One of the most popular hardware procedures for facial skin tightening is thermolifting. Thermolifting or radiofrequency lifting (radio wave lifting) is an excellent alternative to laser lifting. The procedure involves influencing the skin along massage lines using a special attachment that combines RF energy and vacuum massage. The essence of the procedure is to stimulate the synthesis of the skin's own collagen and elastin, which results in a long-lasting result. Compared to other anti-aging procedures (for example, laser rejuvenation and injection procedures), thermolifting is a very comfortable, painless procedure, without side or negative effects on the skin, does not require a recovery period, and allows achieving lasting facial lifting.
This is an absolutely painless procedure; the client does not feel anything except light touches. It takes about 45 minutes and does not leave any irritation on the skin. And the result after the first session of radio wave lifting is noticeable within a day.
The essence of the technique: how does thermolifting work?
The main indication for thermolifting is age-related skin changes, the signs of which become clearly visible in patients starting from 30-35 years of age. The method is based on heating the deep layers of the dermis, including the papillary and reticular layers, while the surface of the epidermis remains intact (not damaged). The effect of heat on loose fibrous papillae, penetrating into the basal layer and basement membrane of the epidermis, can significantly improve the trophism of epidermal tissues and trigger active cellular renewal processes. The composition of the papillary layer of the skin is dominated by fibroblasts and fibrocytes, therefore, when exposed to heat at this level, the synthesis of a new collagen layer is actively stimulated.
Warming up the mesh layer also has a positive effect on the appearance and condition of the skin, since it contains the most powerful collagen fibers that make up the skin frame and determine its firmness and elasticity. This collagen primarily performs a supporting function, and its renewal allows you to increase the density of the skin, tighten its turgor and achieve a pronounced smoothing effect (getting rid of wrinkles and stretch marks).
The mechanism of action of thermolifting
A feature of the procedure and at the same time an important advantage over surgical methods of face and body lifting is not only the correction of visual defects (wrinkles, skin creases, gravitational ptosis, etc.), but also prolonged skin renewal at the cellular level by stimulating neocollagenesis and the synthesis of new fibroblasts.
Fibroblasts are the growth cells of connective fibers, which make up 90% of the skin, dermis, hypodermis and subcutaneous fat - the main structural components of human skin. These cells play an important role in maintaining the health and beauty of the skin, as they synthesize all the main components of the extracellular matrix: fibrils (precursors of elastin and collagen), proteoglycans, glycoproteins and mucopolysaccharides.
Important! Thermal energy during thermolifting reaches not only the lower layers of the dermis, but also the subcutaneous fat, so the procedure can be used to combat local fat deposits (for example, in the chin area) and external manifestations of cellulite (the so-called “orange peel”).
Deep impact on tissue allows you to eliminate local fat deposits
Indications for the procedure
Thermolifting can be used both as a preventive procedure for comprehensive care of the face and body (particularly good results are achieved in patients aged 30 to 40 years with the initial stages of skin aging), and used to treat various pathologies, for example, lipodystrophy.
In cosmetology and aesthetic medicine, the following pathologies and defects are indicated for thermal skin tightening:
- sagging and aging of the skin due to exposure to stress factors and age-related changes;
- deterioration of skin turgor;
- phenomena of gravitational ptosis (sagging cheeks, sagging of the lower part of the face in the neck and chin, excess skin in the area of the mobile eyelid);
- deficiency of soft tissues in the area of the zygomatic arch;
- various types of wrinkles (facial, dynamic, static, etc.);
- pronounced nasolacrimal groove and crow's feet in the corners of the eyes;
- dark circles and periorbital edema (“bags under the eyes”);
- local deposits of fat in the chin and neck (“double chin”), shoulders, arms, lower abdomen, thighs and buttocks;
- cellulite;
- stripe atrophoderma (stretch marks, skin defects in the form of stripes of flesh-colored, pink or burgundy).
