RF Devices – Expert Advice (price on request)

How to choose the right RF device for your clinic

The most important thing is understanding how radiofrequency (RF) penetrates tissue. Let’s start by getting the physics straight, because it is key:

It is not the frequency (MHz) alone that determines depth, but:

• electrode configuration (monopolar vs bipolar vs multipolar)
• tissue resistance (impedance)
• power and pulse duration
• applicator geometry
• skin contact

Frequency matters, but it is secondary to the layout of the electric field.

RF works through: current flow → tissue resistance → heat generation (the Joule effect).

It is not a wave that “penetrates like a laser” but an electric field between electrodes.

The effect of frequency (MHz) on depth

General physical rule:

• lower frequency → deeper penetration
• higher frequency → more superficial action

Monopolar RF – works the DEEPEST

Mechanism:

• current flows between the active electrode and a neutral (return) electrode, e.g. under the back

Caution:

A very large volume of tissue is affected – the wrong tissues are very often overheated, which can damage them. The biggest problem is damage to the facial fat pads, which ultimately accelerates facial ageing! MONOPOLAR RF SHOULD NOT BE USED ON THE FACE!

Depth:

• up to 15–25 mm
• in aesthetic practice: 10–20 mm

What it reaches:

• dermis
• fat tissue
• partly fascia

Conclusion: monopolar RF = the DEEPEST penetration

Bipolar RF – shallower and controlled

Mechanism:

• current flows between two electrodes in the handpiece – the energy stays local

Depth:

about half the distance between the electrodes – typically 2–6 mm, maximum ~8 mm

What it reaches:

• epidermis
• dermis
• superficial SMAS

Conclusion: more precise depth, safer for the face

Multipolar RF

Mechanism:

• multiple electrodes → alternating field

Effect:

• more even energy distribution

Depth:

• 3–8 mm, depending on configuration

Microneedling / fractional RF

Here is the exception to the frequency rule: depth = needle length.

Typical values:

RF frequency (e.g. 1–2 MHz) does not determine depth here – the needle does.

The most common mistake

• “Higher frequency = deeper” → FALSE
• “MHz determines depth” → a marketing simplification

In practice, what matters most is:

• the type of RF
• electrode geometry
• energy settings

Summary – what works deepest

Depth ranking:

1. Monopolar RF → 10–20 mm
2. Microneedling RF (deep settings) → up to 4 mm (precisely)
3. Multipolar RF → 3–8 mm
4. Bipolar RF → 2–6 mm
5. High MHz (>4–6) → superficial

Clinical conclusion

• fat tissue → monopolar
• skin lifting → bipolar / multipolar
• precise remodelling → microneedling / fractional RF