Monopolar RF Thermage Skin Tightening Treatment Introduction

Article Overview:

1. Thermage is a non-invasive anti-aging treatment device based on monopolar radiofrequency (RF) technology. Its core mechanism is to use the heat energy generated by electromagnetic waves to act on the deep tissue of the skin to achieve firming and reshaping effects.
2. Thermage has always been controversial, mainly due to compliance issues, and some beauty salons also use it illegally.
3. The essence of Thermage treatment is to convert radiofrequency energy into heat, which stimulates collagen contraction, so you can see an immediate lifting and firming effect.

What is Thermage?

Thermage is a beauty device that uses monopolar radio frequency (RF) technology to act on human skin tissue. It uses a patented treatment probe to conduct high-energy high-frequency electromagnetic waves to the skin to generate heat energy. When the radio frequency current (electromagnetic wave) acts on the human skin, the water molecules in the skin tissue vibrate and rotate at high frequencies under the action of the electromagnetic wave. This heats the deep skin tissue in all directions, resulting in an immediate skin tightening effect through the collagen contraction effect.

At the same time, it stimulates the regeneration of skin collagen to achieve long-term skin tightening and lifting, thereby achieving the purpose of skin tightening, wrinkle removal, and anti-aging.

Before treatment, Thermage uses grid positioning technology on the treatment site. Through high-energy high-frequency E waves (monopolar radio frequency) transmission, at each point, the Thermage probe can emit matrix molecular energy waves that vibrate up to six million times per second, directly reaching the root of wrinkles and tissue relaxation, according to the frame planned on the skin, freeze-stimulate and increase the skin’s own collagen, and heat the skin through the heat energy generated by electromagnetic waves, so that collagen is reorganized and regenerated, achieving the effect of lifting and tightening. The treatment is completely non-invasive and there is no recovery period. Afterwards, the face looks firm and the lines are very clear.

Thermage treatment principle:

1. Anchoring principle.

The anchoring principle is that at the starting point of the muscle, it is distributed from the face to the area around the hair bun, and it has a fixed pulling effect. The corresponding facial skin will also be affected, thereby having an overall lifting and pulling effect on the face and the area.

2. Compaction principle.

The feeling of compaction is a feeling after facial skin treatment. It is not only the result of changes in the dermis after treatment. The dermis is composed of a large number of collagen fibers. After aging, the number of collagen fibers decreases and the elasticity gradually disappears, causing the skin to become loose, wrinkled, and inelastic. Collagen is arranged disorderly in the superficial dermis, while the collagen fibers in the middle and deep dermis are almost parallel to the skin surface and intertwined with each other, extending in all directions on the same horizontal plane. When the collagen is heated, the direction of heat contraction is centripetal. If the collagen fiber structure of the entire dermis is compared to a large cube structure, then the direction of contraction of the collagen structure after heating is toward the center of the cube, and the feeling brought to the skin is a sense of compaction.

3. Lifting principle.

Thermage radiofrequency heat can reach the subcutaneous tissue, and some collagen structures of the skin can also be heated very well. The arrangement of this part of the collagen structure is directional, that is, towards the direction of the anchor point area, and the anchor points are located vertically and obliquely above the pulled area. After heating, it will shrink towards the anchor point area, giving the skin a sense of upward lifting.

4. The principle of fat dissolving and body shaping.

When Thermage RF heat acts on the subcutaneous fat layer, the local temperature can rise to 50-55 degrees Celsius, which is 15-20 degrees Celsius higher than the normal skin temperature. According to the Q10 theory, if the optimal reaction temperature of the enzyme is reached, the rate of the enzymatic reaction can reach the maximum, and the rate of the enzymatic reaction can increase 1-2 times for every 10 degrees Celsius increase in temperature. Radio frequency skin heating can increase the activity of the enzyme several times, thereby accelerating the rate of fat metabolism. Part of the fat is destroyed, and more oxygen is released into the blood after local tissue heating, and the ability to participate in metabolism is enhanced. At the same time, heat can lead to faster blood circulation in local tissues and enhanced lymphatic drainage, which speeds up the excretion of metabolic products of fat metabolism; on the other hand, the thermal effect can reduce the increased fat volume. The two effects can ultimately achieve the purpose of body reshaping.

5. Principle of collagen proliferation.

The thermal effect can make fibroblasts continuously release collagen, and the collagen is recombined into new collagen fibers. After the new collagen is generated, the aging collagen layer is repaired.

Function of monopolar RF Thermage treatment.

1.Eye wrinkle removal.

Thermage is a non-invasive technology. High-energy radio frequency can stimulate the regeneration of collagen in the eye skin, improve slight eye bags, eye puffiness, upper eyelid droop, eye fine lines and crow’s feet, make the eye contour clearer, and make the eyes look bigger and brighter.

