While there are various invasive and non-invasive cosmetic surgery procedures that rejuvenate aging skin, many of these come with a downside: long recovery time and possible post-surgical complications. Now, new non-ablative and non-invasive technologies are being designed to reduce wrinkles and tighten skin without the downtime.

Radiofrequency (RF) technologies such as Visage, ThermaCool, and Aurora SR have reached the highest standard in non-invasive cosmetic surgery treatments. RF procedures are safe and effective in reducing wrinkles and tightening the skin in the face including the forehead, cheeks, eye area, jowls, and nasolabial folds. RF devices have also been used to non-surgically lift the neck, eyebrow, and breast.

RF sends high frequency, electrical currents throughout the skin tissue producing heat. This process stimulates collagen fiber denaturation and reduction as well as regenerates collagen production.

Because collagen in the skin is minimized, a natural short-term tightening occurs. Over a small period of time, a patient will start to notice gradual and long-lasting rejuvenation of the skin, which includes further tightening, reduced laxity, and diminished wrinkles.

Vacuum-assisted radiofrequency (VARF) is the newest achievement in non-ablative RF technology, which uses radiofrequency with a suction on folded skin to reduce safety risks and minimize pain.

VARF uses heat from the radiofrequency current to degenerate dermal collagen. The treatment also induces the production of new collagen through the skin's natural wound healing process.

A number of studies have found that RF and VARF technologies are promising options in the field of cosmetic surgery. In one study, 50 percent of patients who underwent RF procedures experienced increased improvement in the skin tone of the cheek as well as nasolabial folds and marionette lines.

In another study, 80 percent of patients who were treated with VARF achieved a 40 to 50 percent tissue tightening effect. Patients also experienced less pain and discomfort with VARF than with RF devices.

As more and more people seek the fountain of youth via plastic surgery, non-invasive options continue to evolve, giving patients a great alternative to revitalize aging skin.