RF Radio Frequency Machine
Like ultrasound and laser treatments, RF energy passes through the skin layers and heats them up. It’s used for skin tightening, collagen production, and body contouring by killing off fat cells.
The RF hand-pieces have two poles; negative and positive. They reach right down to the fatty layer, 20mm under the skin.
What is RF?
The RF technology behind cellular voice and data transmission, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth is based on the properties of electromagnetic waves with a high frequency, or radio frequencies. Alternating electrical currents in circuits create electromagnetic fields that can RF Radio Frequency Machine be transmitted through the air, known as RF EMR (electromagnetic radiation). RF transmitters and receivers are often packaged into transceiver modules, with common components including:
The power amplifier (PA) amplifies the low-frequency analog signal for transmission. The local oscillator (LO) provides a reference frequency for the transmitter and mixer. The mixer (up-converter) mixes the LO and PA signals to produce an RF output. The filter limits the amount of RF energy that gets into the receiver.
There is no conclusive evidence that RF fields cause health problems at normal levels of exposure. However, high-power RF transmitters do pose risks and require caution. The Federal Government has multiple agencies that monitor, research or regulate human exposure to RF fields. These include the Food and Drug Administration, Environmental Protection Agency and Occupational Safety and Health Administration. NIOSH is a part of the Department of Health and Human Services, and conducts research on a variety of issues related to worker exposures, including RF. The NIOSH website contains a lot of information on their RF safety programs.
How does RF work?
Anytime a current passes through an electrical conductor, it produces an electromagnetic field that radiates outward. This is the basic principle behind RF technology. Its two most common applications are heating objects and transmitting information wirelessly.
Any alternating current that moves through a conductor can produce an electromagnetic field. When the current is turned on and off, the properties of the resulting radiated field can be changed to convey information. This process is called modulation. The most common example of this is Morse Code, in which the amplitude of the radiated field changes to indicate whether it is a dot or a dash.
During an RF treatment, the clinician applies a conductivity gel to the client’s skin, then places the hand-pieces against the skin. The hand-pieces have either a single pole (monopolar), or a set of two poles with one negative and one positive (bipolar). The generator in the machine creates the current that flows through the hand-piece, which in turn passes through all skin layers to the deep subcutaneous fat layer up to 20mm below the surface.
When RF energy is applied to the skin, the cells of the underlying fat layer are heated up and destroyed. The resulting fatty acids are then transported out of the body through the lymph system. This is the same mechanism used by liposuction, and a major reason why this procedure produces such long-lasting results.
How does RF affect the skin?
RF heats the deeper skin tissues, which stimulates collagen production to tighten skin. This is particularly beneficial in the face to reduce sagging and for body contouring, such as tightening tummy skin after pregnancy or weight loss. RF can also be used in conjunction with other physical cosmetic treatments like microneedling.
When performed by a trained practitioner, RF treatments are safe and have minimal side effects, which may include some reddening of the skin or slight swelling. They are often a quick and effective treatment for skin tightening, cellulite reduction, and even fat-melting on the body (more on that later!).
It also has a detoxifying effect by increasing blood flow through vasodilation. This means that your RF Radio Frequency Machine cells get more oxygen and nutrients, while getting rid of waste products, helping them to work faster and better.
There are many different types of RF machines on the market, some that heat the deeper skin tissues and others that target specific areas, such as a chin lift or facial liposuction. The type of RF device you choose is based on your goals and skin sensitvity, so be sure to do your research before choosing the right machine for you. During a non-surgical RF treatment, you’ll lie down on a treatment bed and your practitioner will apply a conductivity gel to the areas being treated. The hand-piece is then pressed against the skin and you will feel a sensation of warmth with occassional cooling.
What are the benefits of RF?
Any alternating current that passes through a conductor (such as the wires in your wall plug) generates an electromagnetic field. At low frequencies, like the 60 Hz AC in your home, this is relatively weak and does not extend very far. At higher frequencies, such as those used in radio broadcasting and wireless communication technologies, RF can extend over very long distances without losing energy or signal strength. This is what allows for the transmission of TV and radio broadcasts, satellite communications, cell phones, and Wi-Fi. RF can also heat objects, as in microwave ovens and industrial applications.
When paired with ultrasound cavitation, RF can be used to reduce fat in targeted areas. The RF energy heats the deep layers of the skin, stimulating your adipocyte cells to undergo apoptosis (suicide), which causes fat deposits to break apart and be removed from the body through your lymphatic system.
There is no definitive answer to this question as research on the effects of RF on human tissue continues. However, several U.S. civilian government health and safety agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency, FDA, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration, have sponsored and conducted research on the biological effects of RF. Generally, RF energy is considered safe for the general public, and the results of RF treatments are well documented.