One of the indications for thermolifting is cellulite.
Thermolifting not only has a tightening and general strengthening effect, but also improves circulation in blood and lymphatic vessels, stimulates local immunity and increases the trophic properties of the skin (improves the ability to heal wounds).
Note! If necessary, this type of lifting can be used to correct areas with particularly thin skin (eyelids, periorbital area, décolleté, inner shoulder, etc.).
Expert opinion
- Surgeon
- Cosmetologist
Elsa Borodina
plastic surgeon
With the help of thermolifting you can achieve positive changes. We often use RF lifting after operations such as a circular facelift or liposuction. This helps the patient recover quickly after plastic surgery.
Anna Avaliani
practicing cosmetologist
I advise you to undergo thermal lifting no more than once a week.
This procedure stimulates collagen production, and this process takes time. That is why it is not logical to carry out manipulation often. To get maximum results, it is worth conducting about a dozen sessions. Thermolifting is a very effective procedure. However, it requires complete completion of the course and periodic repetition.
In the early stages of skin aging, it has the greatest effect, however, it also helps older people if they undergo the full course of treatment. Cosmetologists advise repeating procedures every six months to consolidate the results.
If the sessions are performed correctly, the skin can become 5-10 years younger. Before signing up for thermolifting, you must consult with your doctor and determine the most suitable technique for your current case.
Result after the procedure
The effect of using thermal face and body lifting methods can be assessed almost instantly. The skin immediately becomes smoother, tightens, its turgor improves, the skin frame becomes stronger and more durable (contours and silhouette improve). Wrinkles and skin folds are smoothed out, cheekbones are raised, making the face look more expressive. If the correction was carried out in the area around the eyes or upper eyelid, in the area between the eyebrows, the effect of the procedure, in addition to local tightening of the problem area, will be a more open look due to the lifting of the mobile eyelid and the elimination of excess tissue in this area.
Positive changes can be seen immediately after the procedure
Thermolifting of the body allows you to remove local fat deposits, model your silhouette, lighten stretch marks, and reduce the appearance of cellulite. The skin in the lower abdomen tightens, stretch marks become less noticeable, and the intensity of their color decreases. The bumps on the skin are smoothed out, the “orange peel” gradually decreases and disappears.
An important advantage of thermolifting over plastic surgery is the prolongation of the result: the active synthesis of elastin and collagen continues for several months after the procedure, that is, skin modeling occurs in several stages without any additional impact.
Types of thermolifting
The term “thermolifting” refers to any methods of deep thermal effects on dermal tissue while maintaining the integrity of the epidermis, used for the purpose of tightening and rejuvenating the skin. The classification of thermolifting is used mainly according to the type of thermal energy used to warm up the epidermal cells.
Types of thermal energy for thermolifting
| A type of thermolifting | Type of energy generated | Heat flow penetration depth | Fabric heating temperature |
| Infrared | Spectral electromagnetic radiation (infrared ray). | Up to 5 mm. | 38-39°C. |
| Laser | Radio waves. | 6-7 mm. | Up to 40-50°C. |
| Radio frequency | Laser ray. | From 0.5 mm to 4 cm (due to different frequencies of the generated radio wave). | Up to 60°C (collagen compaction temperature). |
A separate device is used for each type of thermolifting
Infrared lifting
This type of lifting is based on heating with electromagnetic infrared rays. The heating temperature reaches 38-39°C, which allows you to achieve not only a rejuvenating and firming effect, but also significantly improve cellular metabolism, as well as activate the hydrolysis of fats in the mast cells of the papillary dermis. Infrared radiation also has a positive effect on the local immunity of the skin, since at this temperature toxic substances and free radicals are destroyed, causing premature aging of dermal cells.
