How it works:
Share your skin goals and snap selfies
Your dermatology provider prescribes your formula
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How it works:
How it works:
Share your skin goals and snap selfies
Your dermatology provider prescribes your formula
Apply nightly for happy, healthy skin
How it works:
What to know about Emface: Cost and benefits
This non-surgical treatment is a buzzy anti-aging tactic. So is it worth it?
Summary
Emface is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive facial treatment that combines synchronized radiofrequency (RF) and High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Energy (HIFESᵀᴹ) to rejuvenate the face, targeting both skin and muscle layers.
This treatment offers benefits such as reducing wrinkle severity, improving skin texture, and providing a lifting effect.
Emface is suitable for aging patients looking to address issues like wrinkles, sagging brows, and sagging cheeks/jowls.
Emface treatments are generally well-tolerated, with most patients reporting minimal discomfort.
The cost of Emface treatments can vary depending on location and specific treatment plans but generally falls in the range of $4,000 to $6,000, for a recommended minimum of four sessions.
Have you heard of Emface? It’s a skincare treatment that’s gaining popularity as a cutting-edge, non-surgical procedure that uses modern technology for facial rejuvenation.
We asked our expert, Kristin Beseke—a nurse practitioner with extensive experience in the field of aesthetics—to give us the lowdown on this buzzworthy treatment!
Here she shares her insights on the ins and outs of Emface, its potential benefits, and how much you might need to budget for it. This guide will help you understand what this innovative treatment involves—and if it may be worth it to you.
What is Emface?
Emface is an FDA-cleared,¹ cutting-edge facial treatment. It’s unique because it’s completely non-invasive and needle-free. This means you can enjoy its benefits with limited downtime—unlike with other more invasive treatments.
What sets Emface apart is its innovative use of synchronized radiofrequency (RF) and High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Energy (HIFESᵀᴹ). These combined technologies work together to rejuvenate the face in a way that’s unlike any other treatment available. It’s an interesting approach for those seeking advanced facial care without the need for invasive procedures.
How does Emface work?
Emface works by combining HIFES and RF for a two-pronged approach. HIFES triggers muscle contractions, enhancing muscle density and quality. At the same time, RF heats the skin, boosting collagen and elastin production. Research has been promising that this dual action not only improves skin quality but decreases wrinkle severity.²
Unlike cosmetic lasers, RF administers a uniform heat delivery to the skin's dermis at a controlled depth. This method suits all skin types and can even lead to immediate skin tightening and ongoing collagen remodeling.³
As Beseke points out, “Emface increases both collagen and elastin in the skin, hence tightening and combating the loss that we have as we age (1% loss per year after age 18!). So, its benefit is that it replaces this lost collagen and elastin, which helps with facial volume, skin laxity, and overall glow.”
The benefits of Emface
Struggling with fine lines and loose skin? Emface may be able to help. Research shows that this treatment offers real benefits for facial rejuvenation.
In one study, participants underwent Emface treatments on their forehead and cheeks and experienced substantial improvements. Each participant had four sessions of 20 minutes each, resulting in a reduction of wrinkle severity and improvement in skin texture within three months.
Most of the participants reported a noticeable lifting effect and tighter skin, leading to high satisfaction levels. The best part? There were no adverse events reported, highlighting Emface as a safe and effective option for enhancing your facial skin.⁴
What does Emface treat?
Emface is more than just a surface-level treatment; it addresses deeper structural aspects of your face. According to Beseke, it’s “designed to treat wrinkles and lift and tighten facial muscles and skin. It will also stimulate collagen and elastin production.”
It’s a process that goes more than skin-deep. “I think of the face in layers: skin, superficial fat pads, muscle, deep fat pads, and bone,” Beseke adds. “Emface specifically targets the zygomaticus major and minor as well as the risorius in the midface. It lifts these specific muscles back up into a more youthful position and pulls up the SMAS layer—which in turn also affects the jawline and neck.”
