RF lifting: the history of occurrence, the essence of the technique, advantages and indications for the procedure



The solution of a complex of problems associated with age-related changes in the soft tissues of the face, neck and body is one of the main tasks of modern aesthetic cosmetology. However, not today, experts have concluded that in most cases, surgery performed to tighten the skin, brings only a temporary effect. But a specific effect on the structure of the epidermis has a more pronounced result.

The modern market of cosmetology services offers a variety of methods aimed at accelerating reparative and rejuvenating processes in biological tissues. These include laser exposure, percutaneous stimulation with microcurrents, chemoabrasion and other techniques associated with a high risk of complications.

Now the forefront of radio wave RF lifting, which provides maximum preservation of the epidermal cells, in particular, melanocytes.

The history of this technique has more than a hundred years. At the end of the 19th century, the famous physicist and engineer Nikola Tesla conducted experiments to study the effects of radio-frequency currents on the human body. He will assume the possibility of their use in practical medicine, which happened almost 20 years later at the beginning of the 20th century. The technique is called diathermy, its essence was reduced to the deep heating of tissues using high-frequency current (its strength could reach almost 3A). However, this method was more often used to treat diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

A little later, specialists managed to improve this technique, and diathermy was replaced by physiotherapy using ultrahigh-frequency effects (UHF). But at that time, aesthetic cosmetology was not developed at all, so the doctors did not think about the effect of radiofrequency radiation on the structure of soft tissues and epidermal cover.

The situation changed in the early 2000s, the American corporation FDA approved the Thermage technology (thermolifting), proposed by ThermoCool, for widespread use in cosmetology for correcting facial contours, eliminating signs of aging skin, and aesthetically unpleasant cellulite. It was Thermage that marked the beginning of an innovative technique of RF lifting.



The active principle of the method is a radio wave, characterized by a number of parameters: frequency, amplitude, voltage and shape, continuous or pulsed action. The influence of radio waves on certain biological tissues depends on these features. According to research, a number of processes occur under the influence of high-frequency currents, ranging from active proliferation to stimulation of collagen production.

All existing methods of radio wave rejuvenation can be divided into two groups:

• non-invasive , carried out without compromising the integrity of the skin, which actually refers to RF lifting, for the procedure used devices with monopolar, bipolar, tripolar and combined multipolar electrodes;
• invasive , manipulation involves injury to the epidermis, which carries with it a certain risk, for example, fractional peeling, radiofrequency tissue bio-reinforcement using needle electrodes (the Scarlett RF device is used for rejuvenating and tightening the skin of the face and neck, smoothing the contour of the chin and cheekbones) etc.

RF lifting is carried out using equipment that operates on a different principle:

• Unipolar . In the manipulator there is only one electrode, which heats the biological tissue to a temperature of 60ºС. Nowadays such devices are practically not used, since the monopolar effect on the epidermal covers is rather painful, the tissues warm up too deeply, which can cause a number of complications.
• Bipolar . In the manipulator there are two electrodes, which provides a controlled effect on the epidermal cover, limited by a layer of subcutaneous tissue. A modern modification of such devices is the Raylife device, which provides vacuum capture of the skin on the problem area. This increases the efficiency and safety of the procedure.
• Multipolar . The manipulator contains up to 20 electrodes located at a short distance from each other and switching according to a predetermined program. Thus, a more uniform effect on the tissue is achieved, the penetration depth does not exceed 1.5 cm.
• Combined . These are the most modern devices equipped with several manipulators, some devices additionally have an infrared effect. The possibility of changing the parameters of radio wave exposure is also provided. Such devices are suitable for processing large areas of the body surface (abdomen, legs, thighs, buttocks).

Now RF lifting can be done at home using portable devices, for example, Kominson. Moreover, the cost of such a rejuvenation of the skin is rather low (the device is sold for 35-40 dollars) compared to the price of such services in professional beauty salons.

The effect of the manipulation depends on the selected temperature. Heating to 40 - 42ºС is absolutely safe, but does not bring practically any result.

Therefore, the devices generate a higher temperature, and the higher it is, the less the processing time of the problem area. For example, when heated to 50 ° C, the effect on epidermal covers lasts no more than a few seconds.

The procedure has several advantages compared with other techniques of rejuvenation:

• in contrast to the surgical facelift, the RF lifting does not leave scars and scars; it is characterized by a short rehabilitation period;
• the possibility of combining with other anti-aging techniques, for example, subcutaneous administration of hyaluronic acid;
• no discomfort, pain;
• manipulation is carried out without damaging the skin, so the risk of developing a secondary bacterial infection is excluded;
• long-term preservation of the result of the procedure, especially if the periodicity of the procedures is observed;
• the possibility of carrying on any type of skin;
• rapid recovery of the epidermal cover;
• possibility of execution at any time of the year (subject to certain restrictions).

