Radiofrequency (RF) energy treatment is a new
and promising technology for non-surgical body contouring, fat and
cellulite reduction.
Pure RF energy alone or RF in combination with
other modalities which
combines RF with infrared,causing tissue mobilisation and suction can be
used in treatments to effectively contour the body and reduce the
appearance of cellulite and fat.
With deep, controlled heating of the fatty
layers under the skin, the effects of tissue tightening and increased
blood circulation mean that fatty deposits are drained through the
lymphatic system, reducing the appearance of cellulite. Based on current
RF technologies, most people should see at least a mild improvement in
their skin tone, with a temporary reduction in the appearance of
cellulite and possible inch loss, with minimal risks and downtime.
Prices for radiofrequency depend on the area(s)
treated and the device used.
-What is radiofrequency?
Technically speaking, radiofrequency is the
number of oscillations (or waves) per second of the electric and
magnetic fields within the radio waves portion of the electromagnetic
spectrum.
It is lowest of the electromagnetic radiation
frequencies within the spectrum, which itself spans from radio waves,
microwaves, infrared, optical (visible light), ultraviolet, x-rays, to
gamma rays.
By feeding an alternating current (AC) or
voltage through an antenna or electrode, electromagnetic waves can be
generated that radiate through space at the speed of light; called radio
waves. Radiofrequencies, or radio waves, have wavelengths ranging from
less than a centimetre to as long as 100 kilometres.
The domestic electricity which itself is an
alternating current could in theory be used for “electrosurgery”,
however as most people know, contact with this kind of electric current
can cause very undesirable effects such as electrocution and
uncontrolled neuromuscular (nerve and muscle) stimulation. However, if
the frequency of the alternating current is raised above the response
time of neuromuscular structures, we find the radiofrequency range which
can safely be used for medical/surgical applications.
By applying RF energy to the human body, which
can conduct current and therefore act as part of the electrical circuit,
any resistance encountered by the energy flow will cause heat to be
produced at the site of maximum resistance, which can be used to cut or
coagulate tissue.
When comparing non-ablative (procedures that do
not involve the destruction of the outer layer of the skin) techniques,
RF energy differs from laser (light) energy in that light energy tends
to scatter or absorb into the upper layers of the skin, making it
difficult to deliver sufficient heat into the deeper layers without
damaging the skin's surface.
Lasers therefore affect collagen in the upper
dermis, improving fine lines, wrinkles and skin texture, while RF energy
is able to penetrate deeper 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.
-Types of Radiofrequency delivery
--Monopolar (also called Unipolar)
Monopolar or unipolar refers to a device having
one pole or electrode.
With monopolar delivery, the current from the
generating machine flows through the body from a single electrode
(handpiece) and meets maximum resistance in the area around the tip of
the handpiece, where tissue heating in the subdermal layers then occurs.
A grounding, or “return pad” may also be used, attached to the patient’s
lower back or abdomen, to provide a low resistance path for the current
to flow back to the generating machine, to complete the electrical
circuit.
--Bipolar
Bipolar refers to a device having two poles or
electrodes.
With bipolar delivery, the current from the
generating machine flows only through the tissue which is between the
two electrodes on the handpiece; these electrodes start and complete the
electrical circuit. Hence, with bipolar delivery, no current flows
through the rest of the body, so no grounding or return pad is needed.
In all cases of radiofrequency delivery types,
it is the resistance to the current flow in the tissue, not the
electrode that generates the heating effect.
-What can radiofrequency (RF) energy treat?
Pure RF energy alone (such as the Accent™
device) or RF in combination with other modalities (such as the
Velasmooth™ device which combines RF with infrared, tissue mobilisation
and suction) can be used in treatments to effectively contour the body
and reduce the appearance of cellulite and fat.
With deep, controlled heating of the fatty
layers under the skin, the effects of tissue tightening and increased
blood circulation mean that fatty deposits are drained through the
lymphatic system, reducing the appearance of cellulite.
-What should you do before treatment?
You should try to avoid doing anything that will
irritate your skin immediately before treatment. This includes
sunbathing (natural or artificial). Practitioners are unlikely to treat
someone who has sun burn for example, as they would be more likely to
suffer pain from the addition of heat to the already damaged skin;
however an established tan would be fine.
Some women find that their skin is more
sensitive right before and during their menstrual cycle so if you are a
woman, you might want to take this effect on pain threshold into
consideration when scheduling your treatment appointment(s).