“When treating the forehead with Emface, I’ve noticed it has a notable impact on brow height,” Beseke adds. This comprehensive approach ensures that your treatment isn’t just about reducing wrinkles, but also about addressing facial structure changes for a refreshed and rejuvenated appearance.
Who should get Emface?
If you’re noticing signs of aging, like wrinkles or sagging skin, Emface could be an excellent option for you. "The ideal candidate would be any aging patient,” Beseke says, including “patients wanting to treat forehead wrinkles, sagging brows, and/or sagging cheeks and jowls."
Emface is more than just a skin treatment. “It's ideal for those who are hesitant about more invasive procedures,” Beseke adds. “I recommend it often to patients who don’t want to have dermal filler, are afraid of or can’t handle needles, or can’t afford any downtime that other procedures may require.”
She also recommends Emface as an alternative for those considering a facelift but who are not yet ready to consider invasive methods.
In short, if you’re looking for a non-invasive way to address aging signs without the downtime or risks associated with more aggressive treatments, Emface might be the right choice for you.
How much does Emface cost?
When considering the cost of Emface treatments, remember that prices can vary depending on your location and specific treatment plan. Generally, Emface treatments fall between $4,000 to $6,000. This cost estimate includes a recommended minimum of four sessions, typically one week apart.
However, these figures can fluctuate based on the provider’s expertise and geographic location. To get an accurate quote for your Emface treatment plan, consult a provider experienced in offering this innovative rejuvenation procedure. They can provide a more precise cost assessment tailored to your needs.
Does Emface hurt?
Are you worried about Emface being painful? The good news is that most people find it quite tolerable.
In the same study mentioned previously, the majority of patients agreed that the therapy was comfortable and reported no or minimal discomfort during the treatment. There were also no adverse events or treatment-related side effects observed, supporting that Emface is a generally safe option.⁵
“There are four, 20-minute sessions for the initial treatment. They’re not painful, and I wouldn’t say uncomfortable either,” Beseke adds. “It’s more of just an odd feeling the first few minutes, and then you get used to it. It feels like someone or something is just contracting your muscles for you. It also is a bit warm from the RF. You can tailor the intensity to each client but the goal would be to get to 100% each treatment for best results.”
So, while the sensation might be unfamiliar at first, it’s not painful. The feeling of muscle contractions and the warmth from the radiofrequency are part of the process, and the intensity can be adjusted to your comfort level.
Are there any risks associated with Emface?
When considering Emface for facial rejuvenation, it’s reassuring to know that it’s generally safe and effective for various skin conditions. The use of radiofrequency in the treatment might cause some minor and temporary effects like slight skin erythema (redness) and tightness, but these typically resolve quickly.⁶
However, as with any medical procedure, there are some risks and contraindications to be aware of. “Contraindications would be anything electromagnetic energy could affect, such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, insulin pump, or other implantable devices,” shares Beseke. Emface is also not suitable if you have certain medical devices or metal implants.
She also advises, “I would also not treat with radiofrequency over any open wounds or risk turning up the RF too high in a diabetic patient’s skin.” These specific circumstances require careful consideration and consultation with a dermatology provider.
It’s always best to consult with a licensed dermatology provider before starting any new treatment. They can provide personalized advice and help you understand whether Emface is a safe option for you by considering your individual health conditions and medical history.
Our expert, Kristin Beseke, NP, offers in-depth answers to some common questions about Emface. Let’s dive in!
FAQs
“Emface is pricey—much like everything else in the aesthetic world. I would say it’s worth the money if it helps to restore people’s self-confidence. If you’re someone who only needs a little bit of improvement or is younger, a combination of neurotoxin, dermal fillers, and/or microneedling with RF could be an alternative that would likely offer many of the same benefits.
However, after all that and with the maintenance of it, it may be around the same price or even more expensive! Plus, it can be more painful and carry more risk. There’s maintenance required with Emface besides the initial treatment sessions (as we continue to lose collagen and elastin as we age), so I do try to set expectations that undergoing the initial 4 sessions is not the end, and maintenance will be required. It’s definitely an investment in oneself. It may not give the results of a surgical facelift, however, it’s the next best thing to surgery—in my opinion!”
