Radio Frequency Skin Tightening
Pre-treatment & Aftercare Information
Radio Frequency is an extremely popular aesthetic treatments used to tighten loose skin and stimulate new collagen in a non-invasive way.
Radio Frequency is suitable for all skin types.
Click here to learn more on skin types.
Radio Frequency is a safe and effective procedure. However, as with all treatments, it’s essential to take special care of your skin before and after the procedure for fast recovery and best results.
Pre Treatment
Don’t exfoliate. It’s important you don’t exfoliate for at least 3 days before your appointment as this may over sensitise your skin. In addition, watch out for ingredients in your skin care products that may have an exfoliating effect such as acids (glycolic, salicylic, lactic), retinol and topical antibiotics.
Avoid the sun. Make an effort to avoid the sun as much as possible in the week leading up to your appointment. If you have to be outside, make sure to wear sunscreen (minimum SPF 30).
Avoid blood-thinning and anti-inflammatory medication. Blood thinners may increase your chance of bruising and should be avoided for 7 days prior to treatment, Anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen can interfere with the natural inflammatory response which is crucial for your skin rejuvenation. For that reason, they should be avoided for at least 3 days ahead of your appointment.
Do not shave on the day of procedure. If you clean shave, do it the day before. If you have a beard or moustache, trim this as short as you are comfortable with, understanding that areas with too much hair may not be treatable.
Stay hydrated. Your skin should be well-hydrated on the day of your treatment. Make sure you stop using any products that dry out your skin a few days prior to your appointment (such as clay masks and salicylic acid), and remember to drink plenty of water.
Aftercare
Wash your face with cool water. You should also avoid hot showers and baths for 24 hours as this may cause discomfort.
Use gentle, calming products. Avoid harsh fragrances, acids and exfoliants (including flannels and face cloths) for at least 3 days following treatment as these can all irritate and damage the skin.
Apply sunscreen with SPF30 or more. Your skin is more delicate after radio frequency, so avoid direct sun exposure, which can lead to more visible signs of skin ageing and could trigger hyperpigmentation. If you must be exposed, use a Broad Spectrum physical sunscreen.
Avoid strenuous workouts, dry saunas, steam rooms, excessive heat, and swimming pools. Increased blood circulation to the face can intensify warming, tingling, itching, redness or other uncomfortable side effects on freshly treated skin. In addition, chlorinated water may also irritate the skin. Skip such activities for at least 24 hours.
Avoid further facial treatments. Your skin needs time to recover before undergoing further treatment. How long you wait will depend on the treatment you plan to undertake. Please consult your therapist for advice.
Once your skin feels “back to normal”, it’s generally considered OK to resume your normal skin care regimen. If you have any questions or concerns following your treatment, do not hesitate to contact me.
Contraindications
Please let me know as soon as possible if any of the following apply to you as this may restrict treatment:
Cancer and/or family history of cancer
Rosacea
Melasma
Active bacterial, viral, fungal, or herpetic infection
History of cold sores (begin anti-viral medication 3 days before treatment if no active cold sores are present)
Open wounds on face
Pustular acne
Excessive moles, warts and unidentified growths
Recent microdermabrasion, chemical peel, laser, cosmetic surgery, botox, fillers, skin boosters or electrolysis
History of medication with potential to cause photosensitivity (eg. accutane)
Pre-existing inflammatory dermatoses (eg. psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, pemphigus)
Recent sunburn
Current pregnancy or within the last 6 months