In the ever-evolving field of medical aesthetics, radiofrequency (RF) skin tightening treatments have emerged as one of the most effective and sought-after options in recent years. Among several advanced technologies available on the market, treatment options like Potenza RF Microneedling, EMFACE, and FaceTite (along with its sidekick, AccuTite) have gained superior prestige and significant popularity with patients of all walks of life—Hollywood celebrity or not. Led by board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Thomas Buonassisi, our clinic is proud to be one of the first in Canada to offer an intentionally curated array of these cutting-edge treatments, revolutionizing the way our Vancouver, BC patients can take control of their skin health to look and feel as confident as they can be.While RF skin tightening technology may currently be a topic of momentary virality in the skincare world across social media channels and search engines for 2024, you'll find that—with an informed understanding of how the technology works—it certainly isn't without good reason.
In this blog post, we'll delve into how RF skin tightening works, how long RF treatments last and the number of treatments required, the benefits of choosing RF technology, and if RF skin tightening is worth it.
Potenza RF Microneedling at 8 West Clinic
How does RF Skin Tightening Work?
So, what exactly is it and how does it work? Radio-frequency skin tightening utilizes electromagnetic (specifically radio wave) energy to heat the deeper layers of the skin, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, which are crucial proteins responsible for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. The procedure involves directing controlled radio-frequency waves into the skin, causing an increase in temperature that leads to a thermal response by the body.
"This precisely-placed heating of the deeper layers of the skin and the resulting response that triggers the body's healing process is what encourages the tightening and regeneration of the skin; resulting in things like softened wrinkles and facial folds, improved skin texture, and a more toned appearance," explains Dr. Buonassisi.
As with other medical-grade treatments meant to stimulate the body's natural collagen production processes, the overall treatment results will continue to develop over a couple of weeks after the first session. Results can typically begin to be seen after approximately 2 months.
Now, this is only a general breakdown of how RF skin tightening works. There are a variety of methods of delivering radiofrequency energy to the skin, and each type of treatment works in a particular specialized way. Let's explore some examples using a few in-office treatment technologies that are currently leading the way in RF treatments.
Potenza™ RF Microneedling:
Along a similar vein to other popular radio-frequency microneedling treatments such as Morpheus8 and Secret RF, Potenza utilizes a specialized handheld microneedling device that simultaneously delivers RF energy into the dermis layer as micro-channels of controlled injury are gently pressed into the skin. Being the world's first 4-mode RF microneedling technology, Potenza is powerfully customizable and can be used to treat a wider-than-ever range of skin types and concerns when in the hands of a skilled treatment provider.
EMFACE®:
EMFACE uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic stimulation (HIFES™) and radio-frequency (RF) energy delivered comfortably through node-like applicators applied to the surface of the face. It stimulates and tones specific facial muscles and effectively stimulates collagen production while tightening the skin for a natural-looking lift of the facial contours. Tapping into the treatment of the muscle layer of the face, EMFACE is an innovation in medical aesthetics that achieves non-surgical results that were never possible before.
FaceTite™ & AccuTite™:
FaceTite and AccuTite are a minimally-invasive alternative to a traditional facelift for improvement in facial contouring and skin tightening. Using radio-frequency lipolysis, a tong-like handpiece emitting RF energy is passed under anesthetized skin to target and liquefy fat tissue for removal whilst stimulating collagen on a deeper level. While FaceTite is typically used to do wonders for a tighter chin and neck area, AccuTite uses a smaller handpiece that can provide precise sculpting for smaller areas like under the eyes or around the mouth.
FaceTite treatment at 8 West Clinic
How Long Does Face RF Last?
It's key to remember that, first and foremost, no cosmetic procedure will stop the aging process. It's natural, normal, and experienced by everyone! When it comes to radio-frequency skin tightening, the longevity of RF treatment results might vary depending on factors such as individual skin condition, age, and follow-up treatments. Depending on the particular treatment and patient, RF treatments can last from approximately six months to a year or more (up to approximately five years for treatments like FaceTite) before maintenance treatments may be recommended. However, it's worth mentioning that diligence with following through on the recommended treatment plan timeframes and proper homecare can help to prolong and enhance the initial results.
