Why is everyone talking about radiofrequency treatments?

You may be considering responding to the demand for advanced esthetics by upgrading your skills to become a medical esthetician! This will likely be the boost that will take your career to the next level. The demand for advanced services such as laser hair removal, radiofrequency body and face treatments, skin resurfacing, microneedling and photofacials is on the rise.

Let’s take a look at how radiofrequency works!

The Rise in Demand for Radiofrequency Treatments

There has been a noticeable increase in the demand for RF (Radiofrequency) services in the esthetics industry. RF treatments have gained popularity due to their non-invasive nature, ability to target various skin concerns such as wrinkles, sagging, and cellulite, and their relatively minimal-no downtime compared to invasive procedures. As a result, many beauty clinics and medi spas have incorporated RF treatments into their service offerings to meet this rising demand.

It is now possible to get treatments similar to ‘The Beauty Sandwhich” in Canada. The RF Beauty Sandwich, a popular esthetic treatment offered in LA before a red carpet, combines multiple non-invasive procedures like radiofrequency (RF) skin tightening, micro-needling, and often incorporates skin care such as serums and masks.

Beauty specialist, Ivan Pol, who popularized RF for celebrities says “no fillers, no Injectables…I use [RF] technology and massage to elevate, define and streamline a face – as opposed to augmenting it. For me, it’s about enhancing what’s already there and carving out those natural contours.”

This combination aims to address various skin concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, texture irregularities, and sagging.

As these advanced, results-based treatments gain prominence, estheticians are increasingly taking courses to become medical estheticians. By acquiring proficiency in RF, microneedling, and laser technologies, estheticians diversify their range of services, catering to clients who desire advanced, non-surgical solutions. This also enables them to operate within medical spas or advanced beauty environments, where these technologies are utilized to achieve substantial skin revitalization and restructuring.

This transition amplifies their expertise, bolsters their professional reputation, and broadens their clientele, perfectly aligning with the escalating call for sophisticated esthetic procedures.

RF treatments for body contouring use radiofrequency energy to heat the deeper layers of the skin, stimulating collagen production and promoting the elimination of fat cells while tightening the skin. RF treatments are often used to address skin laxity, improve the appearance of cellulite, and contour specific body areas.

Cynosure‘s FlexSure and TempSure RF treatments are non-invasive. They are well-tolerated, require little to no downtime, and provide gradual improvements in skin tightness and body contour over the course of multiple treatments.

What parts of the body and face body can I treat with radiofrequency?

BODY:

Abdomen: RF targets loose skin, improves skin laxity, and enhances abdominal contours.
Flanks (Love Handles): RF addresses excess fat and loose skin in the flank area.
Thighs: RF is commonly used on the inner and outer thighs to tighten the skin and contour.
Arms: RF improves sagging skin and tightness in the upper arms.
Back: RF is employed to target loose skin and improve contours in the back area.
Thighs: RF is commonly used to improve the appearance of cellulite on the inner and outer thighs.
Buttocks: RF is used to enhance the firmness, diminish the appearance of cellulite, and tighten the skin on the buttocks.

FACE:

Forehead and Brow: RF reduces fine lines and sagging skin on the forehead and brow region.
Cheeks and Jowls: RF tightens and lifts sagging skin, reducing the appearance of jowls and improving facial contours.
Jawline and Neck: It tightens the skin on the jawline and neck, addressing sagging and improving definition.
Around the Eyes: RF treatments target fine lines around the eyes, (including crow’s feet), diminishes dark circles and undereye bags, and lifts eyelids.
Nasolabial Folds: It helps improve the appearance of lines around the nose and mouth. You will see more dramatic results in this area when paired with other types of advanced facials. Talk to your skin and laser educator about blending treatments!
Deep wrinkles: While RF is an important part of non-surgical facelifts, it works best when combined with fractional laser to treat more established wrinkles. You will learn all about fractional laser in your Laser Technician or Medical Skin & Laser course.

Radiofrequency Body Contouring vs. Fat Freezing

Fat Freezing

Fat freezing such as coolsculpting is a non-invasive procedure that uses controlled cooling to target and freeze fat cells, which are then naturally eliminated by the body over time.

Over a period of time and multiple treatments, fat freezing can provide results. However, it is important to note that fat freezing is primarily designed for fat reduction and may not have a significant impact on skin tightening or cellulite. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet is essential to prevent new fat accumulation.

