Lasers and pulsed light systems are only for people who have very dark skin. RF therapy works for anyone who has normal skin color. Some doctors have developed the FDA approved multisource phase controlled 3DEEPTM technology, which uses six independent RF generators. Multiple electrical fields that are generated cause the RF energy to flow through a deeper layer of the skin. Innovative technology can reduce the amount of energy that skin absorbs, allowing a highly effective heating of the skin dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Because of RF heating of the subcutaneous tissues and skin, it is not necessary to cool it.
When the electrodes are fully positioned and the handpiece is in motion, it is necessary to fully relax the muscles in order to prevent damaging the tissues. RF energy is delivered at a steady rate to patients based upon how much their skin resists being manipulated.
Ultra focusing ultrasound treatments are extremely precise.
HIFU, also known as high intensity focused ultrasound, is extremely popular among doctors who want patients to lose weight and/or have their skin appear younger. It is similar to RF in that it requires heating tissue with radiofrequency energy to cause apoptosis (the removal of cells). It does not rely on heating tissue with electricity to cause this. A high intensity, focused ultrasound pulse can penetrate the skin's fibroblasts and damage the fibroblasts. They will clotte the blood vessels. This is very effective in treating blood clots, it does not harm the epidermis. The skin will retaliate when energy is transmitted very precisely, causing the skin to become heated to temperatures exceeding 65°C. HIFU can cause tissue to heat to temperatures that are >65°C in just one to three seconds, and damaged cell membranes can be damaged within 20 seconds. Because damaged membranes cause cell death. It can cause degeneration of adipose cells and tissue death. It is very easy to see the effects that these devices have on treated tissue because there is always a clear line between the tissues being treated and those that are normal. Microcoagulation of the skin causes it to become firm slowly, by contracting and remodeling the collagen in the tissues.
High intensity focused ultrasound treatment for wrinkles was developed in the 1990's, but it has been safely used to treat many skin types and improve the appearance of the abdomen and thighs. Those who are suffering from mild to moderate skin laxity or who have not had any previous treatment complete healing of their wounds, are able to benefit. Some people who are very old or have thin skin are not suitable candidates for HIFU.
Dispositors such as HIFU focus ultrasound energy on a small area of the skin and it passes harmlessly through the skin. Because HIF is delivered in different frequencies and focal depths, it is possible for dermatologists to tailor HIF therapy to the needs of each patient.
The HIFU molecule can cause very little discomfort to the skin of some people, although it can cause some irritation to their skin. Typically, once patients have had HIFU treatment all the symptoms of the treatment will disappear spontaneously within four weeks, and in some cases within 12 weeks of the treatment starting. Some patients experience a slight burning or painful sensation in the skin during the treatment, and they may develop some blisters afterward. One patient appeared to have an infected area at the place where they performed the treatment. In addition, HIFU is not a factor that alters the way serum levels of lipids or liver function tests are performed because these tests are extremely precise.