Skin Rejuvenation and RF Therapy: Is It Safe & Effective?
Embraced by celebrities, radiofrequency is becoming all the rage. Known in Hollywood and in magazines as the “No-Knife Facelift,” this non-invasive skin rejuvenation therapy uses electrical waves to encourage the body’s natural production of collagen. This is a natural substance that is produced in lesser amounts by the body as we age. Radiofrequency uses natural means to encourage the body to produce tighter, denser collagen that gives our skin a more youthful appearance. It can eliminate wrinkles, crows feet, and other natural effects of aging.
The treatment is comfortable. Many of the patients in our Cincinnati office liken it to a deep stone tissue massage. There is little to no downtime.
A Good Doctor and Quality Equipment Essential to Safe Treatment
As radiofrequency treatment moves into the mainstream, many people ask: Is it safe?
In short, yes — radiofrequency is safe for all skin types, no matter your level of sun exposure. However, it is critical to work with a trained doctor who has experience in radiofrequency treatments. It is essential not to do too many treatments. Like many things in life, it is possible to have too much of a good thing.
It is also important to work with a doctor who uses the latest FDA approved technology.
How RF Therapy Works
Radiofrequency uses electromagnetic rays to produce heat, which in turn induce collagen production and tightens skin for a more youthful appearance. When compared to laser approaches, the beauty of radiofrequency technologies for skin rejuvenation is they can safely penetrate to a deeper level in the tissue. Conversely, laser approaches can only address the surface because of the intense energy involved. The lower frequency energy also means radiofrequency can also treat a more versatile range of skin types safely.
RF Waves & Safety
Exposure to RF waves is a daily part of life in the 21st century. We receive this radiation through cell phones, Wi-Fi, and even TV. Technically, it’s classified by the FDA as “possibly carcinogenic to humans,” but so is coffee and electric lines. In short, no conclusive evidence has been found that even heavy exposure to RF waves causes cancer, not even by people who work with it every day as part of their job.
The FCC states on its website:
“While some experimental data have suggested a possible link between exposure and tumor formation in animals [male rats] exposed under certain specific conditions [9 hours of daily exposure], the results have not been independently replicated. Many other studies have failed to find evidence for a link to cancer or any related condition.”
Choose a Safe & Qualified Physician
As low risk and safe alternative for skin rejuvenation as RF treatment is, it is still crucial to work with an experienced and qualified physician who specializes in RF therapy. The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery suggests using the same discretion as you would for any cosmetic surgeon.
“Like any concentrated dose of energy, RF carries a risk for burns if performed incorrectly,” the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery states on its website. “You can almost completely mitigate this risk by choosing a provider who has in-depth knowledge and extensive experience in cosmetic laser and energy treatments, and specific training and experience in the treatment application you are considering.
The Blatman Health and Wellness Center is the first office in Cincinnati to feature the newest technology in RF equipment. The Tempsure Envi continuously monitors tissue temperature and time of exposure to guarantee consistency of treatment results.
It is also important to work with a physician who uses the latest technologies that include built-in temperature sensors to prevent excessive heating.
RF Therapy Offered by Dr. Blatman
At our Cincinnati office, Dr. Blatman uses TempSure Envi to perform RF treatments for skin rejuvenation. This technology uses highly sophisticating heating measurements that only start counting time when the required temperature is reached. This way you are getting the fullest effects of the treatment safely and reliably.
Dr. Blatman is a Board Certified Practitioner of Integrative and Holistic Medicine, Designated A.B.I.H.M., for American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine. He has safely been practicing RF treatment for skin rejuvenation for a number of years.
