Thank you!! Okay…..so this a really interesting area and very much in the news everywhere. And….like anything that seems easy with not too much money, a lot of it isn’t real. Before you decide whether to spend money on this, it’s helpful to understand the differences.
Table of Contents
Radiofrequency versus deep radiofrequency
Radiofrequency. In the past (and still), radiofrequency (RF) was applied to the surface of the skin, with a cooling technology of some type. Systems in this category were Thermage, Ultherapy, Exilis, Thermi, and Pelleve. They all gave more or less the same results and worked better on face than the neck. Most appropriate for visible tightening in a younger group (usually 30s-50s). In an older group 50s-70s, they could also be used for jawline maintenance. Still a good goal, but not a visible lift or facelift-like effect. Everyone builds collagen with these systems which thickens the skin in a good way. We liked Thermage on the face and Exilis on the neck bevcause less painful, but good result.
Deep radiofrequency (RF). In the past few years, we seen a true break though in systems that deliver the energy directly into the deeper skin (dermis) with tiny, highly engineered needles. Several are now on the market, for example, Profound and Venus V.
Be sure to distinguish between the systems that supply the RF from the skin side with tiny engineered pins (above), and the systems that supply RF from under the skin with a long canula and insertion points (ex. Thermitight). Some of these under skin canulas come with portals for suctioning fat at the same time. These are generally more dangerous because there’s more risk of the temperature controls (the external temp cameras don’t work well) not being accurate (burns), getting too close to nerves (nerve damage usually temporary X 3-6 months) and uneven bumps due to uneven results on the fat.
Why didn’t I get good results (possibilities)?
- Provider didn’t do well technically with proper placement in the dermis. See more about the importance of choosing a provider.
- Not enough energy delivered either temperature, placement of pins, length of pulses, # of pulses.
- Provider didn’t set realistic expectations.
- Health and/or age not conducive to good collagen, elastic fiber repair and regeneration
- Very thin skin (speaks to realistic expectations)
Skincare for the neck.
It’s really important to protect this skin as much as your face and use actives. Here’s a good sunscreen for neck and chest and two great neck creams (first two).
More next week on which systems work best and why!
Hope this helps,
Dr. B
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