Emface is a facial rejuvenation procedure that simultaneously treats the facial muscles and skin, to lift and sculpt facial contours while reducing wrinkles.
Each Emface treatment combines two proprietary technologies.
High-intensity facial electromagnetic stimulation (HIFES technology)
- This patented, FDA-cleared technology was developed by BTL Aesthetics, the same company behind Emsculpt and Emsculpt Neo. While those body-contouring treatments use a high-intensity focused electromagnetic energy (HIFEM) to target major muscle groups like the glutes and abdominals, Emface employs high-intensity facial electromagnetic stimulation (HIFES) to stimulate the more superficial facial muscles, which slacken and lose volume with age.
- HIFES produces 75,000 facial muscle contractions in each 20-minute session. Targeted muscles include the frontalis, which elevates the brow, and the zygomaticus major, minor, and risorius muscles in the cheeks that elevate the corners of the mouth and lift the midface.
- These rapid contractions trigger cellular changes that increase muscle volume, density, and tone, giving the facial tissues more structural support.
Synchronized radiofrequency energy (Sync RF)
- Synchronized RF (radiofrequency) energy penetrates the dermis and warms the tissue to 40-42 degrees Celsius within a few minutes of treatment. This temperature is enough to induce new collagen and elastin growth, without affecting facial fat.
- Collagen and elastin are the structural proteins that give skin its elasticity, strength, and suppleness. We produce less of them as we get older, which leads to signs of facial aging.
- Stimulating new collagen and elastin growth in the dermis leads to firmer, smoother, and more elastic skin over time.
- The heat also builds elastin in the SMAS (or superficial musculoaponeurotic system), the fibrous tissue layer that runs from mid-scalp to the clavicle.
Emface is the only noninvasive facial treatment that targets not only the skin but the underlying muscles, which help form the foundation of our face, explains Dr. Kristin Baird, a board-certified dermatologist in Longmont, Colorado. “Emface enhances the deep structure of the face, which supports the overlying skin and soft tissue,” she says. “Since Emface builds the foundation, it’s complementary to other procedures, such as injectable fillers, neurotoxins (like Botox and Dysport), and lasers.”
Why Emface?
- This noninvasive treatment comes with no downtime. Afterward, “You can apply makeup, work out, or return to work without worries,” says Dr. Baird.
- It’s suitable for all skin types and tones.
- The 20-minute treatment is not painful, even without numbing cream. “It’s totally tolerable,” says Dr. Yael Halass, a facial plastic surgeon in New York City who acted as lead investigator of the Emface device during its development. Dr. Halass describes the procedure as producing “a wonderful sensation of warmth.”
- Results look very natural. “The procedure brings patients back to their natural baseline,” says Dr. Baird. She notes that Emface is a great alternative treatment option for patients who are hesitant about looking “overdone” with neurotoxins and fillers
What to expect during treatment?
Here’s what happens during a typical treatment.
- You’ll lie down on a treatment table, and your provider will cleanse your face.
- They’ll apply the Emface applicators across your forehead and cheeks and start the treatment.
- You will feel rapid muscle contractions and a warming sensation. This combination can feel tingly or strange, but it won’t be painful. You may find yourself involuntarily squinting or making odd facial expressions; this is completely normal.
- After 20 minutes, you can return to your daily routine. Your skin may look a little flushed, but otherwise no one will be able to tell you’ve had anything done.
