Radio frequency body contouring (also known as skin tightening) is becoming all kinds of popular among the Chelsea pack as it promises to tighten the skin and improve tone, without any pain or downtime at all.
The treatment is offered by the HydroHealing centre in Ladbroke Grove, near to Notting Hill, and involves third generation radio frequency technology to offer a non-invasive, pain-free body treatment to help reduce the appearance of cellulite, firm skin, boost collagen production and tackle any pesky fatty deposits that won't budge with exercise.
It's a pretty versatile treatment as it can also help reduce flabby skin, tighten bingo wings, contour and tighten a post pregnancy tummy, reduce fine lines and wrinkles (on the face and body), reduce saddle bags and even lift and tighten your bum.
What's more radio frequency body contouring comes with the guarantee that you won't need any recovery time and is FDA and CE approved after all.
How does it work?
Essentially radio frequency treatments deliver an electrical current via electrodes to the skin, in order to heat the deeper and more superficial layers.
When our skin receives a high frequency electrical current the cells in our bodies interpret this as an energy source, and the layers in our skin act like a resistor to the electrical current and depending on their level of resistance, will heat up to varying degrees. It is the process of heating that helps to tighten and rejuvenate skin, smoothing its appearance and reducing localised pockets of fat.
So how will it contour and tighten my skin?
As our skin matures, the collagen and elastin proteins which help support a tight skin structure, start to break down. And as skin loses elasticity, fine lines, wrinkles and a dull or saggy appearance are never far away.
The radio frequency energy penetrates the skin layers to selectively heat the skin tissue where the collagen fibres are embedded. The local heating causes an immediate contraction of the collagen fibres, and fat cells drain then shrink, while those all important fibroblast cells (part of our connective tissue) are stimulated to produce new collagen and elastic fibres. The effect of this is tighter, smoother, younger looking skin with a visible 'lift' . Fat cells are reduced and stubborn cellulite looks a lot less noticeable.
What is the treatment like?
The treatment itself is surprisingly relaxing. Each area on your body is treated for 20-30 minutes. All that's required is to show your therapist your problem areas (in this case a flabby tum and less than toned thighs) and lie back on the treatment bed and wait for the magic to begin.
The therapist will apply a jelly lubricant to your skin to act as a protective barrier between you and the electrode rod which can get quite hot! Then it the electrode rod (which conveniently is shaped like a three-pronged massager) is rubbed over your skin, focusing on any pesky areas that need extra attention. The technique is so relaxing that actually it's easy to fall fast asleep - always a sign of a good treatment.
When can I expect to see results?
Most patients will be able to notice an immediate result in the tightness of their skin, but results continue to emerge in the days following the treatment too. Skin is remarkably smoother and muscle tone is more visible too. We have to say that we were very impressed. The treatment was as good as its word - pain free and results focused.
For longer term results, one session isn't enough. Normally, multiple sessions are required, generally 1-3 per week until you've had about 4-8 treatments in total, this depends on the results you want and the advice of your aesthetic practitioner.
To maintain the effects try and lead a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise otherwise that cellulite could just as easily come back.
Are there any side effects?
Normally there are no side effects from the treatment, but some people might find the treatment area is a little red post treatment but this usually resolves after 30 mins - 24 hours post treatment. Rarely swelling or bruising may occur, but these effects usually settle within a few days.
How much does it cost?
Radio frequency is only £80 per area of the body (for a 30 minute treatment) and with results as remarkable as you'd hope - it's money well-spent. Our verdict? A perfect pre-holiday treatment for ultimate body confidence! Say goodbye to wobble and hello to a taut new you!
Find out more information by visiting HydroHealing or calling 0207 727 2570
