If you reside on the skincare and aesthetic treatments side of TikTok, the chances are you may have come across EmFace, the new non-invasive facial treatment that cosmetic doctors are raving about.
Apparently, the buzz is warranted, since EmFace is the first treatment that works both superficially on the skin and within the facial muscles themselves – meaning it can treat no end of skin concerns, from wrinkles to texture, facial structure and contouring.
Using both radio frequency and electromagnetic technologies, the treatment takes just 20 minutes, is completely painless and involves no downtime or side effects. Tempted? GLAMOUR spoke to Professor Ali Ghanem, aesthetic plastic surgeon and the only professor of aesthetics in the UK, who told us everything we need to know about EmFace…
Spoiler: That Insta look doesn't come cheap.
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What is EmFace?
“EmFace is a new concept of non-surgical facial rejuvenation, which combines radio frequency to treat superficial wrinkles and electromagnetic stimulation to treat deep tissue laxity by targeting the facial mimic muscles that lifts the face,” Dr Ghanem tells GLAMOUR.
On the surface of the skin, the radio frequency element of the treatment helps to stimulate collagen and elastin. “EmFace heats the skin tissue to stimulate an increase in fibroblast activity, leading to an increased synthesis of new collagen and elastin fibres,” he says. “In addition, the old collagen and elastin fibres decompose and denature, and are rebuilt again.”
He adds that the radio frequency waves, which heat the skin tissue, also improves the connective tissue beneath the skin – giving more facial tightness, elasticity and softened fine lines. Hence the botox comparison.
The electromagnetic technology, known as HIFES (High-Intensity Facial Electrical Stimulation), is what sculpts and lifts the muscles in the face, giving that fresh look. “The HIFES technology induces contractions in the facial muscles,” says Dr Ghanem. “These contractions trigger a tissue response leading to muscle protein synthesis and to muscle tissue renewal, giving the facial muscles more structure, increasing volume in the mid-face and improving the nasolabial fold. The result is a reduction in jowls and increase in jawline contouring.”
What is different about EmFace to other radio frequency facial treatments?
Dr Ghanem says: "The radio frequency in EmFace has been engineered to only address the dermis layer. By focusing on the superficial tissue it avoids the side effects of fat loss in the superficial fat compartment.
“Most heat-based devices create scarring under the skin, known as fibrosis and adhesions. Whilst this is what helps lead to skin tightening, if you then decide to have a surgical treatment in the future, you may experience complications. EmFace has a much lower risk of scarring under the skin, and therefore reduces the risk, and leads to better long term prospects. This remarkable new technology respects the skin’s structure and ensures there are no adhesions, which may affect the prospect of future treatment success.”
Why is EmFace being described as an alternative to Botox and filler?
While the treatments themselves couldn't be more different, EmFace results can be comparable to some injectables.
“The wrinkle reduction, volume gain and tissue left in EmFace happens due to modelling of dermis collagen, rather than muscle paralysis (Botox) or the gel-puff effect of dermal fillers,” says Professor Ghanem. “Accordingly, it addresses the very mechanism of aging rather than camouflaging it – and it's also longer lasting.”
While there have no yet been studies that directly compare EmFace to injectables, Dr Ghanem adds: “The gentle effect of static wrinkle reduction and volume gain is similar.”
There's a new wrinkle-relaxer on the scene.
What happens during an EmFace treatment?
Some pads are attached to the face, across the lower cheeks and forehead. You will feel the warmth of the radio frequency, but it shouldn't feel painful or uncomfortable – in fact, it's said to be quite relaxing. The muscle stimulation will make your face move and twitch, which can take some getting used to, but it won't hurt.
“The radio frequency element will give a hot stone massage feel and the electromagnetic stimulation part would give a ticklish sensation rather than pain,” says Dr Ghanem. “The entire treatment lasts 20 minutes.”
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Are there any risks associated with EmFace?
“Absolutely none,” says Dr Ghanem. But like all energy-based devices, it cannot be used on patients with metallic screws, implants or permanent fillers.
Who is EmFace most suitable for?
Anyone who is interested in smoothing and lifting the face, and particularly, for Dr Ghanem: “those who wish to avoid surgery or more invasive options.”
"I've lived life."
How many EmFace treatments do you need?
A course of four treatments is recommended.
How much does EmFace cost?
Admittedly, EmFace is pricey. It costs around £3000 for the four treatments, which is expected to last for around 12 months.
