Radio frequency technology is used in medaesthetics in several capacities, most commonly with face treatments. Other treatments involving radio frequency (RF)  technology are body contouring. Radio frequency is also administered as a complementary procedure to laser hair reduction. So far as face treatments go the radio frequency treatment has become known as the “RF face lift” or “Radio Frequency facial”, due to its wrinkle reduction and overall skin rejuvenation capabilities.

How Radio Frequency Face Treatments Work
The radio frequency treatment for facial skin works by administering low amplitude (low power) high frequency (in the RF range) currents onto the area of skin treated via a probe like electrode. Two types of probes may be used, Monopolar and Bipolar.

With monopolar radio frequency treatments the RF energy is transmitted onto the skin using a single electrode, the opposing electrode is placed some distance away. Bipolar RF skin treatments are administered via an probe containing the two opposing electrodes.
The difference between the two types of treatments are the depth of skin tissue effected. Monopolar treatments deliver the RF currents through deeper lying layers of skin (up to 20mm below the skin’s surface). Bipolar treatments heat skin tissue only 2-4mm deep.

The currents passed cause heat to build up in the skin tissue. This heat works to contract the dermis (the upper skin layer) resulting in wrinkle reduction (some wrinkles are eliminated all together). Another important beneficial effect of the radio frequency treatment is the stimulation of increased collagen and elastin production as well as increased blood circulation. These result in overall skin rejuvenation lasting for months.

A Non-Invasive Alternative to Face Lifts
In the past the only way to combat sagging facial skin was undergoing a surgical face lift where incisions are made, excess skin removed and ends pulled tightly together. Needless to say such procedures are costly and involve severe discomfort as well as lengthy down times. As any type of surgery, plastic surgery included, face lifts are not risk free.

With the introduction of the medaesthetic radio frequency treatment a safer, easier to endure, less expensive alternative to face lifts became available. RF face treatments are conducted in 30 to 60 minute sessions, usually a series of some 4 to eight treatments is recommended, one to three weeks apart. No recovery time is needed after a radio frequency treatment! You can just get up and go on with your daily routines. Results become apparent immediately but their maximum effect is visible some two months after the treatment cycle is over. Results last for years and treatments may be undergone again when necessary.