What if there was a nonsurgical treatment that could tone and smooth your face with natural-looking results? What if this treatment was also virtually pain-free, and didn't require injections of a neuromodulator or filler? And what if it involved zero recovery? Welcome to the new generation of non- and minimally invasive professional treatments, which utilize groundbreaking technologies like simultaneous radiofrequency and facial muscle stimulation to deliver long-term skin-firming and skin-smoothing benefits. Is it any wonder that these high-tech, less intense procedures are gaining popularity?
"A lot of patients, especially those who've never had a procedure done before, ask me what they can do to improve their appearance if they don't want surgery or anything injected into their face," says Dr. Carolyn Jacob, a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago. "An innovative device like Emface can give you natural-looking, youthful results with no toxins, chemicals, or needles required." Here's what to know about Emface and other emerging non-invasive treatments.
What is Emface and how does it work?
Emface stands out as the sole device that simultanouesly combines radiofrequency (RF) energy and HIFES technology for facial muscle stimulation. (It comes from the same brand that developed the Emsculpt Neo, a non-invasive muscle-toning device for body contouring.) We lose collagen, elastin, and muscle tone with age, which leads to sagging, wrinkles, and a loss of youthful volume. Emface counteracts all of this. "The radiofrequency energy heats the dermis layer, promoting the production of more elastin and collagen, which over time increases natural elasticity and firmness," says Dr. Melanie Palm, a board-certified dermatologist in San Diego. "At the same time, the HIFES technology stimulates the elevator muscles of the midface that lift the cheeks and forehead, for a long-term firming and volumization effect. After a series of four treatments, clinical studies found, there was an improvement in horizontal forehead lines, lifting of the brows, a tightening effect along the jawline, and a decrease in the depth of the nasolabial folds due to the toning of the cheek muscles and the production of collagen." According to the brand, these studies showed an increase in collagen of up to 26 percent and two times the amount of elastin production.
Because the processes involved bypass the surface of the skin to target specific facial muscles, there is no downtime. They are also safe on darker skin types that are prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. "Patients might experience a slight pinkness from the RF warmth, but that disappears in about five minutes," says Dr. Jacob.
How is Emface different from injectables?
Injectable fillers increase volume in certain areas of the face, while neuromodulators (injections of purified and diluted botulinum toxin type A) temporarily immobilize muscle movement to soften wrinkles. Because these treatments and RF devices work in different ways, dermatologists don't see them as an either/or situation. In fact, technology like Emface can complement the other options. "In my practice, we often marry the power of devices like Emface with injectables," says Dr. Palm, "because a combination of treatments can sometimes work best." Dr. Jacob is also getting excellent results from using the technology as the first step in a treatment plan: "Typically, I will do the Emface procedure first, because it creates natural volume in the cheeks, leading to smaller amounts of filler being required. The smoothing effect of the RF also decreases the need for heavy amounts of neurotoxin in the muscles of the forehead, for a more natural appearance."
What other technologies should be on your radar?
Radiofrequency microneedling is a popular, minimally invasive cosmetic treatment involving a handheld device that pokes multiple microsized needles into your skin. While the idea of using your face as a pincushion may sound like a questionable decision, not to mention a painful one, this is a safe, clinically proven procedure that stimulates collagen production and improves texture by creating a wound-healing response in the skin. (A topical numbing cream is applied first to make the 15-minute procedure relatively comfortable, and downtime is minimal—you may experience redness for 24 hours after treatment.) "Exion is a new device that utilizes both targeted RF and ultrasound energies to firm the face and neck," explains Dr. Jacob, who recommends a series of two treatments if you have mild wrinkles, and four if you have deeper lines and more laxity. "While Emface helps to lift and tone the face, Exion can be used all over the face, on the neck and jowls, and even around the eyes. A combo of these two treatments is a home run," she says.
