Radio Frequency Treatments & Why You Should Get Them

Who remembers the “facial contouring” craze of 2012? Remember when Kim Kardashian posted a picture of herself with and without makeup contouring? People went crazy, because now they too could show off perfectly contoured faces with a few makeup tricks. What seems to stand out in my mind is how ridiculous most people looked, but that’s probably just me. Don’t get me wrong, I would love to wake up magazine ready, but the truth is that if you don’t have a good palette to work on, there’s no amount of contouring a person can do to make skin look lifted and springy.
Among the popular non-invasive tissue tightening services used to treat skin wrinkles and laxity, Radiofrequency (RF), which is FDA-cleared is probably one of the most widely used technologies. Why? Because the objective of RF is to stimulate changes in collagen conformation and induce neocollagenesis (that’s fancy for making new collagen) by thermal power (heat) generation in deep layers of the skin and subcutaneous tissue where collagen is formed. When used for cosmetic purposes this technology is highly controlled for safety and is most commonly used for facial skin tightening, body contouring or vaginal rejuvenation. We will be discussing is uses for skin tightening and body contouring only.

So, what is Radio Frequency?

Radio wave frequency (RF) is energy, they are electromagnetic waves (electrical currents). RF is used in many different medical treatments. Cosmetically we use RF to help promote collagen growth within the skin to help reverse the signs of aging. When a client notices that their skin is not as springy and loses laxity, RF treatments such as Thermage are great because the energy will stimulate new collagen growth, which in turns helps restore spring to the skin. The RF energy stimulates your body into producing collagen and to help tighten the existing collagen.
There are three different types of RF available and Beautique Medical spa offers two different types. Why do we have two types of RF? Like a master carpenter with his tools, having multiple equipment provides our skin providers with the ability to truly choose the best option for the client depending on the skin, age, and what part of the body needs skin tightening. Dr. Sanchez chose Thermage and 3Deep by EndyMed for the RF options to offer.

What is the difference between Thermage and 3 Deep?

• The main difference is that Thermage uses a monopolar This targets the deep collagen below the epidermis, it is a concentrated target of energy below the epidermis.
• 3 Deep EndyMed is a multisource of radiofrequency that is a type of combination of multipolar and monopolar RF. Therefore, this energy targets 3 different levels of the skin. The energy is spread throughout the 3 different level of the epidermis and below the epidermis so it’s not as concentrated or reaches as deeply as Thermage. This is great to use after Thermage or to start using in your 30s to help stimulate collagen production early. The older you get, the harder it is to stimulate new collagen.

Both Thermage and 3 Deep use a gel or liquid that helps to keep the skin cool. Both will heat of the skin within the same heat tolerance. Side effects are the same for both, which can be mild redness and the skin may feel warm, which may last from a few minutes to about 30 minutes.

Which treatment would be best for me Thermage or 3 Deep EndyMed?

This greatly depends on age and the damage or loss of collagen that a person has lost. For this reason, we require a consultation before these types of treatments so that we can analyze the skin thoroughly and address concerns, explain options, and set expectations.
The assessment portion of the consultation allows the skin specialist to measure the loss of collagen and make an informed decision based on whether the collagen loss is superficial or deep below the epidermis or if it is more superficial, or a combination of both. Age is also a factor into the decision of which machine (Thermage or 3 Deep) would be best. The area to be treated will also determine which treatment option to use. Thermage and 3 Deep can be used mostly anywhere on the body for tightening.

Can I do both treatment options? Can I use both treatment options?

The answer is yes! A person may need to use both Thermage and 3 Deep in order to achieve optimal results. This will greatly depend on the treatment area, loss of collagen and age. For example, a person in their mid 40s may use 3Deep on their face but may need Thermage for the eyes. Another example could be a person may want 3 Deep for buttocks or thighs but need Thermage for the arms. This is one of the reasons why a thorough consultation is crucial.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

Because they are two different forms of RF, the amount of treatments needed vary by technology.  Thermage treatments are pretty much schedule one at a time per area treated.  Most clients will get their treatment and will check in for their results in about six months. Oh, before we forget, PATIENCE. Your skin didn’t lose laxity overnight, it won’t regrow collagen overnight either. It will take about six months to really see the plumpness. Most clients will see an immediate smoothness and contouring, and it ONLY gets better with time.  Many Thermage clients will get a second treatment about a 9-12 months after the first treatment if they want.
If we are using 3 Deep, since that technology works differently, we need a series for that. Minimum of 3 for face scheduled a month a part, and a minimum of 6 for body parts also scheduled a month apart. And like we’ve mentioned, sometimes we will combine both therapies depending on what we find during the analysis. But you never have to worry because we will discuss every option along the way so you will never have any surprises when it comes to treatments.
When our clients choose to allow us to transform their skin, they must agree to follow our skincare recommendations. They are spending a lot of money on these treatments and we want to make sure that they are using proper homecare. The reason for this is we want to make sure that the ingredients in the products are safe to use with the services, that they aren’t full of toxins which can damage your skin, we want to make sure that we reduce any sensitivity etc. When getting radiofrequency treatments such as Thermage, it is important to continue using products containing growth factors to help continue the collagen and elastin production.

How Much Does Radio Frequency Cost?

Cost depends on the type of treatment. Pricing ranges from $500 – $2500 per treatment. We offer better pricing on bundles and series, and our members always pay their member pricing 365 days a year. Thermage will be more expensive, but you will need less treatments. This is a technology where the more expensive treatment is not always your best option. After your consultation, we’ll know the type of collagen loss and which machine your skin will respond better to.

Is there any Downtime?

The beauty about these treatments is that there is no downtime. You can go on with your day. You will feel some heat, but your therapist will control the treatment to make you the most comfortable possible.

What Products Should I Use After These Types of Treatments?

Our therapist will make sure that you are on products specifically created to continue to help promote collagen and elastin promotion. Some of our favorite products are:
Antioxidant Complex Serum – $72
A versatile complex that provides instant firming and toning action; may be cocktailed with other serums or moisturizers for added support but is hydrating enough to use alone as a daily moisturizer.
Dermal Contour Pressed Serum $199
A profoundly different skin firmer to create tighter skin that pushes back. With the strength of a serum and the silky hydration of a cream, this lightweight, hybrid formulation visibly improves skin firmness and diminishes the appearance of wrinkles. Working synergistically from within, master hydrator HSA and the skin-firming duo DSA and CSA help support the skin’s growth factors, while hydrating and repairing like nothing else.
Senté Neck Firming Cream $99
Our necks are often neglected, but they reveal one’s true age. This Neck firming cream is an advanced treatment formulated with the master hydrator, HSA and a combination of key ingredients, improves the appearance of skin tone and texture of the delicate skin of the neck and décolletage.
DNA Eye Repair Cream $ 69 This is a luxuriously rich eye crème for the delicate eye area. Helps diminish signs of premature aging. Unscented (natural fragrances from botanicals removed) for even the most sensitive skins.
Congratulations! You now know more about radiofrequency than the average person. Next time you look in the mirror and aren’t 100% happy with the reflection staring back at you, consider starting radiofrequency treatments. Ready to take the next step? Remember, perfect skin starts with a consultation. Call us at 956-664-1234 to schedule your Perfect Complexion Analysis today.