Infrared lifting
Laser lifting
The use of laser energy allows for deep skin rejuvenation procedures at a depth of up to 7 mm. Laser radiation stimulates the synthesis of collagen and elastin, and also promotes the destruction of pathologically altered skin cells and the active formation of new fibroblasts that synthesize the extracellular matrix and the main components of the dermis. The skin after laser tightening not only looks more elastic and smooth, but also acquires a beautiful, healthy shade.
Laser thermolifting
RF lifting
This is one of the most popular and effective types of thermolifting, in which radio waves are the source of heating the dermal layers. This is the most popular type of thermal lifting, characterized by minimal risks of complications (including burns that can remain on the skin after the use of laser or infrared energy), excellent results and fairly good tolerability.
Due to the deepest penetration into the tissues of the dermis and subcutaneous fat, RF lifting is the procedure of choice for patients with pronounced aging processes (persons over 45 years old), as well as pathologies of adipose tissue. Systems for such lifting can be monopolar (unipolar), bipolar and multipolar.
Radiofrequency lifting
Devices for radiofrequency thermolifting
| System type | Depth or temperature of tissue heating | Features and Specifications |
| Unipolar | Fabrics are heated at different depths to a temperature of 30-60°C. | The results from using monopolar devices for radiofrequency lifting last for 2-3 years. Significant disadvantages of the procedure are high pain and high risks of tissue fibrosis. |
| Bipolar | The heating depth does not exceed 1 mm, and the maximum power of bipolar devices allows tissue to be heated to a temperature of 40°C. | The result is significantly lower compared to laser and radio wave lifting due to the small depth of penetration of thermal energy. Bipolar RF lifting is ineffective in patients with serious age-related skin changes and is suitable mainly as a preventive procedure for people under 40 years of age. |
| Multipolar | Heating temperature – from 38°C to 45°C, radio frequency length – up to 2 mm. | The procedure is suitable for face and body lifting in patients with mild or moderate changes in skin turgor. |
Home method for eye lift
It is possible to do a similar procedure at home. The effect will be visible after 7-10 applications. But you need to understand that the result from home thermolifting cannot compete with salon technology; the severity of lifting at home will be much lower.
Step-by-step instruction:
- Cleanse your skin with micellar water to remove impurities and makeup;
- Apply moisturizer. A cream with sesame oil is best; it penetrates deep into the skin and helps to moisturize and restore it;
- Massage the skin with circular movements;
- Warm up the dermis in the eye area. Soak the tampon in hot boiled water and apply it several times until redness appears;
- Wipe off excess cream with a cotton pad;
- Apply a soothing cream or gel. It should contain sedative herbs and vitamins C, K and B2, this will make the skin elastic and improve its metabolism;
- After the cream is completely absorbed, wipe the eye area with a piece of ice;
- In case of pronounced age-related changes, you need to consolidate the effect with a wrinkle smoothing cream.
Thermolifting for the skin around the eyes can be alternated with other cosmetic procedures, and can also be combined with rejuvenation procedures for other areas of the face.
Technique
Like other types of lifting, thermolifting requires prior consultation with a cosmetologist, dermatologist and, if necessary, a therapist (for patients with chronic diseases). 2 weeks before the procedure, it is prohibited to engage in strength sports, visit a solarium, take any thermal treatments and allow any aggressive effects on the skin.
On the day of the appointment, it is best not to use decorative cosmetics, since during the session you will still have to remove it, and makeup residues can cause irritation reactions after the procedure. The duration of thermolifting usually ranges from 40 minutes to 1.5-2 hours (depending on the severity of the problem and the area of the treated surface).
On the day of the procedure, you should avoid wearing makeup.
In all cases, the procedure is carried out strictly according to a specific protocol using the following algorithm:
- cleansing the skin with soft foam or mousse, removing cosmetic residues, impurities and sebum from the face;
- applying an anesthetic gel to the skin containing local anesthetics – prilocaine and lidocaine;
- after 20-30 minutes – skin treatment using a special handpiece (attachment) of the device;
- applying a soothing cream to the skin.
