Radio Frequency Skin Tightening: A Safe and Effective Treatment

During a recent survey including 2,000 Americans, approximately 59% reported feeling uncomfortable in their skin or body. Out of that 59% of surveyed individuals, 67% stated that skin problems were their biggest concern. 

Signs of aging can make women (and men) feel less confident and lower self-esteem. If you have wanted to find natural ways to spark your body’s fountain of youth, we have a solution for you. Skin tightening procedures such as radio frequency platforms are tools used by qualified practitioners to help reduce wrinkles and improve skin contouring. 

At La Belle Vie, we have put together a complete guide that will go over what radio frequency skin tightening is and why it could help you achieve that natural glow once more, so keep reading for more information!

What Is Radio Frequency Skin Tightening?

An increasingly popular skin tightening treatment uses radio frequency waves that result in skin smoothing benefits without surgical interventions. Radio frequencies use energy waves that permeate skin layers, heating the deeper dermis layer and stimulating collagen growth. 

There’s a lot to break down here. First – radio frequency uses radiation, which releases electromagnetic waves. These waves are an energy form, causing an increase in skin temperature. 

An important distinction to keep in mind is that it is not a skin tightening laser. Skin tightening treatments that use lasers are minimally invasive but use similar mechanisms of action to heat your skin and promote collagen growth. 

Monopolar vs. Bipolar Frequencies

When researching skin tightening procedures and radio frequency techniques, you will encounter monopolar and bipolar frequencies. Monopolar is exactly as the name sounds – it uses one electrode and grounding pod. 

Bipolar uses two active poles and is more easily controlled while also stimulating superficial tissues. Both have their benefits and are used for cosmetic purposes. Often, monopolar was started for its skin tightening effects, but bipolar provides better depth control. 

Studies that used radio frequency energy to treat urinary stress incontinence found little difference in the long-term between monopolar and bipolar frequencies. 

If you’re seeking the most advanced and effective radio frequency skin tightening treatments, turn to the expertise of La Belle Vie, known for being among the best plastic surgeons in Wilmington, NC. Our skilled team is committed to utilizing cutting-edge techniques to provide optimal results and meet your aesthetic goals. Contact us for personalized consultations and discover the transformative possibilities of our advanced cosmetic procedures.

How Does Heat Help Your Skin?

Most skin tightening facial treatments use heat to reduce signs of aging and improve complexions. Medically speaking, radio frequency applications cause two profound effects:

1. Shortening and thickening of collagen fibers
2. Initiates wound healing (e.g., elastin reorganization and new blood vessel formation)

Experts found that your dermis layers must reach temperatures between 65°C (149°F) and 68°C (154.4°F) for optimal contraction. Epidermis layers should reach 38°C (100.4°F) to 42°C (107.6°F). 

New collagen and elastin can start forming at these temperatures during the next three to four months. Achieving these optimal temperatures rides a fine line. Too little heat and you don’t initiate the effects noted above, but you could risk skin damage if temperatures exceed these ranges. 

That doesn’t mean your qualified dermatologist or clinician might use lower temperatures. Dropping the recommended guidelines by 5°C (41°F) means applications will take around ten times longer. 

Benefits of Collagen and Elastin Formation

Wrinkles are one of the primary reasons patients seek cosmetic facial procedures. They are one of the key signs of aging, but excessive UV exposure, lifestyle habits, and diet play a role in wrinkle formation.

It goes without saying using proper skin care products, protecting your skin against harmful UV rays, and cutting out smoking or other negative lifestyle factors reduces wrinkle appearance. The main premise of using these techniques is to facilitate healthy collagen and elastin formation.

Radio frequency skin tightening procedures also aim for this. Collagen density and production are greatest between 25 and 34 years. Afterward, collagen production decreases by 25% during the next 40 years. 

Deterioration in collagen production leads to characteristic signs of aging, such as:

• Sagging skin
• Age spots
• Wrinkles
• Fine lines
• Skin dehydration

You can find collagen levels nearly everywhere in the body. It is in your skin, tendons, ligaments, bones, and more. In your skin, collagen is primarily located in the dermis, making radio frequency treatments effective at targeting your body’s natural fountain of youth.

Elastin works similarly to collagen and is a protein that facilitates skin elasticity. Most elastin development occurs during infancy or fetal stages of development.

When seeking effective and safe solutions for skin tightening, consider the advanced options available in plastic surgery in Wilmington, NC. La Belle Vie offers innovative radio frequency treatments designed to enhance collagen and elastin production, promoting skin rejuvenation and restoring a youthful appearance. Our skilled team is dedicated to providing the latest advancements in plastic surgery to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

As you age, elastin has much less turnover than collagen. Once elastin becomes damaged, your skin loses its ability to stretch and recoil. Tropoelastin is one of the main building blocks, and researchers find it decreases throughout adulthood.

Some of the risk factors that cause it to decline are age and sun exposure. Elastin is also located in the dermis layer, although it is more challenging to stimulate new growth and maturity than collagen. 

VOTIVA Radio Frequency Treatments

At La Belle Vie, there are two radio frequency treatments you can benefit from:

• Morpheus8
• Forma V

VOTIVA is a platform for radio frequency application that is FDA-approved and safe for cosmetic treatments. Morpheus 8 uses fractional radio frequency energy and is largely considered an upgrade from microneedling techniques. Some of its benefits are:

• Skin tightening
• Reducing acne scarring
• Reducing stretch marks
• Reducing enlarged pores
• Managing fine lines and wrinkles
• Reducing sun damage effects

Forma V is another radio frequency system that provides women with an alternative treatment for vaginal rejuvenation. Forma V helps with vaginal laxity, wrinkling, dryness or discomfort, and urinary stress incontinence. It can also help stimulate vaginal wall strength and improve sexual function. 

Start Your Skin Tightening Journey Today

Have you wondered if there are non-surgical skin tightening products available? At La Belle Vie, we specialize in various surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures that reduce signs of aging and promote a healthy, youthful glow. 

Plastic surgery in Wilmington, NC is an evolving field, and at La Belle Vie, we stay at the forefront by offering cutting-edge treatments like radio frequency procedures. Radio frequency treatments, including fractional radio frequency and vaginal rejuvenation techniques, are among the innovative tools we use. The benefit of these treatments is that there is little downtime, and the results can last for months. If you’re seeking effective and safe solutions for skin tightening, our skilled team is dedicated to providing the latest advancements in plastic surgery in Wilmington, NC to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

Are you ready to get started? Contact us today for a consultation!