How many radio-frequency treatments are typically needed for facial skin tightening? This, again, depends greatly on the particular treatment and patient, but many in-office treatments usually require about three or four sessions spaced in and around four to six weeks apart for best results.For patients who have opted for the minimally-invasive FaceTite or AccuTite procedures, results will be visible after a single treatment, but many choose to further boost their results with three complementing sessions of Potenza RF Microneedling after the initial procedure.
In a skin consultation at 8 West Clinic, our medical aestheticians will provide tailored recommendations for each individual's treatment plan to maximize treatment results as optimally as possible from case to case.
EMFACE treatment at 8 West Clinic
What are the Benefits of RF Treatments?
All that said, why exactly are radio-frequency skin tightening treatments so superior today compared to the many other powerful medical-grade options out there? There are a few benefits to going with RF as a patient's choice of treatment:
- Comprehensive Options: Radio-frequency skin treatments can be performed in a multitude of ways, giving you options that can range from non-invasive to minimally-invasive.
- No-to-Low Downtime: With non-invasive to minimally-invasive modalities, patients can also expect easier levels of downtime or even zero downtime compared to other options like surgery or laser resurfacing.
- No Injections or Full Blown Surgery: For those who prefer to avoid injectable treatments or more invasive surgical procedures, RF-based treatments can be a potential answer.
- Safe Year-Round: RF treatments are safe to be performed at any time of the year—unlike some procedures such as lasers that are not typically recommended during the summer months, when going on a sunny vacation, or with an active tan.
- Safe for All Fitzpatrick Skin Types: Applicable to advanced radio-frequency technologies such as that of the 4 modes available through Potenza RF Microneedling, treatments can be safe to perform on all skin types—unlike some procedures such as lasers that may not be recommended for patients with darker skin types.
While RF treatments may seem like a no-brainer with these benefits, it's still of importance to consider the notion that the treatment that's best for any given patient is going to be the treatment that's right for them. Depending on the degree of their concern, their skin type and facial anatomy, their lifestyle, their budget, and any potential limitations such as being pregnant or nursing, using certain medications, or expecting upcoming social events, the right treatment(s) may or may well not be a radio-frequency based treatment.
If that's something that strikes a chord, then "a safe way to ensure that you're making the most informed decision about moving forward with an RF skin tightening treatment is to prioritize having a consultation with a trusted clinic," says Dr. Buonassisi. At 8 West Clinic, our plastic surgeons, injectables specialists, and medical aestheticians all work in harmony to offer a unique comprehensive approach that spans the full spectrum of non-surgical and surgical treatment options to provide our patients with the utmost expertise in all areas. We place emphasis on honest patient education through the consultation process, and offer complimentary skin consultations directly with our medical aestheticians where you can have a conversation about if RF treatments are right for you.
Is RF Skin Tightening Worth It?
In the fleeting world of advancements in medical aesthetics technologies, RF skin tightening treatments have gained immense popularity for their ability to effectively tighten and rejuvenate the face while offering a remarkable blend of versatility, efficaciousness, low invasiveness, and easy downtime. These attributes, combined with the expertise of a skilled treatment provider, make RF treatments a compelling choice for those seeking facial skin tightening. It's no wonder that radio-frequency treatments are poised to continue topping lists as the next big thing in aesthetics in 2024.Ultimately, however, determining if RF skin treatments are worth it really depends on individual goals and expectations. Our team at 8 West Clinic is extensively trained and experienced with treatments currently sitting at the forefront of RF technology such as Potenza RF Microneedling, EMFACE, and FaceTite or AccuTite, and are equipped with the broad range of knowledge needed to provide a comprehensive approach to educating about options for skin tightening.Ready for your consultation? Inquire with us online or by giving us a call at (604) 733-1669 to get started on booking your complimentary skin consultation. Our experts look forward to learning more about your unique goals and exploring how we can help you with your own customized treatment plan.