lifting around the eyes

The area around the eyes is considered one of the most sensitive. That is why all cosmetic procedures must be carried out with extreme caution. RF lifting around the eyes will get rid of sagging eyelids, fine wrinkles and bags.

RF facelift in general and separately in the area around the eyes has the same indications and contraindications. Thanks to this procedure, all the signs of aging that every woman hates so much go away.

RF lifting helps smooth out wrinkles around the eyes and restore youthful looks.

The procedure has no age restrictions. A woman at any age can get a “new” face and expressive eyes, the only difference being that for young people this process will happen a little faster. Monopolar and bipolar devices are used for lifting.

The advantages of RF lifting around the eyes over other types of cosmetic interventions are the complete absence of unpleasant sensations and the absence of a rehabilitation period.

RF face lifting: reviews from cosmetologists

Reviews from doctors about the RF facial lifting procedure are also ambiguous. Of course, there are more positive opinions, but there are some negativity. At the beginning of the appearance of this procedure, not all specialists could correctly determine the required temperature and depth of penetration of radio frequencies deep into the skin.

Every woman has a different pain threshold. In this regard, it was difficult to determine the average time for lifting. Because of this, unforeseen moments arose with consequences, and cosmetologists needed to eliminate them.

Modern RF lifting devices have become so advanced that they do not cause any difficulties for specialists in use.

In their opinion, the procedure itself is easy, quick, and most importantly, safe for the patient. Today, this is one of the most effective ways to combat age-related changes.

The main parting word from specialists is not to perform RF facial lifting at home. Whatever the device manufacturers advise, this procedure should be carried out under supervision. This will help you avoid a lot of trouble.