Radiofrequency Skin Tightening: Can Radiofrequency Treatment Replace a Facelift?

At some point, we all experience sagging and aging skin. Many of us start looking into products and serums, but those don’t always work as quickly and effectively as we would like. Face lifts are a possibility, but they’re expensive and it is a major surgery that requires weeks of recovery. Botox or fillers are another option but they are also limited in what they can do, not to mention that it’s a temporary solution.

The good news is that here is something in between a facelift and fillers! It’s called radiofrequency skin tightening.

What is radiofrequency skin tightening?

Radiofrequency (or RF) skin tightening is non-surgical and non-invasive but is generally performed by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. The doctor uses a machine that creates high energy radio waves. A wand is connected to the machine and the doctor sweeps it over the areas of your body that you want targeted. 

The wand emits the radio waves that penetrate deep into the skin to promote cellular turnover and helps the body produce collagen and elastin, the substances that keep skin smooth and plump. Cellular turnover is the process by which we shed our very top layer of skin cells and replace them with new cells. Qyral’s entire skin regimen is based on cellular turnover and you can learn more about it in a detailed blog post. 

It is considered a safe procedure and has been approved by the FDA as a treatment for wrinkles.

What do radiofrequency skin treatments do?

There are a lot of benefits of RF skin tightening. It’s an effective and safe anti-aging treatment. Results may include:

• Increase in the rate of cellular turnover

• Increase in collagen and elastin 

• Thicker, firmer skin

• A reduction in wrinkles, saggy, or crepey skin

• More even skin tone

• Improved jawline definition and more sculpted cheekbones

Some doctors are recommending RF skin tightening as an alternative to a facelift. It is similar in that you can achieve a more refreshed, tightened, and youthful look, though results may not last as long. There are dermatologists who will recommend a trio of treatments that include RF treatments, microneedling, and LED light. This has been shown to be a powerful combination and a fraction of the cost of a facelift. 

RF treatments can be used on more than just the face. Some people use it to help tighten skin on the arms and belly after weight loss. There are also doctors who use it for vaginal rejuvenation because it can tighten sensitive skin around the genitals.

What happens during a radiofrequency skin treatment?

It’s not uncommon for people to ask, “Does a radiofrequency skin treatment hurt?”

The good news is that for most people, it doesn’t. Many doctors do use a mild numbing cream just in case the patient is sensitive. But if you’ve had microneedling, a chemical peel, or fillers within the past month, it’s best to wait to minimize any problems.

In addition to numbing cream, the doctor will apply a cooling ultrasound gel. People who’ve had the treatment say they feel a light pressure and sometimes a tingling and warm feeling. But they do not feel pain. Keep in mind that we are all different and your experience may be the total opposite. Your doctor will be watching for any adverse reactions. 

The treatment takes anywhere from twenty to forty minutes. Most people opt for a series of treatments. 

You can go about your normal life immediately following RF skin tightening since there are no side effects. Some patients do get a little red, but otherwise there are no known problems. Sunscreen is highly recommended to preserve the treatment (and keep you healthy).

A lot of people see immediate results. With one treatment, this will last two to three weeks, which is why a series is recommended. Six treatments are ideal for stimulating longer term collagen production. Results are not permanent, but can be maintained with just one or two treatments per year, following the initial series.

Skincare and radiofrequency treatments

Since RF skin treatments have almost no side effects, you can continue with your usual skincare routine that same night! 

Using Qyral’s custom line of products in conjunction with RF treatment is a powerful combination! The RF will jump start the cellular turnover cycle and Qyral will maintain it with quality products formulated to your exact skin type.