What is better, RF or cavitation, for cellulite?

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

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.

• 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.