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Radiofrequency Treatment Fact Sheet

The objective

Radiofrequency treatment - or ‘Thermage’ - is a non-surgical procedure using electrodes to tighten the skin on the face and restore some of the natural ageing process, leading to lifting of the face, brow, and cheeks in order to give a more 'youthful' appearance. Radiofrequency treatment is considered to be a ‘non-invasive face lift’ but doesn’t have the same dramatic effects as a surgical face lift.

The procedure

The procedure can be carried out with local topical anaesthetic cream and can take up to two hours.

The practitioner will use a special machine containing electrodes to deliver radiofrequency energy into the middle and lower layers of the skin. Radiofrequency treatment is a ‘non-ablative’ treatment, meaning that it acts by heating the middle and lower layers of the skin while causing little or no damage to the top layer. With each contact of the device, a heating or burning sensation will be experienced. This heating process aims to tighten the existing collagen and stimulate new collagen to form. Some apparatus also include cooling spray to cool the treated area immediately following the action of the radio waves.

The procedure is sometimes combined with laser or intense pulsed light treatment.

The outcome

Following the procedure, the face may be red for 1-2 days after treatment, and some people may experience bruising or blistering. Swelling is usually mild to moderate, and lasts about 3-7 days.

Normally, you can leave the clinic a few minutes after the procedure. You can usually return to work by the next day, depending on swelling, and resume most activities within a few hours.

The face should gradually appear firmer and more ‘youthful’ in appearance as a result of this surgery, although it may take 4-6 months before you see the best results. The effects are not permanent but should last for around two years.

The risks

There are few risks associated with radiofrequency treatment but complications particular to it include skin blisters or burns which can lead to mild scarring and changes in skin colour or pigment.

If pigmentation problems occur, it may be anywhere from 3-12 months before normal skin tone returns.

The treatment is not suitable for people who have pacemakers or any metal implants as the radiofrequency energy may interfere with the safe operation of these devices or implants.

The costs

Costs depend on how much of the face is treated. For a full face treatment in the UK, expect to pay from around £2,000. Abroad, expect to pay from around £1,000 - £2,500 (USA).

The availability

Radiofrequency treatment is relatively new and availability is not as widespread as other procedures, but it is available at some specialist skin care clinics within the UK and abroad.

The popularity

Radiofrequency treatment is a relatively new procedure and is most suited to people who are on the ‘verge’ of ageing, rather than those with lots of loose skin and wrinkles, so is more popular with younger people who want to give a fresher look to their face before ageing ‘kicks in’.

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Page 1: The objective

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