Generality
Radiofrequency in aesthetic medicine is a non-invasive treatment that uses the action of electromagnetic waves to counteract different types of imperfections.
More in detail, radiofrequency in aesthetic medicine finds application in the treatment of imperfections of time, skin laxity, stretch marks and even cellulite.
Radiofrequency in aesthetic medicine is a highly appreciated technique, as it allows good results to be obtained without the risks associated with cosmetic surgery, such as facelifts, blepharoplasty or liposuction. Of course, this does not mean that radiofrequency in aesthetic medicine is free of possible side effects, but it is still a less invasive and well tolerated technique.
Curiosity
Radiofrequency is not a technique used only in aesthetic medicine, but also in conventional medicine. Instruments that exploit radiofrequency have been used in the surgical field (ablative radiofrequency) for a very long time. Furthermore, radiofrequency has also proved useful in the treatment of chronic pain.
What is that?
What is Radiofrequency in Aesthetic Medicine?
Radiofrequency in aesthetic medicine is a particular type of treatment that makes use of the use of machinery capable of emitting a high frequency electromagnetic current.
These machines consist of an electric charge generator and two electrodes (a positive and a negative pole) through which the transfer of the aforementioned charges takes place.
Thanks to the presence of a special handpiece, the electric charge is transmitted to the skin and underlying tissues, thus exercising the desired "therapeutic" action.
Please note
Radiofrequency in aesthetic medicine is also known as " medical radiofrequency " and must be performed by medical experts in this field. This type of radiofrequency should not be confused with aesthetic radiofrequency, practiced in beauty salons and beauty centers, but whose effectiveness in terms of results obtained and duration of the same is decidedly lower than radiofrequency in aesthetic medicine.
The main difference between these two types of radio frequency lies in the equipment used: medical devices allow the doctor to regulate the intensity of the electromagnetic current delivered; while the aesthetic radiofrequency devices do not allow any control over the charges delivered, but are calibrated to certain values that remain fixed and that cannot be in any way altered by the operator.
Indications
What is Radiofrequency used for in Aesthetic Medicine?
As mentioned, radiofrequency in aesthetic medicine is used to correct and eliminate various types of imperfections. More precisely, it is used for:
- Tackle wrinkles (crow's feet, nasolabial furrows, etc.);
- Counteract sagging skin;
- Reducing acne scars and other scarring outcomes;
- Reduce stretch marks;
- Combat cellulite.
Types of Radiofrequency
How many and what types of radiofrequency in Aesthetic Medicine exist?
Radiofrequency in aesthetic medicine can be divided into two different types: bipolar radiofrequency and monopolar radiofrequency.
In bipolar radiofrequency, the handpiece used to transfer the electrical charges to the skin and underlying tissues contains both electrodes, therefore it contains both the positive and negative poles inside.
When the handpiece is applied to the patient's skin, the passage of electric charges through the skin produces thermal energy (therefore heat) that propagates through the epidermis and the dermis. This type of radiofrequency is used above all to combat wrinkles and imperfections of time at the level of the face, neck and hands.
In monopolar radiofrequency, instead, the instrument handpiece contains only the positive electrode. To allow the transfer of electric charges, the instrument is equipped with a return plate which must be positioned in contact with the skin near the area to be treated. Unlike the bipolar radiofrequency, the monopolar one is able to transfer the heat deeper, reaching the underlying adipose tissue (hypodermis) and exercising a beneficial action also at this level. For this reason, monopolar radiofrequency is generally used to counteract cellulite.
How does it work
How does radiofrequency work in aesthetic medicine?
The radiofrequency technique exerts its action substantially thanks to the production of heat that occurs following the passage of the electromagnetic current in the skin and thanks to the transfer of the same through the different layers of the skin.
Depending on how deeply the heat propagates, different effects can be obtained.
When the heat passes through the epidermis and reaches the dermis, here it causes the thermal denaturation of the proteins that form the collagen with consequent shortening of the fibers that compose it and stimulation of the fibroblast activity . The stimulated fibroblasts not only produce new collagen which will replace the old and damaged one, but also produce new elastic fibers and new glycosaminoglycans. In this regard, we recall that these components are of fundamental importance for maintaining a toned, firm and young skin.
If the heat generated by the passage of electrical charges into the skin also reaches the underlying fatty tissue it is possible to obtain a beneficial effect on the microcirculation. More precisely, when the heat formed during the radiofrequency treatment reaches the hypodermis, there is a reduction in the microcirculatory stasis and a reduction in the accumulation of fluids at the interstitial level (edema), thus leading to an improvement in edematous cellulite and fibrous. Thanks to this same mechanism of action, a lipolytic effect is also favored.
How it is performed
How is radiofrequency performed in Aesthetic Medicine?
