Radiofrequency (RF) energy treatment is a technology for non-surgical tightening of the early signs of loose or sagging skin; ideal for those people who either don’t want, or don’t believe they are old enough to have cosmetic injectables or a surgical procedure. Pure RF energy alone is primarily used to treat skin laxity by facial tightening, and is best suited to patients with mild to moderate sagging of facial tissues, usually those in their mid-30s to 50s, with any skin colour. It is commonly used to treat the forehead, under the eyes, cheeks, mid-face, jaw line, and neck.
SAFYRE RF from Cocoon Medical is a platform for facial rejuvenation, skin tightening and body contouring using mono and multipolar RF technology. A treatment course offers cumulative benefits and can be targeted to specific skin concerns for face and body with lasting and visible improvement.
We believe everyone deserves beautiful skin. Discover the benefits of Safyre RF as part of your essential skin health regime.
- What is Safyre radiofrequency?
- How does RF Facial Toning work?
- What are the benefits of Radiofrequency facial?
- What happens during a RF Facial?
- Is there any downtime after RF Facial Toning?
- What are the risks or side effects of RF Facial Treatment?
- What is the aftercare for Radiofrequency Facial?
- Am I suitable for RF Facial Toning?
WHAT IS SAFYRE RADIOFREQUENCY?
The use of electric currents in medicine has been documented almost since electricity itself was discovered.
Radiofrequency (RF) has a lengthy history of use in oral, ophthalmic, plastic, and gynaecological surgery of over 70 years. Gradually, its use in the practice of dermatology, cosmetology, cardiology, hepatology, and ENT procedures gained momentum and popularity.
With recent developments in information technology, non-ablative RF energy is the newest addition to the treatment options available for the ageing face. This makes it possible to deliver RF energy to the deep dermis and sub-dermal layers of the skin, whilst protecting the epidermis. Heating in this area, without damaging the outer layers of skin, causes microscopic changes to the tissues and collagen contraction, with subsequent collagen remodelling over the months that pass.
HOW DOES RF FACIAL TONING WORK?
RF energy when used for skin tightening is able to penetrate deep into the skin and affect the deeper dermis and subcutaneous layers, causing tightening and improvements to the underlying tissue structure, but with little change in skin texture or fine lines and wrinkling.
The skin will be looking much firmer and tighter, almost like an elastic band snapping back into place.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF RADIOFREQUENCY FACIAL?
Natural production of collagen and elastin slows as we starting to get older. The heat of the RF treatment stimulates the cells in the connective tissues, causing the body to reproduce collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid.
A course of RF treatments will help to lift, firm and tighten skin by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, and is best suited to individuals with mild to moderate sagging of facial tissues, usually those in their mid-thirties to fifties, with any skin colour.
It is commonly used to treat the forehead (lift brows and tightens forehead skin), under the eyes (thickens skin and tightens and lifts the upper cheek skin), cheeks (lifts slightly and diminishes enlarged pores), mid-face, jaw line (diminishes jowling and sagging along the jaw line), and the neck (tightens skin and diminishes wrinkling of the neck).
However, if there is a significant amount of sagging skin, often seen in older patients over sixty, this procedure may not show a significant enough improvement and cosmetic injectables like dermal fillers will be more recommended, or even surgery.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A RF FACIAL?
A medical history will be taken to make sure that there are no reasons why you shouldn’t undertake this treatment. You will be asked to read detailed information and sign a consent form which means that you have understood the potential benefits and risks associated with the procedure.
Photographs will also be taken by the practitioner for a “before and after” comparison at a later date.
Skin preparation with the application of vitamin A or C creams and SPF50 will be recommended for up to 2-4 weeks prior to the commencement of the procedure. A similar skin care regime will also be recommended for up to 6 months post-treatment to aid the healthy production of the new collagen and the rejuvenation of the skin. You should try to avoid doing anything that will irritate your skin immediately before treatment, this includes sunbathing (natural or artificial).
After the facial skin will be cleansed and any make-up removed, a coupling cream/gel will then also be applied over your face which acts as an additional barrier between the surface layers of your skin and the handpiece of the device. Our practitioner will then commence the RF treatment working across your face/neck/etc. Once completed a soothing gel or lotion may be applied to your skin.
Treatment sessions will take between 45 minutes and an hour depending on the size of the area being treated. It can take a few before visible signs of skin tightening are seen and the process will continue over the following months with maintenance sessions, providing a gradual enhancement. The specific number of sessions required will depend on the area being treated and the severity of the indication, as well as the level of natural response from the individual’s body.
IS THERE ANY DOWNTIME AFTER RF FACIAL TONING?
Immediately following the treatment, your skin will feel tighter, with more tightening improvements appearing gradually over the weeks to come. Some people experience mild redness immediately following treatment (similar to a sunburnt look), but this usually disappears quickly. Most people find that they can return to work and normal activities immediately after treatment.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OR SIDE EFFECTS OF RF FACIAL TREATMENT?
As the treatment is carried out you will experience brief, deep heating sensations every time the RF energy is delivered to your skin and underlying tissue. Almost like a hot stone massage for the face, the treatment is very relaxing and enjoyable. Some people have been known to fall asleep during treatment.
The most frequently reported effect of treatment with RF energy is redness, which typically disappear in a few hours.
WHAT IS THE AFTERCARE FOR RADIOFREQUENCY FACIAL?
It is very important that you follow the advice of our practitioner carefully after any treatment to help make the procedure as successful as possible and to reduce the risk of complications.
In preparation for your RF treatment, all makeup and skin care products including sunscreen should be removed to allow absorption of beneficial waves into the skin. Please attend your appointment without any make-up if possible. For optimum results, exfoliation prior to treatment helps to remove dead skin cells which may reflect the light. It is necessary to remove contact lenses during the RF treatment.
Post – treatment advice will include:
• using tepid water to cleanse the face for the first 24 hours following treatment;
• ensuring that hands are always clean when touching the area treated;
• not applying conventional make-up products to the skin for the first 12 hours following treatment, some mineral based make-up products are able to be applied as recommended by our practitioner;
• applying the prescribed skincare products given to you by our practitioner according to the regime specifically designed for you;
• applying a broad spectrum sunscreen product with a high SPF, ideally 50, immediately after treatment before leaving the clinic and when going outside following treatment.
AM I SUITABLE FOR RF FACIAL TONING?
The RF facial is suitable for all skin types for both male and female individuals.
As long as you are generally healthy and don’t have any skin diseases or infections in the area treated, there are few medical reasons why you should not undergo this treatment.
Certain medications may causes photosensitivity and specific conditions may also be triggered by radiofrequency, so it`s important to fully disclose all medications you are currently taking and your medical history during your consultation.
Women who are pregnant or breast feeding may be advised to wait before embarking on a treatment programme.
More importantly, people with electrical devices e.g., pacemakers, or metal implants e.g., artificial metal hip joints, heart valves or dental plates, cannot be treated because RF current flowing through the body may interfere with these devices or heat up metal implants, which could be dangerous.