Facial radiofrequency results: scientific evidence, 2 cases, and frequently asked questions

Visible benefits according to scientific evidence

The facts on the table.

Radiofrequency (RF) has been applied in facial aesthetic medicine since 2001 (also on the body). Much research has been conducted since then, although there are no solid conclusions about the results due to the diversity of devices, methodologies, and patients.

What has been seen mainly?

Well, it’s a technology that generates an electromagnetic field to produce heat in the dermis and with it a very controlled thermal damage.

This has been proven to be:

• • Stimulates the synthesis of new “healthy” collagen and elastin. The proteins that give us firmness and flexibility. With age, UV radiation, tobacco, etc., they are reduced and function less well. RF induces a reparative process to reverse this.
  • Causes contraction of existing collagen fibers. Let’s say they “tighten” or tighten and the skin stretches.
  • Helps destroy localized fat without damaging other structures. It also inhibits the hyperactivity of the sebaceous glands (they secrete less sebum).

It has also been observed that it could increase hyaluronic acid, which is key to skin hydration.

What benefits and visible effects does it provide?

• • A more youthful and smoother face. RF attenuates wrinkles and expression lines and reduces sagging. It works great around the eyes and mouth, on cheeks, nasolabial fold, chin… Makes the complexion show smoother, firm and elastic.
  • Improves the texture and quality of the skin. It looks brighter, juicier, softer, and healthier, with fewer pores and imperfections.
  • Brightness, “good face” effect. Something quite surprising. The look gains liveliness and joy. A glowing effect is seen.
  • Defining the facial oval. By tightening and treating fat accumulation, we can accentuate the jawline and correct the double chin.Reduces acne marks, seborrhea and the number of lesions, although each case must be assessed.
  • Softens scars. Above all, we see improvements in color, thickness, and flexibility. It also lightens stretch marks.

Immediate effects? When are they noticeable and number of sessions?

Some claim that the effects of facial radiofrequency are immediate.

In my experience (over 20 years of practice), I can tell you that this isn’t the case. Nor has it been confirmed in studies. A slight improvement is noticeable at first, but the results are progressive.

And it makes sense if you look at how it works. We cause this controlled thermal damage to the skin to trigger a healing response. Just as a wound doesn’t heal “immediately”, this doesn’t happen overnight either.

As for the number of sessions, at Cànons Clinics we usually recommend 6, once per week. Although it depends on the patient and their needs.

Non-surgical facelift? Pros and cons compared to other treatments

Marketing hits hard…

I sometimes hear that the results of facial radiofrequency are “very similar” to those achieved with a facelift. People also talk about “mini facelifts”, “non-surgical facelifts”, etc.

Be careful with the false expectations.

This treatment is very effective, but not as drastic as an operation. We have patients who seem to have stepped back in time. They look more youthful, their skin less sagging… There are some amazing cases, but it’s not the same as surgery. It’s more subtle.

In return The RF It is non-invasive, does not pause your life and is much more economical. There are no incisions or recovery periods. You come to the clinic, we perform the procedure, and you’re back home or at work the same day, doing whatever you need to do.

Regarding other aesthetic medicine techniques:

• • Rejuvenation is more natural that the fillings with synthetic materials or the use of neuromodulators. We inject nothing on the face. Stimulates regenerative processes skin-like.
  • Nor do you damage the epidermis as an ablative laser type of CO2. These technologies are more powerful but also more aggressive. The benefits of radiofrequency are more modest, but hardly cause discomfort or downtime.
  • It is safe for all skin phototypes (I to VI), unlike most lasers and IPL. As we use an electric current instead of light, there is no interaction with melanin and therefore no risk of altering pigmentation.

The main drawback of RF is that the results are somewhat slow. Although they are good, in my opinion they require patience.

Traditional radiofrequency vs. intensive microneedling

There are several radio frequency systems.

On the one hand, there are the traditional ones:

• • RF monopolar. It penetrates deeper into the skin, but disperses more (more discomfort and possible complications).
  • RF bipolar y multipolar. They are more superficial, but act in a more localized and controlled manner (more comfort and safety).

These methods differ in the number of electrodes they use to deliver current to the skin: one (mono), two (bi) or multiple (multi).

Then there is the fractional RF with microneedles or without. We use tiny needles to apply a precise amount of energy exactly where we want it, deep within the dermis. It’s more intense, yet focused, and with minimal adverse reactions.

You can see it in the video.

That being said, keep in mind that:

• • Each type of radio frequency has an application. For example, treating the area around the eyes is not the same as treating the neck.
  • It should fit very well the intensity to obtain the desired effect. Power, temperature maintained in the tissue, depth, time, etc. Extensive knowledge and experience are required. Also the election of the appropriate handpiece is crucial.
  • It can be combined with other facial treatments depending on what you need, synergies can be achieved and the result can be even better.

Therefore, it is essential that you consult with a specialist to determine which RF system and protocol is best for you.

Do you want to make an appointment in Canon Clinics and we discuss it?

We are in Barcelona and Granollers.

Before and after facial radiofrequency: details of 2 cases

I will show you 2 cases that we have had at Cànons Clinics.

