Radiofrequency therapy is a nonsurgical, cosmetic treatment that may help tighten a person’s skin. Those interested in the procedure often consider it to restore their skin to a more youthful appearance.
This minimally invasive, generally safe procedure may produce desired results, particularly when a person uses a qualified practitioner, such as a plastic surgeon or dermatologist specially trained in its use.
It is generally safe and could be a good alternative to more invasive surgical options.
This article reviews the use of radiofrequency therapy for skin tightening, other potential benefits, safety, and more.
What is radiofrequency skin tightening?
Radiofrequency skin tightening is a nonsurgical cosmetic procedure.
A 2022 systematic reviewTrusted Source describes the procedure as using a low dose radiofrequency to promote skin rejuvenation. The radiofrequency, typically around 450 kilohertz, converts to thermal energy and creates small “injuries” to the lower levels of the skin that prompt particular tissue repair and clotting.
It is safe for all skin types due to the minimal damage and melanin changes.
This, along with other changes, promotes skin tightening and the reduction of scars, wrinkles, and fat.
In 2002, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Trusted Source gave approval for the first radiofrequency device for reducing facial wrinkles. Since then, newer technologies introduced enhanced features.
A person can choose to have the procedure at a specialist’s office, or they can purchase an FDA-approved device suitable for at-home use.
How it works
A 2017 studyTrusted Source showed that maintaining a temperature of over 115°F (46.11°C) for 3 or more minutes promotes the skin to release heat-shock proteins. These proteins help produce the collagen required to tighten the skin.
The procedure itself is relatively short. Because it is noninvasive, a person should be able to immediately return to their daily routine. However, following treatment, some people may experience side effects, including:
- pain
- redness
- swelling
- skin darkening
Potential benefits
While service providers and manufacturers promote its benefits, scientific evidence supporting the use of radiofrequency skin tightening is limited.
According to a 2015 reviewTrusted Source of studies, most evidence did not prove the overall effectiveness of radiofrequency when used to benefit the skin.
However, a more recent 2020 studyTrusted Source noted that the procedure is generally safe and effective. However, it also stated it is not as effective as surgical procedures for skin tightening.
The study also mentions that the main advantage is safety, along with the limited time that a person would need for recovery, in comparison to surgical skin tightening procedures.
Overall, scientists should conduct further studies to better provide evidence for the benefits of radiofrequency skin tightening.
Potential side effects and risks
The most likely risk of radiofrequency therapy for skin tightening is overexposure, which can result in a burn. Additional side effects may include:
- dark spots
- redness
- pain
- swelling
A 2020 studyTrusted Source, which showed some favorable results from radiofrequency therapy, noted that people frequently report pain from the procedure along with mild results.
The American Cancer SocietyTrusted Source notes that while the long-term effects of radiofrequency therapy are still unknown, no conclusive evidence indicates any health risks to long-term exposure.
However, it states that the results are not yet enough to rule out possible health effects on the human body. Scientists should carry out further studies to determine the long-term effects of radiofrequency therapy on skin tightening.
At-home use
Individuals should first consider seeking advice from a dermatologist or board certified plastic surgeon to determine whether they are a good candidate for this procedure. If they are, they can purchase a device that administers radiofrequency therapy at home.
In a small 2017 studyTrusted Source of at-home devices, researchers found that nearly all of the people who used home devices for 6 weeks saw positive results. They also reported no side effects.
A person should proceed with caution to avoid potential burns and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to minimize risk.
Summary
Radiofrequency therapy may help with skin tightening. The procedure is generally safe and small group studies often report positive results.
The most common side effects are pain, swelling, and redness. In some cases, particularly with at-home treatments, individuals may burn their skin from overexposure.
However, this risk is minimized when a person uses a qualified practitioner to perform the procedure.
If an individual uses an at-home radiofrequency therapy device, they should look for FDA approval and take care to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