-What happens during a Radiofrequency For
Cellulite & Fat treatment?
Careful discussions regarding your reasons for
wanting treatment are very important before you begin the treatment. You
must also make sure that this treatment can deliver what you want and
how you would like to look afterwards. Your practitioner should be able
to answer all these questions.
A medical history should also be taken to make
sure that there are no reasons why you shouldn’t undertake treatment.
You may be asked to sign a consent form which means that you have
understood the potential benefits and risks associated with the
procedure.
Photographs may also be taken by the
practitioner for a "before and after" comparison at a later date.
-Procedure
Depending on your pain tolerance, a topical
anaesthetic cream may then be applied to your skin a short time prior to
treatment, to help numb the skin slightly; this will normally be removed
using alcohol cleansers immediately before your clinician commences the
procedure.
Depending on the device being used and your
practitioner, a “treatment grid” may then be drawn over the treatment
area to assist the practitioner in navigating whilst delivering the RF
energy; helping to assure an even application of the RF.
A lubricating oil, gel or cream will then also
be applied over the area to be treated which acts as an additional
barrier between the surface layers of your skin and the handpiece of the
device, mainly to avoid skin chafing.
Your clinician will then commence the RF
treatment working across the treatment area. Once completed a soothing
gel/lotion or cold pack may be applied to your skin.
-Repeat Procedures
Depending on the device being used it may be
recommended to have a session twice weekly with an average of 8 - 10
sessions in a treatment programme, or a session once every 1 - 2 weeks
with an average of 8 sessions in a programme, however with all devices
ongoing monthly maintenance will be required; your practitioner will be
able to determine a course of treatments specific to you and your needs.
-How long will it take to recover from
Radiofrequency For Cellulite & Fat?
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.
Depending on your practitioner you may be
advised to use certain soothing lotions, creams or gels to lightly apply
to the treatment area, or possibly cool, moisturising mists to apply as
you feel necessary.
-What are the risks and potential complications
from Radiofrequency For Cellulite & Fat treatment?
As the treatment is carried out you will
experience heating sensations every time the RF energy is delivered to
your skin and underlying tissue.
Some devices have inbuilt cooling mechanisms, to
protect your skin from the heating, and make the treatment more
comfortable.
As each person's pain tolerance and threshold
varies, it is difficult to quantify how painful or uncomfortable the
treatment is. It also depends on the device used and the power settings
for the treatment. Your clinician may offer you anaesthetic options,
such as a topical anaesthetic cream applied to your skin prior to
treatment, or relaxants and pain management drugs, that can minimize
your discomfort.
The most frequently reported side effects of
treatment with RF energy are swelling, redness or bruising on or around
the treated area, which typically disappear in a few days or weeks.
There are also reports of a feeling of dry skin in the treated area for
a couple of days, lubrication with aloe-vera can be helpful for this.
Some people may notice a slight increase in
urine output following treatment. This is because any excessive fluid
build up in between cells in the area treated is drained through the
lymphatic system via the treatment process – this then gets excreted in
the urine.
In very rare circumstances and if the correct
instructions are not followed by the practitioner, it is possible to
suffer from a skin burn.
-What should you do after a Radiofrequency For
Cellulite & Fat treatment?
No special care is needed after treatment
although your practitioner may suggest some of the following:
Light application of soothing/moisturising
lotions, creams or gels to the treatment area, such as aloe-vera; cool,
moisturising mists applied as you feel necessary; cool water rinses or
ice packs applied to the treatment area.
Who should not have a Radiofrequency For
Cellulite & Fat treatment?
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 patients should not undergo this treatment.
People with sensory disturbance to the skin may
not be considered good candidates as this could make the reporting of
discomfort during the procedure unreliable, leading to potential harm.
Although there is no evidence that this
treatment is harmful for pregnant women, you would generally be advised
to wait until after you have given birth before embarking upon a course
of treatment.
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.
-Who can perform Radiofrequency For Cellulite &
Fat?
Depending on the device used, this procedure is
generally available only in the offices of qualified therapists who
specialise in cosmetic procedures.
-What is the average cost of Radiofrequency For
Cellulite & Fat?
Prices for radiofrequency treatments depend on
the area(s) being treated and the device being used.
Join Empathy's
Cellulite Treatment !
|