Radiofrequency, what is it? Purposes, functioning and contraindications

When it comes to aesthetic procedures, you have most likely already heard about radiofrequency. It is a widely used method for facial and body aesthetic treatments, with excellent results achieved from the first sessions.

Radiofrequency uses heat technology on the skin to help rejuvenate the skin, eliminating wrinkles and expression lines, as well as localized fat, smoothing stretch marks and cellulite, and combating sagging, among other really interesting purposes. In addition to offering satisfactory results from the first session, radiofrequency also provides lasting effects, which explains the popularity of the method.

Therefore, today we will learn more about aesthetic radiofrequency, how the procedure works, its purposes, risks and contraindications. Let’s go.

Aesthetic radiofrequency

Radiofrequency has become a very popular aesthetic treatment due to its effectiveness, versatility and safety. The method works to convert electromagnetic energy, which generates heat in the tissue beneath the skin, and thus induces the production of new collagen fibers, considerably improving the appearance of the skin.

This heating is done using a radiofrequency device, which promotes a series of metabolic and structural reactions on the skin, contracting elastic fibers, increasing collagen production and retraction of the skin. Therefore, increasing tissue temperature improves blood and lymphatic circulation. Therefore, the method’s differential is precisely the ability to increase the temperature of the treated areas, resulting in a controlled inflammatory process.

Thus, the method has already proven effective in facial and body aesthetic treatments, being used mainly to combat aging, as it reduces skin sagging and helps eliminate wrinkles and expression lines. In the body, radiofrequency can be used to treat localized fat, cellulite and stretch marks, with excellent long-term results. However, for a progressive result it is necessary several sessions, the more times you undergo radiofrequency, the better the results will be.

Main purposes of radio frequency

Radiofrequency’s main purpose is to improve the appearance of the skin, and is therefore recommended for several situations, the main ones being:

• Reduce the appearance of wrinkles;
• Improve skin firmness, combating sagging;
• Increase the production and quality of collagen and elastin in the skin;
• Improve microcirculation;
• Promote better skin hydration;
• Increase oxygenation of the skin;
• Reorganize collagen and elastin fibers;
• Accelerate the elimination of toxins;
• Reduce and soften cellulite;
• Combat stretches and fibrosis;
• Soften the appearance of blemishes and scars;
• Combat localized fat (belly, culottes, arms, jowls, etc.)

How radio frequency works

So, as we have seen, radiofrequency is very suitable for treating various aesthetic discomforts. So, let’s better understand how it works in practice:

In the treatment of cellulite

Radiofrequency treatment for cellulite has two main objectives, being the resolution of fibrosis, which is the entrapment of adipocytes, and drainage. Thus, with the increase in blood vascularization due to the heat generated by the device, it stimulates lymphatic drainage, reducing the concentrations of toxins in fat cells and consequently, their size.

In the treatment of stretch marks and sagging

In the treatment of stretch marks and sagging, the procedure works by reorganizing collagen fibers. This way, it is possible to correct atrophic stretch marks at any stage. Exposure to heat generates a range of controlled inflammatory reactions on the area with stretch marks or sagging, providing increased vascularization of blood flow. In this way, it stimulates the formation of fibroblasts and the production of collagen, which are essential for treating both conditions.

In the treatment of localized fat

In this case, radiofrequency promotes increased vascularization at the site, activating enzymatic metabolism. The device can significantly reduce adipocytes in the treated region, reducing the fat layer. Therefore, resulting in the extravasation of triglyceride out of the cell, and as a consequence, reduces adipose tissue, that is, the fat in the region.

Rejuvenation

As we have seen, radiofrequency is highly recommended for rejuvenation, as it helps to reduce tissue, body and facial sagging. Then, the increased heat from the device causes the collagen and elastic fibers of the skin to contract, as is the case in the treatment of stretch marks and sagging. In this way, it results in the formation of new additional collagen, which considerably improves the tone and sustainability of the skin.

The procedure

Radiofrequency is a relatively simple procedure, but it must be carried out by a specialized professional using regulated equipment. All this to ensure safety and, above all, results.

As for the procedure itself, the professional will apply a specific gel to the area to be treated and then slide the radiofrequency device over the skin, making circular movements. In this way, the heat from the device will favor the heating of the skin’s elastic and collagen fibers. After the procedure, which lasts an average of 20 to 40 minutes, the gel is removed and the skin must be cleaned.

But in the case of fractional radiofrequency, which is most suitable for the facial region, suitable for eliminating wrinkles and expression lines, the procedure is a little different. Here, the device will not be slid directly over the skin, instead, small jets of light are emitted, a type of laser, onto the areas to be treated.

Regarding the number of radiofrequency sessions, it depends a lot, according to the patient’s objectives and their characteristics. However, the results can already be subtly noticed from the first session.

With radiofrequency on the face, recommended for expression lines, they can disappear on the first day, and more intense wrinkles from the fifth session onwards can make a big difference. In the body, when the objective is to eliminate localized fat, depending on the fat level, 7 to 10 radiofrequency sessions may be necessary.

It is important to emphasize that radiofrequency is a simple procedure with fewer risks than plastic surgery, for example. The results are progressive and long-lasting, that is, the more sessions, the better the results will be for much longer.

Risks and contraindications

Despite being a safe procedure with low risks, radiofrequency also has contraindications. To begin with, it cannot be done on people who do not have intact skin, or who show signs of infection or inflammation in the area to be treated. Therefore, any skin disease in the area makes treatment impossible. As well as people with an electronic implant, such as a pacemaker or defibrillator.

Furthermore, treatment is not indicated in cases of bleeding or bruising, history of thrombosis, continuous use of medications such as anticoagulants and corticosteroids or isotretinoin in the last six months. Women who use an IUD, pregnant women, people with hypertension or keloids should also not adhere to radiofrequency treatment.

As for the risks of the procedure, the biggest is the possibility of burning the skin, caused by misuse of the device or error in application. Therefore, as radiofrequency increases the local temperature, the professional must be aware of the local temperature, which should not exceed 41ºC. As well as keeping the equipment in constant circular movements, to avoid overheating in a certain region.

However, overall it is a very advantageous procedure, with great effects and benefits. In both facial and body treatments, results can be achieved from the first sessions. And best of all, quick and painless, without the need for recovery time.

Anyway, what did you think of this article? In fact, take the opportunity to also check out Lifting – What the technique that eliminates sagging is and how it works.

Sources: HTM Dr. João Tassinary Your Health My Life

Images: My Life with Me Aesthetics Chat CVC Aesthetics Health Magazine Vitta Patricinha Esperta