RF skin tightening: collagen stimulation with radiofrequency, once a year
RF tightening uses monopolar radiofrequency to heat the dermis evenly to 40–45°C, causing collagen to contract and regenerate. Suited to thin skin, fine lines and the area around the eyes. One session a year.
How RF tightening works
Monopolar RF belongs to the same technology family as Thermage. Radiofrequency current flows through the tissue, and the skin's resistance generates heat. Unlike HIFU, which focuses on points, RF heats a broad volume across the dermis and upper fat layer. At 40–45°C existing collagen contracts immediately and fibroblasts are stimulated to produce new collagen over the following 3–6 months. The treatment tip alternates cooling with heating to protect the surface skin throughout.
How HIFU and RF differ
| Aspect | HIFU | RF tightening |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | Ultrasound focused at points | Radiofrequency heating a volume |
| Depth | 1.5 / 3 / 4.5 mm, down to the SMAS layer | Dermis to upper fat layer |
| Strengths | Lifting the jawline, double chin and neck | Firmer, smoother skin, fine lines, around the eyes |
| Sensation | Pulses of deep heat | Warm to hot spread across the area, better tolerated |
| Suited to | Medium-thickness skin with jawline sagging | Thin skin, age 30 and over, or prevention before sagging |
| Frequency | Once a year | Once a year |
Who it suits
- Skin beginning to sag and cheeks losing firmness, but no pronounced double chin yet
- Fine lines on the cheeks, forehead and around the mouth
- Upper eyelids beginning to droop, under-eye bags and crow's feet (Eyes option)
- Thin skin that is not suited to focused point energy
- Wanting a single session a year rather than repeated visits
The procedure day
Results over time
Have a pacemaker or other implanted electronic device, are pregnant, have metal in the treatment area (other than small dental fillings assessed by the doctor), have non-dissolving filler or silicone in the area, have open wounds or a skin infection, or have had HA filler injected less than 2 weeks ago
Related services
Prices
| RF tightening full face Including grounding pad and gel, number of shots set by the doctor | [ ] |
| RF around the eyes (Eyes) Dedicated tip for the upper eyelids, under the eyes and outer corners | [ ] |
| RF face and neck Adds the under-chin and neck zones | [ ] |
Frequently Asked Questions
RF or HIFU: which should I choose?
If the main concern is a sagging jawline and double chin, HIFU reaches deeper. If your skin is thin, you have fine lines or you want treatment around the eyes, RF is the better fit. Many people have both, spaced as the doctor advises.
Does RF tightening hurt?
Most people feel brief warmth to heat followed immediately by cooling. The doctor asks about the heat level during treatment and adjusts it, so topical anaesthetic is not usually needed.
Are RF results visible straight away?
There is slight tightening from the first day, but the main result comes from new collagen, which takes 3–6 months. Results vary from person to person.
Can I have RF after filler?
Leave at least 2 weeks, and always tell the doctor where filler was injected. If it is non-dissolving filler or silicone, RF should not be performed over that area.
What are the side effects and limitations of RF?
Redness, swelling or tenderness for 1–3 days is common. Rarely, temporary raised bumps or superficial burns can occur if the energy is too high, a risk that the heat rating during treatment helps reduce. RF cannot lift a large amount of sagging tissue; if the jawline is clearly sagging, HIFU or a thread lift may be a better fit.
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