When you shop for an Ultrasound device for your aging gracefully regimen, it is important to know what you’re buying. For example, the frequency of the device will determine what you can expect in results. Additionally, understanding what this modality is will ensure you get what you want.
Let’s start with the misconception that RF (radio frequency) is the same as Ultrasound. They are NOT the same modality so read product specifications to know what you are buying.
RF uses low-frequency radio waves (0.3 to 10 MHz). This modality heats the area of the skin being treated to stimulate collagen production. It is thought by manipulating skin with heating/cooling during a treatment, RF will stimulate collagen. The heating of RF can be used for the reduction of fat in the face. Typically, RF treatment requires a series of 8-12 treatment sessions lasting 30–45 minutes. Devices have different penetration depths depending on the number of electrodes (monopolar, bipolar, or unipolar). RF is not suited for all, especially someone with broken capillaries or rosacea, or someone who doesn’t want to lose volume in the face. The process also requires extreme care in its execution for an improper application that may result in dents on the skin surface due to uneven healing responses on the skin.
I’ll be referencing the Ultrasound in the Time Master Pro (with LED) in this post. The Time Master Pro uses LOW-FREQUENCY Ultrasound waves at 90 kHz (90,000 sound waves per second). Ultrasound uses sound waves. This is continuous sound waves inaudible to the human ear. Ultrasound creates a cellular disturbance to boost collagen production and results in no outward injury to the skin and no downtime. The ultrasound in the Time Master Pro does NOT heat the skin. As stated in the research we’ll touch on below, this level of frequency is therapeutic for wound healing, improved blood oxygenation, increased collagen, mesoporation (product absorption), and I’m seeing a fast and lasting plumping of the skin for wrinkle reduction with continued use. Use is limited to 2 (two) 10-minute sessions a week for the best results. Less is more in this situation.
According to a report in the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, therapeutic ultrasound is used in medicine for different purposes. The report stats based on frequency and power, one can differentiate various ultrasound types and applications as follows:
The report states using low-frequency ultrasounds, (I’m taking the liberty of paraphrasing so you don’t fall asleep from the science speak), the major effect on tissue is a physical change in healing, and it cleans the skin while stimulating it at a cellular level. The research concluded low-frequency ultrasound results in better blood supply, improved oxygen levels, and increased collagen production for faster healing and healthier skin.
Do not confuse Ultrasound with HIFU (high-intensity-focused-ultrasound: think magnifying glass focusing the rays in one spot). HIFU heats tissue considerably and deeply, and if not conducted by trained individuals can be counter-productive. HIFU delivers precise and intense fractional ultrasound energy. More on HIFU in another article.
In short…
Ultrasound is LOW-frequency sound waves inaudible by the human ear and between 20-120 kHz (the Time Master Pro for example); Radiofrequency uses a low energy form of radio waves (on the electromagnetic spectrum); HIFU is intensely focused HIGH-frequency ultrasound.
Continue your learning by reading about LED and Laser in the articles below.
What is a Radiofrequency Treatment (RF)?
LED Light Therapy – Fact or Fiction?
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