Patient comes to the consultation due to facial aging. She has a sagging jawline and chin, fine wrinkles on her cheeks and deeper wrinkles on her neck. She definitely rules out surgery and is seeking a comprehensive facial enhancement.

During the diagnostic appointment, we assess the condition of your skin to select the most appropriate procedure and consider combining complementary techniques.

We carry out intensive radiofrequency with microneedles. 3 sessions, one per month.

The equipment we use is EndyMed Intensif.

Because?

• • Very versatile. It allows us to customize how much energy we deliver, how, and to what depth. Uniformly and in real time to minimize risks.
  • FDA-approved technology (3DEEP). Its effectiveness and safety have been rigorously verified.
  • Very powerful yet smooth. The treatment is very comfortable and fast.

Results:

• • Fewer expression lines throughout the middle and lower third of the face.
  • Redefined facial oval, with a more pronounced jawline.
  • Reduction of sagging under the chin and neck smoother without folds.
  • Better skin quality: tone, texture, and radiance. Firmer skin.

We recommend a routine of care and lifestyle habits to prolong the effects. Daily moisturizing, sun protection, not smoking, etc.

We recommend maintenance with 3-4 sessions per year.

Let’s go with the second patient.

A middle-aged woman wishing to correct her tired appearance. She noted lower eyelid edema, dull tone throughout the periorbital region, and slightly accentuated nasolabial folds.

After the initial assessment we opted for a traditional radio frequency periorbitaria (around the eyes) with EndyMed. Bipolar or multipolar depending on the region.

We carried out 6 sessions, one per week.

Results:

• • A more rested, fresh and youthful look without altering the natural expression.
  • Decrease swelling under the eyes.
  • General improvement in texture of the skin.

We provide care, healthy habits and maintenance every two months (1 session).

His gaze is now broader and more alive.

Is it dangerous? Does it have any risks or side effects?

Facial radiofrequency  is not dangerous if applied by a specialist doctor. 

Patients tolerate it very well. The most common is a sensation of warmth, mild swelling or redness. All temporary. You resume your normal life the same day.

Yes indeed, in unskilled hands yes. I know it increases the risk of burns, pain, a poor outcome, and other side effects such as spots and scars. As I was saying before, the intensity and other aspects must be carefully adjusted.

With the appropriate indication and protocols, it is a very safe procedure.

And can your face be left “sunk”? That is, you lose fat so that the face has less support and you look tired and haggard.

I have never seen that in my patients.

While intensive RF with microneedles attacks fatty tissue (traditional RF doesn’t go as deep), we apply it in a very controlled manner to avoid this problem.

Can radiofrequency cause rebound effect?

No, facial radiofrequency does not cause rebound effect.

It’s like the example I sometimes use at the clinic. If I clean and tidy my house every week, I get used to seeing it sparkling clean. If I stop doing it, I’ll naturally start to notice more dirt and disrepair.

Aging continues. When you stop treating yourself, it’s normal to lose results and notice more wrinkles, sagging, etc. External factors influence (UV radiation, pollution…) and your lifestyle habits (diet, stress, tobacco…).

But no, there is no rebound effect.

Does the procedure hurt?

Radiofrequency is painless.

• • You feel heat. Because we increase skin temperature to stimulate collagen production, but it’s not an unpleasant heat. Many people even find it relaxing.
  • The discomfort is minimal. Monopolar RF and intensive microneedling can be a little more uncomfortable. This is another reason why we use EndyMed at Cànons Clinics. It’s a technology with a very gentle system for the skin.

What treatments can radiofrequency be combined with?

Facial radiofrequency is compatible  with any aesthetic medicine treatment for the face,especially with Retix.C (therapies with peeling effect) and Hydrafacial (cleansing, exfoliation and hydration protocols with different active ingredients).

They are synergies that provide a very significant skin improvement.

Are the results worth the price?

Whether or not radio frequency is worth it depends on your needs.

For example:

• • You are 25-30 years old, you begin to suffer signs of aging and you want to slow its progress with something more effective than just a skincare routine. Crow’s feet, a less youthful look, a feeling of drooping face, etc.
  • You’re in your 40s, 50s, 60s and your skin isn’t what it used to be. You’re looking for a powerful firming and rejuvenating solution, but you’re reluctant to undergo surgery. Perhaps you’ve already tried methods like ultrasound without success.
  • An event is coming up and you’d like to look radiant. The famous “flash effect”. Recently, a girl who was going to be a bridesmaid came to our wedding… She was gorgeous. Brides and fiancees also come a lot to look fantastic on their day.

In these cases, yes it may be worth it. In terms of price (which isn’t very high), it falls short, and it may be advisable to have surgery if, for example, you have very deep wrinkles and would like a very pronounced lifting effect, or if you suffer from severe sagging.

It depends. 

In Clinical Canons we approach each patient on a personalized basis, so I can’t tell you exactly how much it would cost.

I would like to highlight that  the professional’s experience and the use of a correct facial radiofrequency protocol are ESSENTIAL for a safe and  satisfactory result, whether it’s me or someone else, always put yourself in the hands of specialized doctors.

If you’d like more information, make an appointment with me at our clinic in Barcelona or Granollers, and we’ll answer any questions you may have.

You can do so by calling 683 27 07 09, writing to that number via WhatsApp or filling out the form you can access using the button below.

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