RF skin tightening works exceptionally well for some patients and produces limited results for others. The difference isn't just about age — it comes down to skin condition, the degree of laxity, realistic expectations, and a small number of medical factors that affect candidacy entirely.

This guide gives you an honest, clear picture of who gets the best results from RF tightening, who should consider alternative treatments, and the questions worth asking your provider before committing to a session.

The Single Most Important Factor

The most reliable predictor of RF tightening outcomes is the degree of skin laxity at the time of treatment. Patients with mild to moderate laxity — early jowling, mild neck looseness, beginning stages of brow descent, crepey skin — consistently achieve the most noticeable and satisfying results.

Patients with severe laxity — significant excess skin, deep structural descent, or post-bariatric changes — will typically find that RF tightening produces insufficient improvement to meet their goals. In these cases, surgical consultation is the more appropriate path.

"RF tightening works with the skin's own biology. The better the skin's starting quality, the stronger the collagen response — and the more dramatic the result."

Age: Does It Matter?

Age is a factor, but not the primary one. RF tightening works well across a wide age range — from patients in their late 30s treating the first signs of skin laxity, to patients in their 60s maintaining results after a surgical procedure or addressing gradual decline. What matters more than chronological age is biological skin age: the quality of the collagen, the thickness of the dermis, and the degree of photoageing present.

Younger patients tend to see faster and more pronounced results because their fibroblasts — the collagen-producing cells — are more responsive to the RF stimulus. Older patients still achieve real improvements, but the collagen regeneration timeline may be longer and the magnitude of change more modest.

Good Candidates vs. Poor Candidates

Good Candidates

  • Mild to moderate facial or body skin laxity
  • Ages 35–65 with realistic expectations
  • Early jowling, brow descent, or neck looseness
  • Crepey or wrinkled skin on face or body
  • Post-pregnancy abdominal or body laxity
  • Post-weight-loss skin looseness (mild cases)
  • Maintenance after prior surgical procedure
  • Patients wanting to delay or avoid surgery

Not Recommended For

  • Severe skin laxity requiring surgical correction
  • Implanted pacemakers or electrical devices
  • Pregnancy (effects not studied)
  • Active skin infections in treatment area
  • Active cancer at or near treatment site
  • Epilepsy, thrombosis, or bleeding disorders
  • Within 3 months of radiotherapy or recent surgery
  • Unrealistic expectations of surgical-level results

Specific Conditions Worth Discussing

Metal Dental Work

Patients with significant metal dental restorations — crowns, bridges, or implants — can still receive facial RF treatments in most cases. A protective gauze barrier placed over the dental work prevents the metal from acting as an unintended energy conductor. Discuss this with your provider during consultation so they can adjust the treatment approach accordingly.

Skin of Colour

RF energy is non-selective — it does not target melanin the way laser energy does. This makes it generally safe and appropriate for patients across all skin tones and Fitzpatrick types without the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that some laser treatments carry.

Previous Injectables

Patients with dermal fillers or Botox can receive RF treatment. There is no evidence that RF energy at standard treatment parameters significantly degrades hyaluronic acid fillers or affects neurotoxin results. Timing between treatments should be discussed with your provider — many recommend completing RF treatment before filler injections, or waiting at least 2 weeks post-filler before RF treatment.

Autoimmune Conditions

Patients with autoimmune skin conditions such as lupus erythematosus or scleroderma should approach RF treatment with caution. The wound-healing response triggered by RF energy may not behave predictably in patients with conditions affecting the immune system. A dermatologist's clearance is recommended before proceeding.

Questions to Ask Your Provider

Before committing to a Revatherm treatment, these are the most useful questions to ask at your consultation:

What degree of improvement should I realistically expect for my specific concerns?

A good provider will give you an honest assessment based on your skin condition — not a generic promise. Ask them to point to specific areas and describe the change you should expect at 3 months and 6 months.

How many sessions do you recommend for my skin?

Most patients require a single session, but those with more advanced laxity or larger treatment areas may benefit from a follow-up. Clarify the recommendation for your specific situation upfront.

Are there any other treatments I should consider alongside RF, or instead of it?

RF works well as a standalone treatment and in combination with other modalities. An experienced provider will tell you honestly if a different approach — or a combination — would better serve your goals.

What should I do before and after treatment to maximise results?

Pre-treatment skin preparation and post-treatment aftercare both affect outcomes. Ask specifically about hydration, SPF, topical protocols, and timeline for returning to other treatments.

What is your experience with RF treatments, and can you show me examples of results in patients with skin similar to mine?

Before-and-after examples from the provider's own practice — not stock images — are the most reliable way to evaluate what you can expect.

The Bottom Line

RF skin tightening is one of the most effective non-surgical options available for mild to moderate skin laxity across the face and body. For the right candidate — someone with realistic expectations, good baseline skin quality, and no contraindications — a single Revatherm session can produce meaningful, lasting improvements that continue to develop for months after treatment.

The best next step is a consultation with a trained Revatherm provider who can evaluate your specific skin condition and give you an honest picture of what to expect.