Typical side effects of RF treatment include:

• Redness and Heat: The application of focused heat energy causes the treated skin to remain red and hot for several hours afterward.
• Swelling: The treated area will remain swollen for up to two days after treatment. The swelling will gradually subside.

RF devices emit radio waves via an alternating electric current and electromagnetic field. These devices can be monopolar or bipolar:

• Monopolar Machines: Such as Thermage, deliver energy through a single treatment head. A metal pad linked to the device is placed under the patient’s shoulder, focusing the energy to target precise locations within the skin at depths up to 2cm.

Bipolar Devices: These have two electrodes on the treatment head through which the current passes, ensuring the energy does not penetrate too far into the skin tissues (e.g., 2mm). If deeper treatment is required, the energy is delivered through needles inserted into the skin.

Unlike laser treatment and IPL, Fractional RF is considered almost always safe for all skin types. Laser and IPL can be problematic for darker skin because they target melanin, potentially causing pigmentation issues. RF energy heats collagen without affecting melanin.

At Skin Medical, Dr. Sabika Karim ensures the highest standards of care and safety in all RF treatments. Contact our team today to learn more about our advanced RF treatments and how we can help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

Fractional RF treatment can sometimes be challenging for patients, but great results can be achieved. The use of sufficient anaesthetic cream ensures a comfortable procedure.

Fractional RF aims to generate new collagen, refreshing and smoothing the skin’s surface while also tightening it. The micro-channels created by the needles allow for faster healing, as only tiny channels of tissue are damaged, leaving the surrounding tissue unharmed.

Essentially, Microneedling is similar to Fractional RF. Heat energy applied through needles stimulates collagen production in the dermis layer.

Fractional RF treatment creates tiny channels into the dermis layer where the collagen lies, similar to Laser Fractional Technology. In Fractional RF treatment, tiny needles on the device are driven into the skin, delivering energy to the required depth of tissue. The needles are insulated except for their tips, ensuring that energy is delivered directly to the desired point.

RF can be used for skin resurfacing by working more deeply into the skin tissues. This variation of RF technology is called Fractional Radiofrequency or Radiofrequency Microneedling.

The benefits of RF treatments generally last from several months to two years, depending on the condition of the skin and how the patient looks after it. Practitioners will recommend follow-up procedures to maintain the appearance for as long as possible.

It is typical for patients to have about six RF treatments at regular intervals over four weeks. Some practitioners may recommend more, such as eight or ten treatments.

RF treatment typically takes between 15 and 60 minutes, depending on the device used and the area being treated. Anaesthetic cream is sometimes used for intensive treatments and takes 20-30 minutes to take effect before the procedure begins.