Do Radiofrequency treatments really tighten skin or do they just cause fat loss?

Used appropriately, radiofrequency should not cause fat loss, but will do skin tightening. Keep in mind, a combination approach is needed to get the most improvement with skin tightening for the face. I recommend J Plasma, lasers (Fraxel, Clear + Brilliant, Co2), microneedling/prp, ultherapy and rf treatments to get the best outcomes. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer

Radiofrequency (RF) treatments are widely recognized for their dual benefits of skin tightening and fat reduction. RF energy works by heating the deeper layers of the skin, which stimulates collagen and elastin production, leading to firmer, more elastic skin. This process helps to tighten loose or sagging skin. Additionally, RF treatments can target fat cells, causing them to break down and be naturally eliminated by the body, resulting in some fat reduction. The combined effect of skin tightening and fat loss makes RF treatments a versatile option for body contouring. However, the primary focus of RF treatments is often skin tightening, with fat loss being a secondary benefit depending on the specific technology and treatment settings used. For optimal results, it is essential to consult with a qualified dermatologist to determine the most suitable treatment plan.

Morpheus 8 is a non-invasive skin and soft tissue tightening treatment that is consistently amazing in our patients. We use the Morpheus to exact fractional induced RF into the skin or tissue in order to tighten collagen and stimulate contraction of the tissue. For acne scars, it is quite useful to build collagen in patients who have atrophic scars but is not very productive for ice-pick scars which require TCA Cross. For tissue tightening, Morpheus is ideal for the face and neck and we often combine it with CO2 laser or Ultherapy to further enhance results. Chemical peels and skin resurfacing should be done at least 5 to 7 days after, but can be performed earlier, depending on treatment severity. Avoid exfoliating skin treatments before Morpheus and expect a period of 2-4 weeks for skin contraction to set in.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

RF is an excellent tool for skin tightening. When done properly the treatment does not cause fat loss. Patients will typically require 3-4 treatments, and results will take about 3 months to show up (although you will see an immediate but temporary result).  Most doctors will correctly recommend additional treatments such as PRP and microneedling to get optimal results.

Great question! The correct answer is - it depends! We know that getting the desired result depends on what is the target temperature for the area being treated. We keep the skin in a very warm range to create skin tightening by stimulating the cells that make collagen to be more productive. If we want fat loss, we have to get the temperature very hot in order to melt the fat cells. It is very difficult to get the fat cells to this very high temperature without doing some sort of local anesthesia since it is very painful for the patient. It is best to have a RF collagen building treatment when the temperature can be properly monitored, because if there is insufficient warming, there will also be inadequate stimulation of the collagen, and therefore, inadequate or no results. Your RF doctor or provider should be able to show you the device and how the temperature will be monitored to help you achieve your desired results. Best wishes, Mary Beth Mudd

Thank you for your question. RF combined with microneedling — like Fractora — tightens skin by stimulating collagen regeneration and restructuring. This is especially helpful for sagging skin, wrinkles, and much more.
There is also RF technology for fat, but it does not tighten skin. Only two devices are FDA cleared to claim actual fat destruction and neither are RF. These are Sculpsure (laser) and Coolsculpt (freezing). Sculpsure is a much newer technology without the downtime or side effects of Coolsculpt.