During operation of the device, the patient usually does not experience pain, but in some cases severe discomfort is possible. Most patients describe the sensations from the procedure as a feeling of very strong warmth and tingling, which is replaced by a feeling of cold (during the supply of cold air from the contact cooling system).
The procedure is usually painless
Question answer
The procedure is not prohibited, as it does not harm the human body. But its effectiveness decreases during this period due to a decrease in the activity of fibroblasts.
If the specialist uses a bipolar device, then there is no need to worry. It is better not to perform manipulation on monopolar equipment. One session won't hurt. But if you do them more than once, then the implants may become deformed.
If the doctor prescribed such a combination, then it is possible. But generally these procedures are not combined.
How to care for your skin after the procedure?
Thermolifting is a procedure that requires a certain recovery period, during which the patient must follow precautions and care recommendations.
- Products with a soothing and wound-healing effect (“Bepanten”, “D-panthenol”) should be applied to the skin 2-3 times a day.
- For 14 days, it is prohibited to use any products that can injure the skin: peelings, rollers, scrubs, products containing exfoliating particles.
- It is forbidden to engage in strength sports, swim in the pool, sleep with your face buried in a pillow (if the procedure was performed on the face) and be in an inclined position for a long time.
- You should avoid visiting the solarium, bathhouse, sauna and staying outside during the warm season for 1-2 weeks. Before leaving home at any time of the year, you should use protective equipment with a protection level of at least 30+.
In the first days after thermolifting, it is not recommended to rub, massage, or pat the skin. All daily care and cleansing procedures should be performed with light touches, avoiding too much force on the skin.
In the first days after the procedure, you need to touch the skin very carefully.
What complications can there be?
Complications after a correctly performed procedure are quite rare. Most often, unpleasant consequences arise when the technique of exposure is violated, the specialist is poorly qualified, or the patient does not comply with the recommended regimen. Possible side effects after the procedure may include:
- severe skin hyperemia (considered relatively normal and can persist for 3-4 days along with swelling);
- impaired hydration, increased dryness;
- thermal burns (occur if the device was configured incorrectly and the wavelength was longer than necessary);
- skin infection;
- violation of the trophic properties of the skin (the appearance of small ulcers and erosions).
One of the side effects of thermolifting is severe skin hyperemia
From some patients you can hear reviews about the lack of the desired result after thermolifting. Experts believe that this is only possible if an outdated or faulty device was used for the work, or if the doctor who performed the procedure did not have high enough professional qualifications.
Possible side effects
Of course, it is worth understanding that after any cosmetic procedure a person runs the risk of experiencing side effects. RF tightening involves heating the surface of the skin, and this has a certain effect on it.
This is why the following side effects may occur:
- Edema. This problem is temporary, so don’t worry. Usually the swelling subsides within a couple of days. In this way the body reacts to thermal effects.
- Redness. During the procedure, there is an increase in blood flow to the area being treated. The redness disappears the same day.
- Loss of volume in the area that was treated. This happens because fat is burned. As a result, a depression is noticeable. But no need to worry as it should disappear.
Contraindications
Thermolifting is a medical procedure used in aesthetic medicine to correct age-related skin defects, so it has certain contraindications. Any thermal effects on the deep layers of the skin are prohibited in the presence of the following diseases and pathologies:
- absolute or relative insulin deficiency in the stage of decompensation in diabetes mellitus of any type;
- neoplasms of unknown etiology at the site of suspected exposure;
- cancer diseases;
- any infectious pathologies in the acute stage (including active form of tuberculosis);
- immunodeficiency conditions (AIDS, HIV infection);
- autoimmune pathologies of connective tissue (Liebman-Sachs disease, scleroderma);
- purulent-inflammatory processes on the skin;
- severe heart and vascular diseases;
- blood clotting disorder;
- the presence of metal implants and heart rate sensors in the body;
- mental disorders.
