ReFirme is a nonsurgical skin-tightening treatment that combines radiofrequency and infrared-light energies to heat dermal tissue that has experienced collagen loss. This stimulates collagen production and produces a firming effect in lax skin. By remodeling the dermal layer of the skin and stimulating new collagen growth, fine wrinkles are reduced, lifting can be observed on sagging skin, and texture appears smoother and more toned. ReFirme is FDA-cleared for wrinkle treatment on all skin types and colors.
ReFirme differs from other skin tightening treatments, like Ultherapy and Thermage, in that it uses a combination of both radiofrequency energy and infrared light. Ultherapy uses ultrasound energy, while Thermage uses radiofrequency energy. Both create heat that penetrates the surface of the skin to increase collagen production, but ultrasound energy usually can reach deeper into the dermal layer, even down to the fat, to provide more dramatic and noticeable skin tightening. Because of this, some doctors on RealSelf say Ultherapy is a better choice to treat more moderately loose neck skin or sagging brows, while ReFirme and Thermage are better for firming and plumping areas that have lost volume, such as around the eyes and mouth.
“The most important thing to understand is that this is not surgery, and one should not expect a surgical outcome,” explains Sterling Heights, Michigan, oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Mark Berkowitz in a RealSelf Q&A. “The advantage of Thermage is that you can obtain tightening through one treatment. More treatments are necessary to achieve equal tightening with ReFirme; I find a series of five to be of most benefit. But unlike Thermage, where we give patients medication to relax them during the procedure, patients who chose ReFirme don’t need this, so they can drive themselves home. That’s a major benefit for many.”
You can prep for ReFirme by avoiding excessive sunlight exposure as much as possible and pausing your use of retinoids, acids, and any potentially irritating topical treatments the week before the procedure.Â
At your treatment session, your provider will rub a conducting gel across the areas of your skin to be treated and give you a special pair of glasses to protect your eyes. Then they’ll place the device on the targeted area of your skin and activate the light and radiofrequency. You'll feel a brief warm, prickly sensation as it moves over your skin, but it’s not painful.Â
Immediately after the procedure, you can expect some redness, swelling, light blistering, blanching (a temporary whitening of the treated area), and scabbing, but these side effects usually disappear after a few hours. Temporary bruising may occur as well but should fade within a few days.Â
You can immediately return to your normal activities. Just avoid direct exposure to sunlight and apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher frequently following treatment for the first week or so.Â
To reduce swelling and redness, you can apply cold compresses or ice packs to the treated areas. Doctors also suggest that you avoid saunas, hot tubs, or anything that exposes your skin to an excessive amount of heat for at least the first three days following treatment. When you’re washing the area, use nonabrasive products.Â
ReFirme results are gradual and cumulative. Most people require three to five treatments, scheduled three to four weeks apart. Once you’ve achieved your desired results, one maintenance treatment, every six months, is recommended.
