The reason RF machines differ in what they can do

In our last episode we examined the debate about which technology you should use first in 6 in 1 fat reduction protocols: cavitation or RF.  And the answer did not surprise us.  BUT we did learn something.  And that is that there’s a whole lot of  body contouring practitioners who may not quite understand that there are critical differences between different RF machines, like what they can improve, how much they can improve, the level of safety and the cost.  Most of the differences come down to where the positive and negative RF electrodes are located in the handpiece and the machine, which defines the machine as monopolar RF or bipolar RF.  Well we want to clear it up for you and for you to be in the know about this topic.  It’s important.  So stick around and listen because in today’s episode, we examine the merits of monopolar RF vs bipolar RF and break down the skin tightening and fat reduction abilities of each.  Stay tuned!.

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You’re listening to The Body Contouring Academy’s Proven Profits Podcast 

Where you’ll learn simple actionable strategies from real world successful body contouring professionals to help you generate more revenue, realize the profits you want and create the life you desire. 

Hi I’m Shannon and I’m Kay and we’re your hosts of The Proven Profits Podcast

Hi there healthcare professionals, business owners, body contouring technicians and beauty professionals!  Welcome everyone!   Kay here. Shannon and I want to thank you for being here too!

In our last episode, we broke down two 6 in 1 fat reduction protocols.  Ours, using cavitation first.  And one taught by a device manufacturer which uses RF first.  And it was in the making of that episode that we realized there are a lot of misunderstandings about radiofrequency technology and what can do.  Hence, this episode.  We wanted to make sure you understand.  

Radiofrequency is one of the most useful of all the non-invasive body contouring technologies.  It’s the gold standard for skin tightening; plus, some RF machines possess the ability to reduce fat.  But exactly what each RF machine is capable of improving, and how much improvement it can deliver, varies from machine to machine.  Specifically, much of it boils down to the manner in which the machine delivers the radiofrequency electrical energy to the body…which comes down to the placement of the radiofrequency electrodes.   Does the RF handpiece have one electrode or two…monopolar RF vs bipolar RF?  

In today’s episode, we’ll examine the merits of monopolar RF vs bipolar RF and break down the skin tightening and fat reduction abilities of each.  Plus, we share the proprietary RF protocols we’ve developed and still use in our medspa and we’ll fill you in on how to get them so you can use them too..

So, let's get started by laying the foundation with a review of some radiofrequency basics.

How does RF work?

Radiofrequency technology delivers radiofrequency energy to the surface of the skin via a handheld applicator.

The RF applicator emits the radiofrequency energy directly to the skin which is converted to heat energy in the targeted tissue.

This ‘controlled heating’ sparks skin tightening, and in some RF machines, fat reduction.

Skin Tightening: When collagen cells and elastin cells are heated, the body reacts by producing new collagen and elastin, resulting in improved tone, smoothness, strength and elasticity in the treated area.  

Fat Reduction: When fat cells are heated (to a high enough temperature), apoptosis is initiated resulting in destruction of fat cells and a reduced circumference in the treated area.  

RF electrode configuration:  Radiofrequency machines differ by the configuration of electrodes in the applicators.  It’s these electrode variations that classify the machine as monopolar RF vs bipolar RF.  

Now let’s dig in to today’s subject matter, starting with Monopolar RF.

What is Monopolar RF? 

In Monopolar RF, the RF positive and negative electrode placement is located far apart from each other

With monopolar RF, the positive and negative electrodes are located far away from each other.

One electrode is located in the handpiece and the other electrode is located in a ‘grounding pad or plate’ positioned under (or on the other side of) the patient’s body.

Deep RF penetration with Monopolar RF

Because the positive and negative electrode poles are positioned on either side of a patient’s body (usually front and back), the radiofrequency electrical currents travel through and affect all layers - epidermis, dermis, subdermis and subcutaneous tissue (including the subcutaneous fat cells). 

Monopolar RF is the choice for fat reduction and severe skin laxity

What differentiates monopolar RF from bipolar RF is its deep tissue penetration of monopolar RF, resulting in powerful collagen regeneration and fat cell destruction.  

The dual action of monopolar RF firms the skin while simultaneously reducing fat and sculpting the body.  

Monopolar RF in a nutshell:

                         Monopolar RF Pros and Cons

Pros

Deep tissue penetration 

Collagen remodeling

Effective treatment for fat reduction

Cons

Treatments are limited to large areas

Potentially high level of discomfort

Requires a specific heating

Monopolar RF machines are generally more expensive 

Now to bipolar RF…

What is Bipolar RF?

In Bipolar RF, the RF positive and negative electrodes are positioned very closely to each other

With bipolar RF, the positive and negative electrodes are positioned closely, both of them are located in the handheld RF applicator.

This means the RF current only flows between the two electrodes in the handpiece and does not penetrate further into the body.

Superficial RF penetration with Bipolar RF giving it the safety edge

Though the penetration is superficial, bipolar RF can produce collagen and elastin regeneration at an epidermal and dermal level.

Bipolar RF does not penetrate deeper into tissue to affect the subcutaneous fat.  

But because of its superficial nature, bipolar RF is a safer option for body contouring beginners.  

Caution is still needed when operating; however, as bipolar RF produces a strong heat sensation and localized redness, making instruction and certification in RF treatment technique critical to both safety and best results. 

We know that many of you are using the 6 in 1 for your RF skin tightening treatments, and also using RF as a part of your fat reduction protocol.  The RF housed on the 6 in 1 machine, well it’s  bipolar RF.  If you want to learn more about it, check out the details  in our course,

The Body Contouring 6 in 1 Masterclass

We left the link for it in today’s show notes.  

Here’s some more about bipolar RF

Bipolar RF is the choice for localized skin laxity

Bipolar RF handpieces offer the ability to more precisely target specific dermal structures without damaging surrounding tissues.  

It’s many practitioner’s go-to technology for inner thighs, upper arms and small areas in the abdomen.

Bipolar RF in a nutshell:

                         Bipolar RF Pros and Cons

Pros

Treatments are usually pain free

Ideal for surface-level 

High degree of safety - more suitable for body contouring beginners

Recommended over monopolar RF for sensitive areas such as inner thighs and upper arms

Less expensive, more affordable machines

Cons

Limited to superficial tightening

No fat reduction due to superficial RF penetration

Now here’s something we want to share…

Our secret to reducing fat using Bipolar RF

While bipolar RF cannot affect fat cells on its own, combining the skin tightening power of bipolar RF with the fat blasting power of ultrasound fat cavitation (using our proprietary protocol) delivers truly transformative body sculpting results.  

Remember, you can get our combination cavitation/radiofrequency protocol in our RF certification course!  

We hope the information in today’s episode has answered questions, cleared up any confusion and given you direction.  Just remember…

In deciding between monopolar RF vs bipolar RF, the right choice depends on your client’s needs and your treatment goals. 

Monopolar RF is the go-to for deep tissue effects, offering powerful fat reduction and significant skin tightening for larger areas, but it’s a more risky treatment and the machines are pricey,

On the other hand, bipolar RF is ideal for precise, surface-level skin tightening and addressing sensitive areas, making it a safer option for beginners…plus the machines are more affordable.

With the right training and the best protocols, like those offered in our Body Contouring Academy certification courses, you can decide on which machine to use based on the unique benefits of each RF type to achieve outstanding body sculpting results.

That’s it for today.  Until next time, Beautiful Wishes

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