The radiofrequency treatment in aesthetic medicine must be performed by a cosmetic surgeon specialized in this kind of treatments. In fact, even if it is not an invasive procedure, it must still be performed by competent medical personnel in order to guarantee efficacy and safety for the patient.
However, radiofrequency treatment in aesthetic medicine takes place in an outpatient setting and lasts about 20-40 minutes maximum.
Anesthesia is not provided, as it is a generally painless procedure. Usually, the patient perceives only a sensation of heat at the treated areas. However, if the doctor considers it necessary, he can apply an anesthetic ointment to the affected areas.
Moreover, in some cases, always at the discretion of the doctor, it is possible to apply cosmeceutical products in order to increase the rejuvenating effect that one wants to obtain.
Immediately after treatment, it is possible to return to all normal activities and recovery times or recovery periods are not necessary.
Results
What results are obtained with radiofrequency in Aesthetic Medicine?
The results of radiofrequency treatment in aesthetic medicine get positive feedback from patients in most cases.
In particular, radiofrequency is highly appreciated for the anti-aging effect it is able to exercise, reducing wrinkles and imperfections of time in a painless and non-invasive way. Some even consider radiofrequency in aesthetic medicine as a kind of non-surgical facelift.
However, it is good to specify that to obtain appreciable results, a single radio frequency session is not sufficient but it is necessary to carry out a complete cycle in several sessions.
The amount of sessions per treatment cycle depends substantially on the type of imperfection one wishes to fight, on its severity and on its extent. In any case, approximately 4 to 10 sessions are generally required.
The first results can be appreciated already after the first sessions, but the real improvement can be seen only at the end of the complete cycle.
Generally, the effects obtained with radiofrequency in aesthetic medicine last from 6 to 12 months and, in order to maintain the results, it is necessary to carry out maintenance sessions at specific intervals of time to be agreed with the doctor (generally, from two to four maintenance sessions per year).
Please note
The maintenance of the results obtained with radiofrequency in aesthetic medicine also depends very much on the patient 's lifestyle . Harmful and dangerous vices such as smoking or excessive consumption of alcohol, an unbalanced diet and a sedentary lifestyle, in fact, negatively affect the beauty of the skin and can promote the appearance of cellulite.
Side effects and complications
Side Effects of Radiofrequency in Aesthetic Medicine
The side effects caused by radiofrequency are generally minimal. In fact, the main side effect that can occur is a redness of the treated areas which, however, tends to disappear within a few hours after the end of the treatment.
More rarely, on the other hand, there may be a slight swelling and / or altered sensitivity of the treated areas, but even in this case they are temporary effects that tend to disappear in a short time.
Complications of Radiofrequency in Aesthetic Medicine
If performed correctly, radiofrequency in aesthetic medicine is unlikely to lead to complications. In fact, most complications occur when the treatment is performed by non-medical personnel and / or by personnel with insufficient mastery of the technique. Nevertheless, this occurrence cannot be completely ruled out under any circumstances.
Among the main complications that may occur following treatment with
radiofrequency, we recall the appearance of burns, severe edema and infections.
Contraindications
When can't radio frequency be used in Aesthetic Medicine?
Although it is not an invasive technique, radiofrequency in aesthetic medicine has some contraindications. In detail, the claim for this treatment should not be made:
- On injured skin or on wounds that are not completely healed;
- In case of inflammatory processes and / or infections in progress;
- In patients with particularly sensitive skin;
- In patients suffering from diseases such as diabetes and epilepsy;
- In patients suffering from varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, phlebitis or other cardiovascular diseases (such as cardiac arrhythmias or inadequately controlled hypertension);
- In individuals with peacemakers and / or with electric or metal prostheses;
- Pregnant.
Advantages and disadvantages
Briefly summarizing what has been said so far, the main advantages and disadvantages of radiofrequency in aesthetic medicine are reported below.
Advantages
- It is not an invasive method;
- It is a painless treatment;
- It allows to obtain a lifting-like effect;
- Allows immediate recovery of all activities;
- It can also be done in summer;
- It has minimal side effects.
Disadvantages
- To obtain appreciable and lasting results it is necessary to undergo several sessions (from 4 to 10);
- The first results are visible only after 10-15 days; while the final result is noticeable only at the end of the complete cycle of sessions;
- The results are not permanent and it is necessary to carry out periodic maintenance sessions;
- It has several contraindications;
- It has a rather high price (each seat has an average price of around 100-150 euros, but the cost may vary depending on many factors, such as the type of imperfection to be treated, the structure in which the radio frequency is carried out, the doctor who perform the treatment, etc.).
Please note
To achieve optimal results and in complete safety with radiofrequency in aesthetic medicine, we reiterate the importance of turning to specialized medical personnel in this area and to be wary of those who offer treatments of this type at excessively low prices.
