Hello, great questions, thank you for asking! There are a few different devices that utilize RF and they all have pro's and con's. I have 2 basic types in my office and so I will discuss each briefly. I use Venus Freeze, but I have changed the protocols and get much better outcomes than with the original protocols recommended from the company. Typically- 6-10 treatments once a week for 20-45 minutes are what is recommended by the company. However- I have not found this to be very effective. From a tissue standpoint, I adjusted our protocols to specifically target treatment parameters to release the stem cells stored in your tissues. When we utilize stem cells the outcomes are much more effective - at least in my hands. So we do 3 to 6 treatments every 2 weeks, and we get far better results. I have been doing it this way since 2007, with a variety of devices. When we hit our target tissue temperatures, and keep them there for longer periods of time- the outcomes at 6 months are significantly different. I do not believe it matters which machine or company you use when it is any of the RF devices that are "bipolar" or "Multipolar" and to you would feel like a warm massage. There would be no suction, no pain, and no peeling or other after effects in the group of RF devices I am referring to. Thermi smooth, Venus Freeze ( it isn't cold- don't know why the name is "freeze" -just fyi), Pelleve, and others. From a treatment stand point - in my opinion- the better outcomes will happen with more time in treatment with those target temperatures maintained. The skin will contract over a 6 month period. YOu may not feel like anything is happening, and it is important to make sure you review your before and after photos with your doctor. Most people don't see change slowly over time. We have a book called "I don't see a change" . It is filled with patients who felt there was no change when they came in for follow up, and then made comments like " oh- I forgot how much I hated those folds in my knees" etc. You get the idea. So - the treatment can consistently deliver an inch or so of skin contraction with 3 of our longer treatments (90 min), and more than twice that if 6 treatments are done every two weeks. With regard to how long it lasts. In the patients that were in the first clinical trails for the first device I used years ago - treatments lasted 10-12 years when using the longer protocols. I believe this is because the stem cells that are released generate new tissue. ( there are no studies on this specifically - so this is just my assumption based on my work with stem cells ). However- with the common protocols the changes are less significant, and treatment outcomes are typically a few years. I would make sure you follow up with before and after photos with your provider, and inquire about longer treatment times but less numbers of treatments, they may have that option for you. In my opinion, it is far better. Outcomes and longevity are also effect by other factors - if you have no estrogen, are on prednisone, or are in the sun every day ( say - a golfer or swimmer who is out most days) , then the results will not be as significant, and will not last as long. I hope that was helpful - sorry it was so long ! Dr Remy