An especially gentle and yet effective skin tightening without surgery – that’s what thermal lifting, also known as radio frequency therapy, promises. Stylebook spoke to an expert and explained all the advantages and risks of the lifting method.
What is radiofrequency therapy?
“Thermal lifting, also called radio wave therapy or thermage, describes a lifting method that works using radio frequency technology,” says Dr. Clemens Fritsch, specialist in dermatology, venereology and allergy in Düsseldorf. “The skin is treated with a special device that emits high-frequency radio waves. The resulting heat heats the connective tissue, causing the body’s own collagen fibers to tighten and build up. The tissue damages the layers of the skin.” Regenerates without being deeply regenerated. The warming thermal effect applies only to the lower layers of the skin, as the upper skin is pleasantly cool at the same time.”
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How the method works: 2 mechanisms of action
1. Heating of Collagen Fibers
“Radio frequency energy, which is the electromagnetic oscillations of radio waves, heats the collagen fibers in the deeper layers of the skin. In doing so, they shrink and thus reduce the distance between the muscle and the dermis, ” Doctor. Fritsch. This process, also known as shrinkage, can last up to two days and has an immediate tightening effect on the skin from the inside.
2. Fibroblast Stimulation
Radio frequency waves also stimulate the fibroblasts to produce collagen. This effect also lasts for a few months and thus leads to a lasting tighter, contour complexion.
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Why is collagen so valuable for youthful skin?
“Collagen is a structural protein in the human body and an essential part of the skin. It is largely responsible for a firm, youthful complexion,” says Dr. Refreshing. “Collagen is primarily produced in fibroblasts, chondroblasts, osteoblasts, and odontoblasts. Collagen, which combines with proteoglycans, ensures increased strength of the extracellular matrix and thus elasticity, a type of framework upon which the skin forms. And connective tissue stretches. Unfortunately, as we age, natural collagen production decreases, causing the skin to loosen and form wrinkles.”
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What does radio frequency therapy hold?
Radio frequency therapy can be used almost anywhere on the body. However, it is especially suitable for tightening the entire face, neck and décolleté and promises to smooth wrinkles, improve skin elasticity, visible contour and a plump, toned complexion.
in the eye area
droopy eyelids, bags under the eyes, reduced crow’s feet
in the face
Full face tightening and contouring, Double chin, Sagging cheeks, Sagging cheeks, Tired complexion
in the neck and décolleté area
Constriction of wrinkles, the so-called shortening of the turkey neck
Benefits of radiofrequency therapy
Thermal lifting is a non-invasive skin rejuvenation method, that is, without the use of a scalpel. Accordingly, no local anesthetic is necessary. It is also considered particularly gentle, painless and safe.
During radio wave therapy, the skin’s own regeneration is stimulated. This has the advantage that the effect of the treatment lasts for six to twelve months or more and thus is also much longer than, for example, injections with wrinkle fillers.
Another advantage is that this method promises a very natural result, as it does not completely remove wrinkles, but only smoothes them. Since the method is gentle, it can be repeated regularly and even counteracts skin aging very effectively in the long term. Thermal lifting is suitable for all skin types. The dose of the emitted radio waves is adjusted according to each patient’s needs and skin type.
The gentle method and short treatment time of approximately 20 minutes allow the patient to go about their normal activities immediately after application. No need to worry about downtime, aftercare or taking medication for scarring. After treatment, you should avoid sunlight and apply sunscreen for a week.
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Disadvantages and Risks of Thermal Lifting
As a rule, you need to wait up to two weeks for the first visible results and up to six months for the obvious results, as collagen fibers need this time to form and reorganize. In rare cases, short-term redness and mild swelling may occur.
Cost and treatment duration
Six to ten treatments of 20 minutes each are recommended for optimal results. Depending on the patient, there should be one to four weeks between sessions. Refresh the treatment, ideally every twelve weeks, for a prolonged anti-aging effect. The cost per treatment and skin area can range from 80 to 120 euros.
Where else is radiofrequency therapy used?
In medicine, radio frequency therapy also treats varicose veins and chronic heartburn. There, their ability has proven itself, forming taut connective tissue, here z. B. To stimulate in the legs and walls of the esophagus.
Source
– With expert advice Dr. Fritsch and Dr. MosesSpecialist in Dermatology, Venereology and Allergy in Düsseldorf
