When the term radiofrequency is used, does looking younger come to mind? No. One typically thinks of something like WiFi. The reality is that radiofrequency energy has been harnessed for a variety of purposes for close to 100 years. This includes wireless communication, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), coagulation of blood vessels in surgery, tumor ablation, physical and treatment of sleep apnea. Most radiofrequency technology operates within the frequency range of 3 kHz to 24 GHz. This frequency spectrum is designated as “ISM-RF bands,” and is reserved for industrial and medical purposes. WiFi for example operates at 2.5 to 5 GHz. The bottom line is radiofrequency energy is everywhere, and now it can be harnessed to make you pretty.
Radiofrequency treatment of the skin is a relatively recent phenomenon. The gist of this application is that an oscillating electrical current (Radiofrequency) causes molecules in the skin layers to collide with one another producing heat. This heat has a variety of biological effects including an immediate but temporary change in the helical structure of collagen, the primary building block of skin. This causes a straightening or reorientation of fibers that produces tightening. Radiofrequency also stimulates fibroblasts to spit out new collagen and elastin that rejuvenates the skin making it firmer and more youthful.
There are quite a few Radiofrequency-based devices at large including Exilis, TruSculpt, Velashape, and Venus Freeze just to name a few. The latest and most sophisticated addition to Radiofrequency skin rejuvenation is called Inmode Aesthetic Solutions. The Inmode device includes both non-ablative tissue heating (Forma and FormaPlus) and ablative, fractionated tissue treatment (Fractora). What makes this device state of the art is real time temperature control. The rejuvenation effects of Radiofrequency (neocollagen and neoelastin formation) are maximized within a fairly narrow temperature range of 42-430C. Above this temperature, you get burns like those seen with old school CO2 lasers or aggressive chemical peels. Below it, you get suboptimal results as often seen in previous Radiofrequency devices. To traverse this razors edge, Inmode has a patented safety feature on their device that correlates tissue impedance with temperature. When the set point chosen by the physician is passed, the delivery of Radiofrequency is cut off. Up until that point is reached, the device continues to deliver energy. Using Forma in conjunction with Fractora, a physician can tighten and lift loose skin, erase fine lines and wrinkles, improve prominent pores and acne scarring and the pigment changes that appear with age. This can be done safely and with reduced downtime compared to traditional and fractionated CO2 lasers that represented the previous gold standard for facial rejuvenation. Fractora and Forma by Inmode is a Star Trek type technology that takes facial rejuvenation a step further into the future away from the medieval technology knows as the scalpel.
Dr. Andrew Gear is a Plastic Surgeon in Charlotte, NC specializing in breast augmentation, breast reduction, Brazilian butt lift, tummy tuck, face enhancements, and liposuction. His practice Providence Plastic Surgery is a boutique Charlotte cosmetic surgery clinic with leading Charlotte plastic surgeon, Dr. Andrew Gear.
Our Charlotte plastics office is a Charlotte area plastic surgery facility specializing in breast augmentation, breast reduction, Brazilian butt lift, tummy tuck, face enhancements, and liposuction in the South Charlotte area. Delivering premium natural plastic surgery and natural cosmetic surgery services to clients in Charlotte, Ballantyne, Matthews, Pineville, Waxhaw, and all of North Carolina and South Carolina.
