Getting old. Well its a fact of life, and something that’s happening to all of us. I don’t think of myself as a particularly vain person. It wasn’t until I was editing these photo’s that I really, REALLY scrutinised my face…who knew that my nostrils were so different in shape, not me! I am very into my skin care, and I take care of my skin and enjoy trying new lotions and potions. However up until now, the most I ever done is have the odd facial and micro dermabraision, but that was many years ago. It’s not that I’m averse to having a helping hand, it’s just not something I had seriously considered yet.
Before treatment : Most noticible are the lines on my forehead, above my nose, and the lines at either side of my mouth.
I was contacted by Reuben from The Luxe Private Clinic in Nottingham, asking me if I wanted to try out one of their treatments – skin care. I had an option of two areas, body or face. I chose the one I was brave enough to share with you on my blog if I’m honest, so I opted for it on my face. I have noticed changes in my face over the last few years, so I was intrigued and really hopeful that I could give myself a fresher more youthful look.
The Luxe Private Clinic is located in Nottingham, its easy to get to, and there are parking facilities, though I opted to go via public transport. It’s several rooms within Foxhall Lodge. I think with anything like this you want to be treated professionally from outset, and you definitely are here. Once you’ve signed in at the main reception, you take a seat whilst you wait for the member of the clinical team to show you to the clinic.
So what is RF Skin Tightening?
Well in essence, Radiofrequency (RF) treatment is technology for non-surgical tightening of the early signs of loose or sagging skin. It is commonly used to treat the forehead, under the eyes, cheeks, mid-face, jaw line, and neck. Most people should see an improvement in their skin tightness, and the bonus is its with minimal risks and downtime compared to surgery.
THE BENEFITS OF RF SKIN TIGHTENING
- Collagen fibres contract and multiply, which firms and improves laxity.
- Connective tissue contracts to improve the skins contour, texture and architecture.
- Circulation improves and retained fluids drain from subcutaneous adipose tissue to reduce edema (swelling), erythema (redness) and overall volume.
Post treatment care (3-7 days) after treatment
- Drink 6-8 cups of water daily
- No sunbathing, saunas, hot baths
- No alcoholic beverages (for at least 2 days)
- Use sun protection cream
THE LOW DOWN ON RF SKIN TIGHTENING
You then lie down on the treatment bed, the clinician takes off any of your makeup, using a cleanser. You then have a gel put on the areas of skin that is going to have the RF treatment. The system that The Private Luxe Clinic uses is the Alma Accent XL which combines two separate radio frequency modes into a single device. Both methods will cause the collagen fibres to contract (tighten) whilst boosting elastin production.
- BiPolar ™ RF is used to heat surface tissue and penetrates up to 2-4 mm into the fabric of the skin to achieve tightening and smoothing in places such as the forehead and neck, where the dermis is thin.
- UniPolar ™ RF causes rotation and friction of water molecules in the deeper depths of biological tissue to produce heat. the radio-frequency energy produced reaches a depth of 20 mm to heat the skin and subcutaneous tissue, without damaging the surface of the skin.
Can you see gun shaped things in the image above? Well it’s those that are used on your skin. In both upward and circular movements. Your skin will feel warmer (the clinician also alternates with cool sometimes) as the device is used on that area of skin. In my case they concentrated on under my chin, neck, jawline, cheekbones and forehead. One thing I have discovered since having the treatment, is that I have quite sensitive skin, so the clinician adjusted the level of intensity. The clinician also measures how hot you are too throughout the treatment to avoid excessive heating.
Cost
It depends on the area and how many treatments you have of course, so the best thing is to make an appointment to find out. For my treatments I would have paid £650.
Did it hurt?
Overall no. However as I have very sensitive skin the intensity of treatment needed to be adjusted in order for it not to. It’s important to communicate you the clinician to tell them if you do feel any discomfort. I think its unusual for there to be any, but I wanted to mention it.
THE RESULTS
I have included two before and after images below. I took them in the same place in my home, with the same camera, but the light conditions aren’t quite the same unfortunately. I’m sorry about that, but I didn’t wamt to play around with images too much, so that I gave a true result to you. Both show my face without makeup, but in the after image (on the right) I had recently dyed my eyebrows, and worn mascara.
Before RF Skin Tightening After
Oh my goodness, I can definitely see a difference! I think your skin looks so fresh and glowing and the lines have definitely softened. I have had some treatments myself and while I would never have considered it in the past, I figure there’s nothing wrong with a little help along the way – I mean, I dye my hair to cover greys, I get my nails done from time to time, I use whitening toothpaste… I just don’t see this as much different! I think you look fabulous! xx
Thank you so much! Absolutely, that’s how I feel about it.
You really can see the difference, especially in the side profile shot. Bet you are pleased! Will you have more?
Apparently the result continue to get better for the next 3-6 months. So I’ll wait I think, and see if I need a top up. Though, I’m actually tempted to try something else from the same clinic too.
I can see a difference, looks smoother and brighter. It’s pricey though isn’t it! Maybe I’ll save up my pennies! Thanks for sharing the honest conclusions!
It really does feel smoother!
Yes I agree, its an investment for the 6 treatments, and this is definitely a very non invasive way of tackling it, and takes more time too. I think its really very individual whether somone thinks its worth the cost and time.
Eeeek!! I can definitely see a difference. Wow! This is something that I’m so interested in. Post-40, my skin seems to be rapidly changing and the wrinkles are creeping in every single day. I’m after some kind of magic formula to slow it all down. I’m tempted to try it, too.
Oh absolutely! I’m 46, and I’ve seen a major difference post 40, especially in the last 2 years. The skin care routine I now use has helped too, but this has had the most effect I think.
Wow Amanda your skin looks amazing and I can definitely see an improvement! So interesting to see! I’ve started lately taking better care of skin and I really don’t want to be tempted with Botox – not that there is anything wrong with it but I just want to avoid it if I can find other treatments. My main area of concern for now is my forehead. It is pricey but then again I think our skin is the most important investment on ourselves hahaha! Fab post! A x
My results on my forhead were a bit of a surprise. I’d not quite realised how bad it had got, until I had the treatment, and then when I tried to furrow my brow and saw how much of a improvement there was. I think its a great alternative to botox and other more invasive treatments. I agree, its on the pricey side. Each session is around an hour, so I suppose you are paying for the technology and the time.
Blimey your skin looks so much softer and smoother. The results are brilliant. I have never considered getting a treatment like this but having seen your results I might just do that. I deserve a bit of pampering after having totally neglected myself for the past few years!
Thank you Stacey! Absolutely we all deserve a bit of pampering, definitely.
Oh yes Amanda – you look amazing!
I have just booked a course of 6 treatments myself, I think your results look great, I can definitely see the difference. I feel better about having mine, done now as they are not cheap.
This is incredible. I thought it just tightened but it looks as though it removed all of your sun damage and left your skin tone completely smoothed with a bit of blush even.