In the face of Father Time, beauty is nothing but fleetly fading. However, that does not mean it is impossible to maintain one’s youthful and vibrant looks for longer and keep the course of nature at bay. From comprehensive surgical procedures to non-invasive treatments, there are countless ways to preserve your youthful appearance.
Among the two, however, many tend to shy away from the former option since, let’s face it, not everyone needs or will ever want to go under the knife, even if it is for a worthwhile cause. If you are of the same mind, read on as we explore one of the best non-invasive ways to turn back the clock on your beauty: radiofrequency skin treatments1.
What is radiofrequency (RF)?
In aesthetics and skincare2, ‘radiofrequency’ refers to using focused thermal energy to tighten and lift the skin with little to no downtime. This energy is delivered to the skin’s surface via a specialised device that heats the underlying tissue to achieve controlled micro-injuries that will give rise to skin tissue remodelling. These micro-injuries to said tissues, will trigger the body’s innate healing process and create new collagen, one of the core building blocks that keep our skin fresh, firm, and taut. RF’s skin-tightening and fat-reduction capabilities can also achieve other aesthetic purposes, such as contouring the face and body.
Who is radiofrequency for?
People of all ages are now more interested in radiofrequency skin treatments than ever before, as they can provide different benefits for different age groups. For instance, those in their 20s commonly seek RF for acne scars or concerns with their skin texture, while patients in their 30s and beyond leverage its skin-tightening properties to rejuvenate certain areas of their body, such as the face, neck, and jawline.
Moreover, RF skin treatments are viable for all skin types and skin tones without the risk of hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation when delivered appropriately and safely. This versatile advantage sets it apart from other treatments.
However, as with any cosmetic treatment, it is important to learn the risks involved, no matter how mild. For instance, a 2020 study2 that highlighted some favourable results of RF therapy noted that patients often report pain following the procedure. Moreover, the American Cancer Society3 states that even though the long-term effects of RF remain unknown, no conclusive evidence indicates any health risks to long-term exposure. However, they also mention that the results are insufficient to rule out the possibility of RF causing any health effects on the human body.
Different types of RF treatments
1. RF tightening and lifting
Skin tightening is the bread and butter of radiofrequency skin treatments, as it is a tried and true way of boosting collagen production for full skin rejuvenation. That said, it is important to note that its effects may vary depending on certain factors, such as the patient’s skin type, the body part treated, and the modality used.
Another benefit of RF skin tightening is that it helps pre-emptively mitigate the natural decline of collagen production4 in the body, which is something that younger patients often seek to increase their collagen reserves. The collagen-boosting benefits of RF skin tightening also improve over time, as the fibroblasts in the skin – the cells in connective tissue that generally become less efficient and thus stiffen with age – remain accustomed to producing collagen.
2. RF skin retexturising
Although most people do RF to achieve tighter and plumper-looking skin, it can also retexturise one’s complexion when combined with microneedling by reducing the appearance of stretch marks and acne scarring on the face and body. Morpheus8™ is one such microneedle RF device that can penetrate deeper into the skin and morph the ageing face or body to treat acne scars, cellulite, loose skin, large open pores, and more.
3. RF contouring
While it may not seem like it, RF can also serve as a means of body contouring by removing fat and improving tone without downtime or pain. This type of treatment is commonly known as radiofrequency assisted liposuction (RFAL), and it causes a thermal effect on the skin, sub-dermal matrix, and adipose tissue in a minimally invasive manner to remove unwanted excess body fat.
Unlike traditional liposuction, RFAL not only aids in dissolving fat cells but also provides skin-tightening benefits and a naturally contoured body, all while causing less damage to the surrounding tissue for faster recovery and minimal side effects.
4. RF hybrid treatments
The potency of hybrid treatments lies in their synergistic effects and comprehensive results. We have already mentioned how RF skin tightening can be combined with other types of cosmetic treatments, such as microneedling for full facial rejuvenation, and that in itself already counts as a hybrid approach. At Angeline Yong Dermatology, we offer such a dual-hybrid treatment in the form of Forma + Morpheus8 for maximum collagen-producing power.
Specifically, Forma stimulates the face and body into building collagen while contracting the tissue just beneath the skin, giving it a plumper and firmer quality and a glowy, refreshed look. On the other hand, Morpheus8 penetrates the skin at deeper levels to provoke the body’s wound healing response, stimulate its collagen production process, and result in a distinctive skin tightening and remodelling effect.
Suppose you wish to further enhance the results of this dual treatment. In that case, there is also a triple-hybrid approach that adds RFAL into the equation and addresses any unwanted fats in addition to rejuvenating your skin.
Conclusion
Everyone knows just how unforgiving the natural ageing process can be when it comes to maintaining youthfulness and beauty. Fortunately radiofrequency treatments are readily available to reverse the signs of ageing, all through a non-surgical and non-invasive process that is easily accessible. That said, there may be certain concerns or limitations with radiofrequency treatments, and it is best to seek professional advice and discussion about suitability, benefits and risks before making an informed choice to start treatments.
Experience the benefits of various RF based treatments for yourself today at Angeline Yong Dermatology, a leading dermatology clinic in Singapore specialising in bespoke and comprehensive care that encompasses surgical, medical and cosmetic skin solutions. For more information about innovative services and radiofrequency based technologies, such as Exilis radiofrequency, Forma radiofrequency and Morpheus 8 treatments in Singapore, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
References
Many ways to firm sagging skin. American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/younger-looking/firm-sagging-skin
Dayan E, Burns AJ, Rohrich RJ, Theodorou S. The Use of Radiofrequency in Aesthetic Surgery. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2020;8(8):e2861. Published 2020 Aug 17. doi:10.1097/GOX.000000000000286
Radiofrequency (RF) Radiation. American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/radiation-exposure/radiofrequency-radiation.html
Reilly DM, Lozano J. Skin collagen through the lifestages: importance for skin health and beauty. Plastic and Aesthetic Research. 2021; 8: 2. http://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2347-9264.2020.153