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