RF Body Contouring

RF (Radiofrequency) body contouring may be preferred over fat freezing when someone desires not only fat reduction but also skin tightening and cellulite reduction. RF technology not only targets and breaks down fat cells but also stimulates collagen production, leading to improved skin elasticity and tightness. Additionally, RF treatments can help address cellulite by targeting the connective tissue responsible for its appearance, providing a more comprehensive solution for those seeking both fat reduction and esthetic improvements in skin texture.

Both of these treatments damage and eliminate fat cells. In addition, RF body contouring also tightens skin and improves the appearance of cellulite. Neither of these treatments are weight loss treatments. They provide beautiful, toning and contouring results, but are best used along with healthy habits.

How Does RF Target Fat Cells?

Radiofrequency (RF) treatments for fat reduction work by delivering controlled heat energy to the targeted areas of the body. The RF energy penetrates the skin’s outer layers and reaches the deeper layers, where the fat cells are located. The heat from the RF energy causes several effects on the fat cells:

1. Thermal Fat Cell Damage

The heat generated by FlexSure RF energy raises the temperature of the fat cells, causing thermal damage to their structure. This thermal damage leads to the breakdown of the fat cell membranes.

2. Apoptosis: Fat Cell Death

The thermal damage induced by RF energy triggers a process called apoptosis, which is programmed cell death. This process helps initiate the natural elimination of damaged fat cells from the body. Skip to ‘How are fat cells eliminated?’ below to explore this process.

3. Stimulation of Metabolism

RF energy also increases the metabolic activity within the fat cells. This metabolic stimulation enhances the breakdown of stored fat and encourages the body to utilize the fat as a source of energy.

4. Collagen Stimulation

RF treatments also stimulate the production of new collagen fibres in the skin’s deeper layers. Collagen is a structural protein that helps improve skin elasticity and tightness. By increasing collagen production, RF treatments improve skin texture and appearance by tightening it.

How many treatments will my clients need?

RF treatments for fat reduction generally provide gradual results over time. The body’s natural processes will gradually eliminate the damaged fat cells, leading to a reduction in the treated area’s fat volume. Starting with 3-5 treatments and planning maintenance sessions every year allows your clients to enjoy their beautiful, sculpted curves. You should customize a plan for your clients based on your knowledge, the radiofrequency modality you are utilizing, your client’s unique skin and body, and their goals.

How are fat cells eliminated after a radiofrequency treatment?

After fat cells undergo apoptosis (programmed cell death), the body initiates a natural process to eliminate these damaged cells. Here’s how the body eliminates fat cells after apoptosis:

Inflammation and Phagocytosis: After fat cells die, the body responds by causing inflammation in the area around them. A type of cell called macrophages comes to the scene to help clean up. It does this by eating up and digesting the dead fat cells. It’s like a cleanup crew taking care of the mess!

Lymphatic System: Your lymphatic system is responsible for getting rid of waste materials. After a radiofrequency treatment, the lymphatic vessels in the treated area carry away the remains of the dead, digested fat cells. They transport waste products, including the broken-down fat, away from where the treatment happened.

Metabolism and Liver Processing + Elimination: Once the waste materials are taken away by the lymphatic system, they end up in the liver. The liver is an important organ that processes many compounds in our body. It takes the broken-down fat and either turns it into energy that our body can use or gets rid of it through our normal bodily processes, primarily through the urinary system.

Is radiofrequency a laser treatment?

No, radiofrequency uses a different type of energy than laser does. Laser rejuvenates skin by causing controlled injury for skin rebuilding which is good for resurfacing the skin for treating age spots, pore appearance, scars, stretch marks, tattoo removal, and deeper wrinkles. In contrast, radiofrequency is used to tighten skin, which makes it ideal for sculpting and firming.

Radiofrequency (RF) treatments offer an effective non-invasive option for enhancing the appearance of the body and face. The use of controlled heat energy to target fat cells leads to their breakdown and elimination. The body’s natural mechanisms remove the damaged fat cells. RF also stimulates collagen production, improving skin tightness and overall texture.

By taking courses to become a medical esthetician, and gaining expertise in RF and laser technologies, you can expand your service offerings, cater to clients seeking more comprehensive solutions, and operate in medi spa or advanced esthetics settings where these modalities are employed for more significant skin rejuvenation and remodeling.

Enhance your skills, credibility, and potential client base, to align with the growing demand for advanced esthetic procedures.

Medical Esthetics: How does radiofrequency (RF) work?