2.Fat reduction and body shaping.

Thermage is a monopolar RF, which generates a high-frequency converted electromagnetic field in the human skin treatment area, stimulating the dermal fibroblasts to synthesize and secrete new collagen, accelerating fat metabolism, and producing a fat-reducing effect. At the same time, the RF energy can penetrate deep into the skin, act on fat cells, promote the continuous lysis of fat cells, comprehensively tighten the skin and shape the body, effectively improve the body’s cellulite, and reduce the butterfly sleeves on the arms. It is effective in treating stretch marks, repairing postpartum abdominal relaxation, and sagging thighs and buttocks.

3. Improve the contour.

Thermage can not only act on the dermis, but also reach the deepest part above the SMAS fascia layer, so it can dissolve the fat on the jawline, tighten the loose cheek and neck skin, and make the jawline contour clear. At the same time, it can treat skin sagging, sagging, double chins, etc. in other parts of the face, and can also improve aging problems such as neck lines, nasolabial lines, and forehead lines.

4. Improve skin quality.

Thermage uses monopolar radio frequency to act on the skin, and the energy can reach the dermis of the skin, thereby activating skin collagen and elastic fibers, and reconstructing collagen scaffolds. The deep thermal effect of radio frequency can kill more than 90% of Propionibacterium acnes in the dermis, repair the dermis tissue eaten by Propionibacterium acnes, and quickly restore damaged skin (acne marks, acne pits) to a healthy state.

Thermage monopolar RF treatment operation.

Radio facelift full face primer and vector lift.

This is the most basic way to apply Thermage. The doctor will apply radiofrequency waves evenly to the outer sides of the cheeks and forehead (from the eyebrows to the hairline) according to the grid on the transfer paper to evenly heat the whole face. Afterwards, the contours of the middle and lower face are stretched upwards to apply vector lifting. For one cheek, five lines are usually drawn according to each person’s facial condition, and repeated 7 to 8 times. The application area is similar to the general thread lifting and thread sculpture area. For younger people with only mild early aging symptoms, just taking this basic approach will have a sufficient treatment effect.

The hot stack method both lifts and dissolves fat.

After the basic treatment, you can choose to strengthen the treatment of specific parts. Especially for some people with fleshy cheeks and thick fat pads, you can use Thermage to strengthen the treatment of these parts. Using the principle of multiple rounds of energy stacking, on the one hand, collagen shrinks to achieve the effect of firming the skin; at the same time, increasing the temperature of local tissues can also achieve a slight fat dissolving effect on soft tissues (fat layer).

Ligament lifting treatment method.

There are two types of facial ligaments: one is “true ligament” and the other is “false ligament”. True ligament: Ligament directly connected from “bone” to “skin”, very tough, and has the function of fixing soft tissue. False ligament: As the name suggests, they are not real ligaments, but just the extensive thickening of the superficial/deep fascia fiber tissue of the subcutaneous soft tissue in the muscle, which is not connected to the bone and is easily stretched and relaxed by gravity. Thermage uses the thermal effect of radio frequency waves to tighten the aging and loose ligaments, and hold the soft tissue and skin layer (dermis and epidermis) of the face, improving the sagging of the face.

Treatment with monopolar RF machine.

Depth and effectiveness of treatment.

It is generally believed that radiofrequency energy can penetrate into the dermis and subcutaneous tissue up to a depth of 4.3mm. High temperatures, such as 60 to 70 degrees Celsius, will cause the three-dimensional structure of collagen fibers to shrink, producing an immediate firming effect, while medium and low temperatures, such as around 55 degrees Celsius, can stimulate collagen regeneration. 3-6 months after treatment, new collagen gradually replaces aging collagen, achieving skin structural remodeling and reducing wrinkles and sagging. Therefore, the immediate lifting effect is due to the contraction of collagen under high temperature, and the long-term efficacy depends on the regeneration of collagen. Temperature control is very important during treatment to ensure that the deep tissues receive sufficient thermal stimulation while protecting the epidermis from injury.

Wound healing and collagen regeneration.

Fibroblast activation: The essence of treatment is to use the pathophysiological principle of wound repair, which has two sides. On the one hand, moderate thermal damage can stimulate fibroblast proliferation, promote the synthesis of type I and type III collagen and elastin, and continuously improve skin texture. Some studies have shown that thermal energy can also tighten the fat layer, promote apoptosis or metabolism of fat cells, and assist in contour lifting (such as the jawline and abdomen). On the other hand, too high a temperature will be counterproductive. Therefore, excessive pursuit of efficacy and excessive treatment may form subcutaneous scars.

Is there any scientific basis for the treatment?

