The rejuvenation methods employing radio frequency are based on radio waves of certain frequency to penetrate and be absorbed by body tissues. The absorption of radio waves causes tissue heating as well as some structural molecular changes. 

The radio frequency treatment is usually delivered by placing an electrode onto the skin and applying alternating current of the required frequency. As a result, the skin is deep-treated with controlled doses of targeted radio waves. At the same time, the skin surface layer, consisting of the epidermis and upper dermis, may be cooled by a cryogenic spray to prevent open burns (especially when higher levels of energy delivery are employed). The treatment produces localized heat injury of the dermis and sub-dermal layer as well as the collagen contraction leading to skin tightening. The subsequent healing of the microscopic dermal and sub-dermal lesions causes further skin tightening and also reduces the depth of wrinkles. Notably, since the skin surface is preserved, the downtime after the procedure is relatively short.

In theory, this approach makes good sense. First, most of the ideas behind it have been in practical use for years. Such well-established rejuvenation methods as laser skin resurfacing,microdermabrasion and deep chemical peels, are partially based on skin remodeling following a controlled injury. Second, radio frequency tissue tightening is being used with reasonable success in other areas of medicine. For instance, endoscopic radio frequency devices are employed to tighten sphincters in the GI tract.

Mono polar radio frequency

Mono polar delivery of radio frequency for cosmetic rejuvenation is based on applying a single electrode to the treated area whereas the opposing electrode is relatively far removed so that the current goes deeply through the body. As a result, the tissue in the treated area is heated rather deeply (usually up to 20 mm) and intensely, which arguably increases both the potential benefits and risks. The more recent versions of mono-polar radio-frequency procedures are claimed to have an improved risk/benefit profile. Mono polar radio frequency is typically used to treat facial sag, skin laxity, and cellulite.

Bipolar delivery of radio frequency for cosmetic rejuvenation is based on applying two closely positioned electrodes to the treated area. The electric current that goes between the electrodes is relatively small and shallow. As a result, the tissue in the treated area is heated less deeply (usually up to 2-4 mm) and less intensely (compared to mono-polar RF devices). As a result, bipolar radio frequency procedures tend to be safer and gentler than the mono-polar ones. In particular, since bipolar RF effects are relatively shallow, there is less risk of the overheating and subsequent loss of facial fat, a side-effect sometimes seen after mono-polar treatments. Conversely, bipolar radio-frequency is less useful for indications when deep tissue heating may be desirable, such as cellulite treatment and sculpting.

Typically, a single bipolar RF treatment would produce less noticeable results than a monopolar one. Hence bipolar RF procedures are often done in a series of several treatments whose benefits are believed to be cumulative.

Mono polar plus bipolar radio frequency (Tripolar, Accent RF Mono-polar/Bipolar)

Since mono-polar and bipolar radio frequency treatments appear somewhat complimentary, some rejuvenation devices combine both. In particular device has both mono polar and bipolar electrodes on the same hand-piece. The manufacturer claims that their special algorithms of simultaneous application of mono polar and bipolar RF to the treated area reduce the side effects while maximizing the benefits. The Accent RF device has separate mono polar and bipolar hand-pieces, which the physician can use sequentially in the same treatment session.

Both mono polar and bipolar radio frequency are used for tissue tightening. Their effects are somewhat complementary because they deliver energy in different patterns and to different depth. Combining mono-polar and bipolar radio-frequency allows reduce the required intensity of each and thus minimize side effects and possibly increase effectiveness (as compared to each type of radio-frequency used alone). The combination of mono-polar and bipolar radio-frequency has been used for skin tightening, facial contouring, body sculpting and cellulite reduction.

Details:
Mono polar and bipolar radio-frequency (RF) are the modes in which radio frequency can be used in medicine and cosmetic. They can also be used in combination. As far as cosmetic rejuvenation is concerned, mono polar and bipolar radio frequency treatments appear somewhat complimentary.

