You might heard of this procedure with the name Thermage. It is a safe, clinically proven way to tighten and contour skin, with improvements in tone, contour, and texture occurring naturally through the stimulation of your own collagen.

Radiofrequency skin tightening is completely non-invasive: no surgery, no injections. A single or more treatment tighten your existing collagen and stimulate new collagen growth. Improvements are both immediately visible and continue up to six months. Results can last for years depending on your skin condition and aging process.

This new Radiofrequency  procedure is available only in the offices of qualified physicians who specialize in cosmetic procedures. The procedure itself is normally done as a single treatment that takes from 20 minutes to 1 hour depending on the treatment area. What's more, there is no downtime, so you can quickly resume your normal routine.

Unlike lasers, it works on all skin types and tones. And unlike injections or fillers, it works on your entire face: forehead, eyes, nasolabial folds, jaw line, jowls and the area under your chin.

If you no longer recognize the face looking back at you in the mirror, it's time to talk to us and learn how Radiofrequency skin tightening can help you look as young as you feel.
FDA cleared for the non-invasive treatment of wrinkles and rhytids. Side effects are generally mild and may include redness, swelling, blisters, bumps and rare instances of surface irregularities.
* Your results may vary depending on age and skin condition.

HOW RADIOFREQUENCY WORKS
To understand how this new technology works, it helps to know a little about how your skin works.

The facial skin is made up of three distinct layers: a visible outer layer on the surface called the epidermis, a collagen-rich underlayer beneath the surface called the dermis, and an inner layer beneath the dermis called the subcutaneous layer, also known as the fat layer that has a web of collagen fibers running through it.

When the collagen in these three layers breaks down due to sun exposure, family heredity, or the normal aging process, your face begins to sag and wrinkle. Naturally, treatments that work on just the surface can't do anything to restore the collagen in the underlayer or the innerlayer of your skin.

Radiofrequency is the only non-invasive procedure available that tightens and renews your skin's collagen in all three layers. How? The unique Capacitive Radiofrequency (CRF) technology safely heats your skin's underlayer and the web of collagen in the inner layer, causing an immediate tightening as well as improved tone and texture. And the improvements will continue and become even more noticeable for four to six months following treatment due to new collagen growth.

THE PROCEDURE
Radiofrequency treatments are only performed in a doctor's office by certified personnel. Our doctors offer free consultations to determine if this procedure is right for you. Women 35-60 normally have the best and most predictable results. If your skin is too lax, the results will not be as dramatic.

Normally, the complete procedure can be performed in just one session lasting from 20 minutes to one hour, depending on the treatment area. General anesthesia is not required, but to make sure you are comfortable the doctor may offer light pain medications prior to treatment.

During the treatment, you'll feel a brief, heat sensation while the equipment delivers radiofrequency energy to the underlayer of your skin. This indicates that your collagen is being stimulated and tightened.

After treatment, your skin may be slightly red for a day or two. But most people resume regular activities immediately after treatment, with no downtime or special follow-up care.

Immediate Results: You should feel and see your skin being smoother, firmer, and tighter immediately after your treatment. You may also notice some contouring effects which will begin enhancing the shape of your face.

Continued improvement over time: After the procedure, you should continue to see improvements to your skin as a result of the production of new and increased collagen, as well as some additional contouring effects due to continued tightening over time. These effects will continue for up to six months. You should see lasting results.

Where on the face is Radiofrequency performed?

• Periorbital region: forehead and area around the eyes
• Mid/Lower face: includes the cheeks, area around the mouth, jaw line, jowls, and area under the chin
• Lower face/submental: includes the area around the mouth, chin, jaw line, jowls, and area under the chin
• Full face: includes the periorbital region and mid/lower face areas
• At Ciao Bella we use this same technology for skin tightening of areas in your body that might show already some laxity and we frequently use it after Liposuction to improve tightening of the skin.

Is there any special preparation or follow-up regime?
No.  Unlike surgery, there is no pre-procedure preparation, such as blood work or fasting required.  One can return to regular activities immediately following treatment and there is no special care after treatment.  Some patients exhibit a temporary redness or minor swelling after treatment, this usually resolves within 24 hours. Good skin care and sunscreens are recommended as part of your regular skin care regimen. The only signs of treatment are naturally smoother, younger, and healthier skin.

How long will the effects of the procedure last?
The Radiofrequency procedure immediately tightens existing collagen and stimulates new natural collagen production for up to six months following the treatment.  Unpublished reports by experienced cosmetic doctors indicate that results may last for years and are based on the patient's natural aging process.