Radio frequency (RF) therapy, also called radio frequency skin tightening, is a non-surgical method of tightening the skin. This heat stimulates the production of collagen.

The procedure involves the use of energy waves to heat the deep layer of the skin known as the dermis.

Collagen is the most common protein in your body. Creates the frame of your skin and firms your skin.

As you age, your cells produce less collagen, which causes sagging skin and wrinkles. Skin laxity occurs around the age of 35 to 40 when the quantity and quality of your collagen begins to decline.

Radio frequency therapy has been used since 2001 to combat sagging skin and the signs of aging. In this article, we will see how this cosmetic therapy works and what potential benefits it has for your skin.

How Radio Frequency Therapy Works For Skin Tightening

Some of the more common types of systems include:

• Exile
• Deep RF
• Thermage
• Thermi

The procedure normally takes less than an hour and should be almost painless.

What are radio frequency waves?

RF waves are a form of radiation. Radiation is the release of energy in the form of electromagnetic waves.

It can be classified as low or high energy depending on the amount of energy released. X-rays and gamma rays are examples of high-energy radiation, while RF waves are considered low-energy.

Potential benefits

The main benefits of radiofrequency therapy are tightening the skin and removing wrinkles.

However, RF therapy can also help combat sun damage due to its ability to stimulate collagen production.

Fight against sun damage

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause collagen fibers in the skin to break down and become disorganized.

Facial contour

One small study looked at the effect of RF combined with pulsed electromagnetic therapy for 8 weeks.

Dangers of Radio Frequency Skin Tightening

Radiofrequency skin tightening is generally considered safe when performed by a certified Cosmetic Surgery surgeon. This type of procedure and any aesthetic procedure should be performed by professional experts in the field.

If the procedure is done incorrectly, it is possible to get burned.

The most common side effects include:

• temporary swelling
• flushing
• tingle

“Although the long-term effects of low-energy radiation are not fully known, there has been no conclusive evidence at this time to suggest that RF radiation poses a risk to human health.”

Radio frequency skin tightening before and after

The photos below show the results that people often experience with radio frequency skin tightening.

Radio Frequency Skin Tightening at Home

Several companies offer RF therapy devices for home use. There is evidence that at least some machines can be effective in treating sagging skin and wrinkles.