Thermolifting is contraindicated in severe cardiovascular diseases
Thermolifting is not performed during pregnancy, lactation, various bleeding (including menstrual flow), and during periods of emotional instability of the patient. The basis for refusal to carry out the procedure is a state of alcohol or drug intoxication, a disorder of consciousness, childhood, signs of intoxication and hyperthermia.
Photos before and after
Photos before and after thermolifting No. 1
Photos before and after thermolifting No. 2
Photos before and after thermolifting No. 3
Reviews
The network contains many photos and videos with results before and after the procedure. Many users leave reviews, judging by which, the procedure really produces the expected result. Let's look at some of them:
OKSANA, 31 YEARS OLD, MOSCOW:
“I have always been concerned about my own appearance.
I've tried to take care of my skin from a young age, but the years have taken their toll. Despite the fact that I look younger than my peers, I began to notice small wrinkles appearing on my face. Until the age of 28, I was helped by ordinary cosmetic procedures, massages, creams and other means. But now even my cosmetologist is telling me that it’s time to take more serious methods.
I immediately refused Botox injections. There was a choice between mesotherapy and thermolifting. As they explained to me, both methods are aimed at restarting skin regeneration.
I found the injections to be too painful a procedure, and they were significantly more expensive (12,000 for mesotherapy versus 9,000 for lifting). I chose thermolifting.
I had it done with infrared rays, since my skin is young and I don’t need a deep effect yet. It didn’t hurt at all; I didn’t feel anything except the warmth of the device’s lamp. The result began to appear on the 2nd, closer to the 3rd procedure.
I had wrinkles between my eyebrows and crow's feet. Everything went away, the skin became smoother and more elastic. This tone was there before, about 5 years ago. I was told to have the procedure done every year or two. It's only been six months since the last session, so I'm still waiting. But I’ll contact you again.”
ELENA, 52 YEARS OLD, :
“I have always had smooth and beautiful skin.
I got my beautiful appearance from my mother; she was able to maintain her youth until she was about 60-65 years old. Provided that there were no special procedures at that time. I always took care of my skin, but did not go to extremes. For me, the key to beauty was healthy eating and an active lifestyle. I have diabetes, so I try to take care of my health.
And now, I’m turning 50 years old, a big milestone, and my friends decided to chip in and gave me a gift certificate to a beauty center.
There a cosmetologist examined me and was surprised that, given my illness and at this age, I had such smooth skin and almost no jowls. I was even more surprised when I learned that I had not undergone any procedures.
He advised me to try radio wave thermolifting. At first I was scared, but he calmed me down and said that they would select a frequency of waves that would not cause pain, but would make the skin simply glow.
I had enough money for 2 sessions, although they prescribed 5. Maybe I should have done everything, but I was too lazy, and I don’t feel sorry for the money, 5 thousand for a facial procedure is not cheap.
The result is the following - the skin has become more elastic, small wrinkles have disappeared, but they did not bother me before. I wouldn’t go myself, but I’m grateful even for such a small result.”
Video - Thermolifting
Thermolifting is a fairly effective and financially affordable procedure for non-surgical skin rejuvenation. It can be performed at any time of the year on patients with any skin phototype, and the first results are noticeable after 1-2 sessions. The advantages also include a low degree of pain, ease of recovery period, low degree of tissue trauma and the possibility of use in people with trypanophobia (fear of injections), for whom contour rejuvenation methods using fillers are contraindicated. To reduce the risk of side effects, it is imperative to consult a specialist before the session and exclude possible contraindications.
Rehabilitation
After the session there is no special recovery period, since the procedure is a non-invasive rejuvenation technique.
After the first procedure, patients begin their usual lifestyle. The only thing you have to avoid is physical strain and hot steam rooms.
To avoid burns, the best time for such procedures is autumn or winter, when solar activity is minimal.
The video presents one of the facial rejuvenation techniques related to thermolifting.
