RF vs cavitation for cellulite: the pros and cons of each technology

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• Cavitation and radiofrequency: the most effective cellulite reduction technologies

• So what is better between the two: RF or cavitation?

• How ultrasound cavitation works

• How radiofrequency works

• What is more appropriate for different problems?

• If I could only choose one, what would I choose for skin tightening or cellulite?

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

Ultrasonic cavitation and radio frequency: the most effective cellulite reduction technologies

There are only two technologies that really work for cellulite AND are safe at the same time:

• Deep-acting, high-power radiofrequency

• High-power ultrasound cavitation

Experience with thousands of clients has shown that anything else just doesn’t work, including:

• The safe but ineffective gimmicks of low-intensity HIFU, acoustic wave therapy (AWT) or tripolar RF

• As well as the extreme intensity, unsafe techniques that need anaesthetic cream or injections to be administered: extreme intensity HIFU, microneedling radiofrequency, and extreme intensity RF

• Low power or superficially acting RF

• Low power or superficially acting cavitation

According to our 20-year experience and research, literally only high-power, deep-acting RF and ultrasound work well AND are safe.

So what is better between the two: RF or cavitation?

That depends on each individual case. Sorry that I cannot be more specific, but it is what it is: it all depends on each specific case.

So let’s see how each technology works and in which cases it works best.

How ultrasound cavitation works

Deep-acting high-power ultrasound cavitation works by disrupting fat cells mechanically (ultrasound is sound, i.e. mechanical waves), as well as via heat (continuous mechanical vibration produces heat).

This stimulates:

• Lipolysis (fat release from fat cells)

• Adipocyte apoptosis (accelerated fat cell death)

• Increased blood circulation and lymphatic drainage

• A limited breakdown of fibrosis

• A conditional stimulation of collagen synthesis

Ultrasound machines are available at powers all the way from pathetic 10 Watts (or even less) to a maximum of 75 Watts.

Ultrasound can also be very superficial (1-2mm deep) to very deep (50mm deep).

How radiofrequency works

Deep-acting, high-power radiofrequency works solely by intensive deep heat, which stimulates:

• Lipolysis and adipocyte apoptosis (like ultrasound)

• Collagen synthesis (which ultrasound normally doesn’t)

• Existing collagen contraction (which ultrasound normally doesn’t)

• Blood circulation and lymphatic drainage (normally more than ultrasound)

• Fibrotic breakdown (which RF cannot achieve)

Radiofrequency equipment are available at powers all the way from a pathetic 50 Watts (or even less) to 300 Watt. Again, RF can be very superficial (1-2mm deep) to very deep (30mm deep).

What is more appropriate for different problems?

So depending on the person’s:

• Skin laxity

• Subcutaneous fat accumulation

• Type of cellulite (soft, hard, fibrotic, oedematous, superficial, deep etc)

• Weight and height

• Treatment tolerance to each treatment

• Type of tissues to be treated

• Area size to be treated

• Frequency of treatments

• And other factors

…either:

• Deep-acting, high-power radiofrequency

• Deep acting, high-power ultrasound cavitation

• The combination of both

…is more effective.

At the clinic we personalise treatment according to the above options.

If I could only choose one, what would I choose for skin tightening or cellulite?

As a client:

• If I had to choose between the two technologies FOR SKIN TIGHTENING, I would, of course, choose radiofrequency

• If I had to choose between the two technologies FOR CELLULITE, I would choose either. Specifically, I would choose whichever was deep-acting and high-power and was provided by a knowledgeable therapist who knows what they’re doing.

• And if I had to choose a technology FOR cellulite AND skin tightening, I would also go for either option, as long as it is a high-power, deep-acting technology plus a knowledgeable therapist

This is because in the wrong hands even the best and safest technology can be ineffective and/or unsafe.

This the best advice I could possibly give: assess the therapist AND the technology, not just the technology.

This practically means having doing some preliminary research on the technologies offered in your area, having consultations at the 2-3 best clinics/salons in your area, asking different questions and then using your common sense to decide which is the most professional.

• Learn more about RF and cavitation here

• Learn how to choose a clinic/treatment here

Check our professional consultancy 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 masterclass and confidently offer your clients the safest, strongest and most effective treatment possible. Service available via Zoom or at our central London practice.