Mono polar RF heats tissue in the treated area is heated rather deeply (usually up to 20 mm) and thus affects both the skin and subcutaneous fat. Bipolar RF heats the tissue in the treated area less deeply (usually up to 2-4 mm) and thus primarily affects the skin. The patterns if energy distribution also differ. Whether simultaneous treatment with both types of RF is additive, synergistic or otherwise in not entirely clear and needs further research. The manufacturers of mono polar+bipolar devices believe that such combination is synergistic and allows to reduce the required intensity of each and thus minimize side effects and possibly increase effectiveness.

Tripolar combines the electrodes for the mono-polar and bipolar RF application in the same hand piece. It also utilizes sophisticated control algorithms for optimizing the concurrent application of the two types of RF as well as tailoring the output to a particular patient and treatment goal.

According to Pollogen corporation, Tri Polar RF Technology has the following advantages [as quoted from their materials]:

• Treatment is not painful -Tri Polar RF technology focuses the RF energy right where it is needed requiring much lower energy than other RF technologies, thus avoiding the associated pain for the client.
• Treatment of both superficial and deeper fat layers – The Tri Polar RF technology uses sophisticated algorithms to control the treatment electrodes varying the current and polarity to achieve variable energy focus in different fat layers resulting in visible clinical results from the first treatment.
• Selective heating of fat tissue – The TriPollar RF technology directs energy selectively to fat tissue avoiding heating to other tissues thus achieving better clinical results.
• No cooling of skin or applicator is needed – The Tri Polar RF configuration and sophisticated control algorithm eliminates the need for skin and applicator cooling resulting in more efficient treatment and requires less treatment sessions.
• Fewer treatment sessions -Tripolar RF technology delivers focused energy achieving better and faster results.
• Light technology not required – applicable for all skin types and colors.

The ReFirme or refirm skin tightening procedure is one of the options available at day spas and the offices of dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons Exactly how it works is unknown, but it makes use of radio frequency and light energy

The ReFirme or refirm skin tightening procedure is one of the options available at day spas and the offices of dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons. Exactly how it works is unknown, but it makes use of radio frequency and light energy.

As we age, the skin becomes less firm for several reasons. Fewer elastic fibers are being produced. Hyaluronic acid levels are lower. Inflammatory and free radical molecules are involved, as well.

Heating the dermal layer of skin, which is where the elastic fibers are located, might somehow stimulate collagen and elastin production. Collagen and elastin are proteins that self combine in the dermis to form new elastic fibers.

The marketing material for ReFirme does not ?say? that the treatment stimulates collagen production. The material is actually very vague about what it does, but it seems to provide short-term results.

Whether or not the results are worth the cost of the treatment is up to the individual to decide. There are less expensive alternatives and we ?know? how those work.

With nutrients (protein, antioxidants, essential fatty acids, etc), it is possible to improve the skin?s health and function. Increasing your nutritional intake by taking oral supplements or changing your diet may be a necessary step.

Preliminary studies indicate that fish, soy, cocoa, white and green tea, grape seeds and tomatoes are beneficial for preventing and reversing sun damage, as well as enhancing or stimulating the production of collagen. In one human trial, a soy-based supplement was shown to improve the skin?s structure and firmness after six months. In another, a fish oil supplement was shown to improve firmness by 10% after three months.

It is logical that improved nutritional intake would improve the skin?s ability to create elastic fibers, which, in turn, would improve firmness. Since the fibers are composed of proteins, obviously, there must be enough protein in the diet in order for the body to produce the fibers. Both soy and fish are good sources of protein.

Topically applied nutrients have proven to be beneficial, as well. For example, the use of avocado extract was shown in one study to increase the amount of collagen in the skin. In another, the daily use of a protein complex called Functional Keratin was shown to improve the skin?s elasticity by 40% after 18 days of use, and increase the number of new cells in the skin by over 100%.

Creams containing coenzyme Q10 have been shown to reverse sun damage and reduce wrinkles, while improving the skin?s moisture content. Shea butter, jojoba, olive oil and grape seed oil have all proven to be beneficial for fading scars and stretch marks, reducing wrinkles and improving firmness.

Basically, if you follow a healthy diet, take some good supplements and use the best skincare products, you should be able to skip the more expensive approaches. But, if you do decide that laser or light energy treatments are right for you, a nourishing anti-aging cream will enhance the results and benefit your skin?s health.