Yes. This technology has been used for lifting and firming treatments for more than 20 years, and a lot of clinical experience and scientific data have been accumulated. For example, a prospective study in 2014 found that 90% of the subjects showed mild to moderate improvement after a single treatment, and physicians assessed that the skin firmness improved. A systematic meta-analysis conducted in 2019 confirmed that Thermage can significantly improve facial sagging, wrinkles and jaw contour, and the effect lasts for 6-12 months. It is also effective for loose skin on the abdomen. A clinical study in 2020 found that 67% of the subjects had improved abdominal skin laxity, and ultrasound testing showed thickening of the dermis. Long-term observation results show that the therapeutic effect of some subjects can be maintained for more than 2 years after a single treatment, but there are significant individual differences (related to age and initial skin condition).

Is monopolar RF therapy safe?

Clinical studies have confirmed that the treatment is very safe. Common side effects include transient pain, erythema, and edema during treatment (dissipating within 24-48 hours). Severe complications are rare. The incidence of blisters or scars is less than 1%, which is often related to improper operation or contraindications, such as metal implants in the treatment area. In addition, after nearly 20 years of clinical application, the technology is more mature. The new device, Ultra Maggie, not only retains the original treatment effect, but also significantly improves the comfort.

Monopolar RF versus other techniques.

Compared with HIFU, Thermage has a more significant effect on the dermis, while HIFU focuses on the fascia layer; the combined effect of the two is better. Compared with laser, its depth of action is deeper than laser, but laser has a better effect on improving skin quality.

Thermage Skin Tightening Treatment People.

What are the common side effects after treatment?

• Skin erythema: Generally, it will appear immediately after treatment. It is recommended to apply ice for 30 minutes to effectively relieve it, and it will subside after a few hours.
• Edema: Swelling may occur, usually subsides within 1-2 weeks, but it can last for several weeks.
• Mild to moderate pain.
• Burns, blisters, scabs and scars: It is related to excessive heat and improper operation during treatment, which leads to burns and subsequent blisters and scabs.

Things to note after monopolar RF treatment:

1. Do not drink a lot of alcohol after treatment;

2. Do not use overheated water to wash your face (bath) on the day of treatment;

3. Drink more water, hydrate more, and pay attention to sun protection after treatment;

4. Avoid heavy makeup within 3 days after treatment, depending on your skin condition;

5. Avoid hot and cold compresses after treatment, avoid going to high-temperature environments such as high-temperature saunas and high-temperature yoga within 7 days, and avoid massaging the treatment area;

6. It is recommended to wear frame glasses and avoid contact lenses 7 days after eye Thermage treatment.

FAQs about Monopolar RF Thermage treatment.

Q: How many times can the original Thermage treatment handle tip be used?
A: Thermage probes have different probes for different parts (face, eyes, body), and they are time-limited.
The fifth-generation Thermage probe expires after 2 hours. This is to limit a probe to only one person, it is disposable, and after activation, it must be used within this time limit, otherwise the treatment head will be scrapped.

Q: Is monopolar RF Thermage treatment painful?
A: The optimal energy for Thermage treatment is when the patient feels a certain burning sensation, but can tolerate it, which is the appropriate treatment energy. Therefore, Thermage treatment will not be unbearably painful, but it will not be insensitive either.

Q: How long can the skin tightening effect of Thermage last?
A: Thermage is a non-invasive procedure, and you can leave immediately after the procedure, with a short recovery period. Generally speaking, you will see a 20%-30% tightening effect immediately after Thermage, but as the body rebuilds collagen naturally, better results will gradually emerge. Usually, the effect will be more obvious three to six months after treatment, and it can generally last for about a year (the specific effect varies from person to person). Of course, the specific duration depends on personal living habits and skin care conditions.

Q: What is the time interval between each Thermage treatment?
A: Generally speaking, it is once a year. Frequent use of Thermage treatment is not recommended, but it varies from person to person.

LitonLaser Monopole RF Machine.

Thermage treatment has received great attention in the beauty and anti-aging projects. Due to the optimal anti-aging frequency of 6.78 MHz and the deep heating of monopolar RF, it can regenerate collagen in the dermis of the skin and help to tighten the sagging skin on the face.

However, the high cost of Thermage machines has deterred many beauty salons and clinics that are eager to add Thermage treatments to their menu, and they can only look for the same type of monopolar RF machines.

The 6.78mhz monopolar RF produced by LitonLaser is very suitable for beauty salons and clinics with an average budget. It has the same anti-aging frequency, comes standard with 4 handle tips, and adds a body tip (which can input products into the skin), which has received many positive reviews from customers.If you need high-quality monopolar RF machine, you can always contact us, LitonLaser beauty machine manufacturer.