The indications for RF lifting are:

• age-related change in facial contours, sagging of cheeks, second chin;
• the presence of pronounced facial and senile wrinkles;
• age change of eye contours;
• cellulite, and the effectiveness of RF lifting significantly exceeds cavitation and massage;
• fatty deposits in the abdomen after pregnancy and childbirth;
• epidermal cover irregularities associated with severe acne;
• reduction of skin tone under the influence of environmental factors, diet and lifestyle.

RF lifting is a modern safe and effective method of facial and body rejuvenation. Naturally, the procedure must be carried out with a certified cosmetologist who has sufficient experience in this field. Equipment for performing RF lifting is also of great importance. In addition, there should be a number of contraindications (for example, rosacea and other pathologies).

RF lifting: results, procedure technique and rehabilitation features

Before manipulation, the beautician examines the patient's skin and designates the area of ​​impact and the necessary parameters of radio waves, determines possible contraindications, explains the advantages of the method, and sometimes offers alternative options.

The doctor must also be obliged to warn about the complications (although they occur very rarely) and tell about the features of the recovery period after the manipulation.

RF lifting, the results of which largely depend on the correct execution of the procedure, begin with cleansing the area of ​​impact from cosmetics residues, dead skin, etc. Then a gel is applied to the skin, which improves the performance of radiofrequency pulses. Sometimes, for convenience, the beautician uses a washable pencil to mark the problem area.

RF lifting takes an average of 20 - 45 minutes, the duration depends on the total amount of work. To achieve the desired effect will require several procedures with an interval of 10 - 14 days. For the rejuvenation of the skin is enough 5 - 7 sessions, and the improvement of the contours of the body is achieved in 7 - 10. However, the visible result is noticeable after the first visit to the cosmetologist.

The aesthetic effect of the procedure consists in the visible smoothing of wrinkles (even deep ones), alignment of contours and improvement of complexion, stimulation of peripheral blood flow. When exposed to the problem areas of the body, the symptoms of cellulite disappear, the amount of fat deposits decreases.

Skin care after lifting is reduced to compliance with the following recommendations:

• active moisturizing, it is better to use professional products offered by a cosmetologist;
• preventing direct sunlight for the next 2 to 3 days; for this, in the hot season, before going outside, you must apply sunscreen or milk;
• refrain from applying foundation creams, powders and other cosmetics for several days.

However, in some cases, after the RF lifting has been performed, the results may include a number of side effects:

• slight swelling and redness of the skin (usually passes after 24 - 48 hours);
• erythematous rash;
• itching;
• hypersensitivity reactions to drugs that were used during the procedure;
• exacerbation of herpes infection (when processing the skin in the lips);
• burns due to improper temperature conditions.

A number of complications, in particular, violations of pigmentation, nervous sensitivity of the skin, rash and peeling, occurs when non-compliance with the recommendations of a cosmetologist.

RF lifting involves the use of radio wave exposure, so the procedure has a number of limitations to this:

• period of childbearing and breastfeeding;
• oncological diseases;
• connective tissue pathology;
• exacerbations of chronic infection;
• severe disorders of the functioning of the nervous, endocrine system;
• hematopoietic disorders, tendency to thrombosis, phlebitis, varicose veins in the area of ​​impact;
• acute infections, fever;
• the presence of metal or electronic implants (for example, pacemakers), radio wave skin treatment is contraindicated in case of an established intrauterine device;
• kuperoz.

Do not carry out RF lifting, the results of which can be unpredictable, if there are acne lesions, pathological foci of dermatosis, wound skin lesions in the impact zone. For several days after the session, you must refrain from visiting the solarium, baths, saunas, swimming pool. Also for 1 - 2 days should limit physical activity.

RF lifting: reviews and cost

The cost of the course of procedures is relatively high, especially given the fact that it will take at least 5 sessions (and more for the treatment of the body).

However, it is more than justified by the duration of the effect and the result provided.

The approximate price for one visit to the beautician is given in the table:

According to experts, radio wave lifting is an excellent and safer alternative to surgical facelift . Patients notice a quick result, visible after the first session. In addition, unlike other hardware procedures, RF lifting, reviews of which are extremely positive, such sessions can be carried out and young women (after 20 - 25 years).

The effect of exposure will last longer if you use appropriate skin care products, massagers to improve blood flow and increase overall skin tone.