Radiofrequency Tightening - RF

I think a lot of us are aware about radiofrequency devices which are used for tightening and contouring. Beauticians and doctors alike are fascinated by the discovery of what these machines can actually do. However, in the past a lot of misconceptions have been translated to patients and customers by over promising results and also lack of understanding of what it actually does. 

So what is the science behind radiofrequency treatments? The idea of radiofrequnecy is tissue heating. We all believe that when our skin tissue is heated to temperatures between 40-45 degrees Celsius, the collagen remodelling cascade will start and correct the damaged collagen strings to give us tighter skin.Whether this is completely true or not, or how long should the heat be administered, there is no hard and fast rule, but most believe more than 1 minute. Histological cross sections of skin treated with heat does show a realignment of the collagen fibres and a better structure is formed but whether this applies to all machines that produces heat to the body, it is still unknown. As for fat reduction, most slimming centers would say that the radiofrequency will liquidify the fat due to the heat, but this is not true at all. Heat from the radiofrequency device, or whatever device that increases the tissue temperature merely increases vasodilatation of the small capillaries surrounding the fat cells hence allows more free fatty acids to enter the bloodstream and be used up by the body. What about the instant tightening and slimming effect? I guess the best explanation would be cell dehydration and shifting of fluids into other spaces. Also our elastin fibers recoil to the heat, thus giving a more tighter look.

After reading the technical details behind the technology, you would start wondering whether it would really work. From my observations and trying out many radiofrequency devices in the market, I do believe that they do give significant improvement, but it will be dependent on:

1. The machine as to how much energy does it really transmit to the body and how deep does it go.
2. The ability to achieve the temperature of  >41° and duration it can be sustained.
3. The technique of the user to achieve and overall tightening or slimming effect.
4. The frequency of treatments that shouldn't lapse too far apart from each other to get a cummulative effect. Once a week is ideal, and not more than 1X a month. Too frequent may run health risks instead.
5. The cooperation from the patient to also help maintain the effect via home products for tightening or good diet and exercise.

There are many radiofrequency devices in the market from the lux brand once like Thermage, to others like Relax-F, Accent-RF, Thermacell, etc. Some RF devices are used by beauticians in salons which gives pretty good results but temporary because the energy allowed in their machines are not as advanced as the ones sold to doctors. Yes, there are differences, that is why the price differs greatly as well.

In my clinic, I use a Relax-F and after experimenting on the machine a lot, I find that the best results can be achieved when the treatments are done on a weekly basis with a minimum of 4 sessions. Subsequently, the result can last as long as 6 months given a proper diet and exercise. Otherwise, a maintenance session once a month has proven to benefit the patient to have a better result. It is non-invasive, not painful and most patients say it feels like going for a hot-stone massage. It is also extremely good for post-partum ladies who have loose skin and water retention post pregnancy to tighten up their abs if they are not keen for tummy-tucks. 

Other benefits of Relax-F:

     * Skin tightening and rejuvenation

     * Improvement of scar appearance (also stretch marks)

     * post liposuction treatments for smoother skin 

     * Acne treatment

     * Long-lasting body contour

     * Cellulite reduction

Currently we are having radio-frequency promotions for tummy - kindly refer to Spring Promotions post at http://faceworksclinic.blogspot.com/2012/02/spring-promotions.html . For more info or appointment please contact us at 03-21440080 or info@faceworksclinic.com

Secret - Microneedling RF

Last Monday I was visited by two nice gentleman from GTG Wellness to explain to me about Secret - a new microneedling radiofrequency designed for skin tightening, pore size reduction, improvement of wrinkles and give an overall lifting of the face. Sunds like fun? Well, the idea is pretty amazing as well of the results, but the process may not be everyone's cup of tea.

What is microneedling radiofrequency? The concept behind this technology is pretty simple. Using microneedles poked directly into the skin at a certain depth, and radiofrequency energy is then released inside of the skin. This gives a more uniformed deep tissue warming that will then stimulate the collagen cascade to break and uniform thus new collagen fibers are produced. The needle tip contains 25 very small gold needles acting as an internal conductor. Too technical? Well the pictures will help explain better.

First question that will pop into your mind would be - OUCH!. Luckily before the procedure is done, the face is numbed for 40 minutes before starting. The whole face would take approximately 20-30 minutes to do depending on the area and pain threshold. Despite some needle pricking sensation, I only shed a tear towards the end of the procedure that they needed to stack some areas. Immediately after the procedure, my face felt warm and it was red and swollen. They applied some Pep-Bu to help with the healing. Usually, the swelling will subside within 1 day. In terms of my swelling, by bedtime the swelling was down by 50%. Although the secret is said to have minimal to know downtime, it will also depend on your skin type and the intensity of treatment. In my case, I had sensitive skin but we wanted to know how good the intense therapy level was (and since I was pretty cooperative) so we went to the most desirable setting with multiple stacking at problem areas. The next day I woke up, there were thousands of micro-needle marks on my face which I wasn't really expecting. Luckily, it fades off (or probably falls off) in the subsequent days but even on Day 4 it was pretty visible to my eyes. With the swelling gone by Day 1, it is still possible to cover up the needle scab marks with a light concealer. Yes, I said light - because of the uniformed small dots, it'll look like you are slightly tanner from a far and only if you come up close then you notice the needle marks. (Something like having a pixel laser done).

But was it worth it? Well after a long discussion with Jeffery and Kevin - I do admit that despite the needle marks on my face, even after the 1st day I have noticed a reduction in my pore size, and some lightening of PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) after acne on my face. Now its 4 days, the needle marks are slowly dispersing, my neck and face does feel tighter and more lifted although many would argue I wouldn't need any form of lifting, but there is a difference. Probably in my case, the most significant difference seen in this early stage is pore size reduction around my nose and mid cheek areas. The best thing is that it will last me at least 8 months even with 1 treatment and with 2, more than a year. How's that for all the torture?

So to sum up, the Secret RF microneedling can provide:

     1. Non-surgical face lifting lasting 8 months with a single treatment.

     2. Wrinkle reduction

     3. Skin tightening and rejuvenation.

     4. Minimizes pore size.

     5. Reduce the appearance of acne scars or other form of scars.

     6. Brightening of pigmented scars.

     7. Reduces neck wrinkles.

     8. Reduces stretch marks.

     9. Safe for dark skinned people 

Some of the clinical trial pictures done on this machine:

Want to improve your look for this year? The good news is that Faceworks Clinic is hosting this machine for a limited time only i.e. 13/1/2012 (Friday) till 18/1/2012 at RM 800/session (Normal Price: RM 1800/session) for this Chinese New Year Festival. Interested?? Call Us today for appointment at 03-21440080.