“We recommend a series of 4 sessions (one a week for 4 weeks) for the initial treatment, with follow-up treatments for maintenance of one session as needed depending on age, goals, and other factors such as how much facial sagging, and other concerns a patient has. The older you are, the more sessions you may need to see full results.
Someone in their 30s or 40s may want to do a maintenance treatment once a year, while a 50 to 60-year-old may want to do a maintenance treatment every 6 months. All of this, of course, depends on the specific patient. Patients often feel and see results almost immediately, but the results will continue to get better over the next 2 to 3 months as more collagen and elastin form.”
“I have seen excellent results in some clients as far as lifting the midface, softening the nasolabial folds, improving jowling, and almost eliminating horizontal forehead lines in one patient. On the other hand, if you’ve been maintaining your face with Botox and fillers already, or have had a facelift, or are on the young end of the spectrum, the results may have less of a wow factor.”
“The nice thing about Emface is that it causes changes and treats different layers of the face, helping with skin and muscle, and lifting fat pads back into place. For example, microneedling with radiofrequency will also help stimulate collagen and elastin production (as will Sculptra), and dermal fillers can help fill tissue to replace falling fat pads in the midface, but Emface will stimulate collagen and elastin products and help bring the fat pads back into a higher position (and is virtually painless with almost no risk).
Dermal fillers carry a risk of vascular occlusion and possible movement of the product or even formation of nodules (Sculptra can also form nodules). Microneedling can carry a risk of infection (although very rare) but you have that risk anytime you are breaking the skin with needles. Emface also has no downtime, so you don’t have to worry about bruising or swelling or hiding out while your face recovers from other treatments!”
“Emface works well for many skin types. Because of how it’s designed, it can treat different kinds of skin without issues. But, it’s always a good idea to talk to a skin expert before starting any treatment.”
Take care of your skin with Curology
Emface is a non-invasive, safe, and effective treatment, but it doesn’t take the place of an excellent daily skincare routine.
Get your personalized skincare routine with Curology
Get your personalized skincare routine with Curology
To address skin concerns like acne, rosacea, and signs of aging,* consider signing up for a 30-day trial with Curology.** Our team of licensed dermatology providers can provide you with personalized skincare recommendations and products based on your needs—all you need to do is answer a handful of questions and take a few photos of your skin concerns.
P.S. We did the homework so you don’t have to:
Food and Drug Administration. EMFACE 510(k) Premarket Notification. (2023, December, 4).
Gentile, R. and Halaas, Yl. Novel Approach to Facial Rejuvenation by Treating Cutaneous and Soft Tissue for Wrinkles Reduction:First Experience from Multicenter Clinical Trial. Facial Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Medicine. (2023).
el-Domyati, M., et al. Radiofrequency facial rejuvenation: evidence-based effect. J Am Acad Dermatol. (March 2011).
Gentile, R. and Halaas, Y. Novel Approach to Facial Rejuvenation by Treating Cutaneous and Soft Tissue for Wrinkles Reduction:First Experience from Multicenter Clinical Trial. Facial Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Medicine. Ibid.
Gentile, R. and Halaas, Y. Novel Approach to Facial Rejuvenation by Treating Cutaneous and Soft Tissue for Wrinkles Reduction:First Experience from Multicenter Clinical Trial. Facial Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Medicine. Ibid.
Ferraz de Oliveira. T., et al. Effects of Multipolar Radiofrequency and Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Treatment for Face and Neck Rejuvenation. Dermatology Research and Practice. (2017, March 8).
Meredith Hartle is a board-certified Family Medicine physician at Curology. She earned her medical degree at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, MO.
* Restrictions apply. See website for full details and important safety information.
**Cancel anytime. Subject to consultation. Results may vary.
Curology Team
Meredith Hartle, DO
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