How many RF sessions are needed for cellulite removal / skin tightening?

How many radio frequency treatments are needed for good results?

We are pleased to share our experience in radiofrequency and ultrasound, from our clinic in London with everyone in the world. Check all our RF and ultrasound articles here. And if you do live in London, feel free to book a treatment with us here.

  • How many radiofrequency sessions do I need?

  • 6-12 sessions for good results in most cases

  • An ♾️ (infinite) number of sessions may be needed with low power / superficial RF

  • No, cellulite or skin looseness will not disappear with one, very expensive, very painful, very unsafe, extremely high intensity RF treatment

  • Start with one session and then go for either 6x or 12x

  • Who needs 3x, 6x, 12x or 24x sessions?

  • Check our professional consultancy, for a masterclass in radiofrequency, ultrasound cavitation, cellulite and skin tightening

How many radiofrequency sessions do I need?

There are three types of radiofrequency:

  • The one that works and is safe, i.e. deep-acting, high-power radiofrequency

  • The one that doesn’t work, i.e. superficially-acting and/or low-power radiofrequency

  • And the unsafe - and still ineffective - extreme intensity, “one-off miracle treatment” type, that is provided only with anaesthetic/numbing cream

6-12 RF sessions for good results in most cases

Deep-acting, high-power radiofrequency is THE most effective SAFE skin tightening technology available today, for both face and body (any other technology is either less effective or less safe).

With deep-acting, high-power radiofrequency:

  • 3 sessions are great for a quick cellulite improvement before holidays

  • However, for good, long-term results, most people need anything between 6-12 sessions, with 12 intensive sessions being ideal for best results

  • For severe cases, up to 24 sessions may be needed for good results

An ♾️ (infinite) number of sessions may be needed with low power / superficial RF

Needless to say that with the second type, i.e. superficial OR low power RF, you will need a very large number of sessions to see results.

With superficial AND low-power RF (as in low-end professional machines or home use RF machines), good results may never materialise, hence the ♾️ number of sessions, mentioned on the paragraph title.

No, cellulite or skin looseness will not disappear with one, very expensive, very painful, very unsafe, extreme intensity RF treatment

Also needless to say that the third type, i.e. those one-off “miracle” treatments that cost £3,000 a pop, are a complete fraud: the body needs repeated AND regular stimulation, AS WELL AS time to change.

Trying to force change with one very painful, unsafe, “miraculous” destructive radiofrequency session will achieve little apart from adverse reactions.

I have seen plenty of clients who have previously had destructive radiofrequency and all they experienced was extreme pain and no results - with some of them also developing scar tissue and sensitive skin.

But hey, it’s good money for the providers of such one-off miracles. Money has to flow, right?

Start with one session and then go for either 6x or 12x

At the clinic we always mention ‘good results’ or ‘satisfactory results‘, not “amazing transformations”, and “life changing treatments” that those cowboys promise on instagram.

This is because when it comes to cellulite reduction and skin tightening, miracles are impossible and “life changing transformations” are imaginary marketing BS.

And the last thing we want at the clinic is people who believe in Santa Claus (those can go to other clinics, no problem).

So the best approach is to have one session, see if you like the treatment, your therapist and the clinic, assess their skill/knowledge and professionalism and then opt for a course of either 6x or 12x sessions.

After your course finishes you can decide if you want to have a few more or if you are happy with the results and perhaps consider maintenance treatments: once a month or once in two months.

Of course, the numbers 6x, 12x and 24x are not set in stone. These are the packages we offer at our clinic, but they could easily be 5x, 10x and 20x; or 7x, 14x and 21x etc.

Occasionally, women with lighter cases of cellulite or skin laxity may only need - and be quite happy with - as few as 3 sessions, but this is more of the exception, rather than the rule.

It is better to under-promise and overdeliver to the 20% of the cases, which is a pleasant surprise for them, than over-promise and under-deliver to 80% of the cases, which is overall misleading.

Who needs 3x, 6x, 12x or 24x sessions?

  • Some women have mild/very recent cellulite/skin laxity. Also some just want a nice, quick touch-up / maintenance top-up before holidays. For them 3x sessions of strong, deep tissue RF are great.

  • Some women have much more pronounced/well established cellulite/skin looseness. Some are perfectionists. And some need the treatment for professional reasons (models, dancers, performers etc) and want the absolutely maximum best. All those usually opt for 12-24x sessions.

  • But most women fall within the 6-12x session range. This is the number of sessions needed for good results for most people, even with the absolutely best cellulite and skin tightening technology known today.

  • With less effective treatments (superficial and/or low power), most women still stop at the same number for sessions (6, 12 or 24), due to budget/time constraints, but with those treatments they will, of course, get lesser results - or sometimes no results.

Check our professional consultancy, for a masterclass in radiofrequency, ultrasound cavitation, cellulite and skin tightening

Do you want to deeply understand radiofrequency, ultrasound cavitation, cellulite and skin tightening? Attend a half-day, 1-day or 2-day or 3-day professional consultancy / one-to-one training and confidently offer your clients the safest, strongest and most effective treatment possible. Service available via Zoom or at our central London practice.