Both treatments tighten skin without surgery, but they work in very different ways. Knowing the difference helps you choose the right one for your skin and your schedule.
How RF skin tightening works
Radiofrequency (RF) gently warms the deeper layers of your skin. That heat encourages your body to produce new collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep skin firm and smooth. The surface of your skin stays intact, so most clients get back to their day right away.
Results build gradually over a series of sessions as new collagen forms.
RF is a great fit for:
- Larger areas like the abdomen, arms, thighs, and back
- Mild skin laxity and loose or soft skin
- Skin affected by weight changes or aging
- The neck and jawline
- Anyone who wants little to no downtime
How fibroblast (plasma) works
Fibroblast uses plasma energy to create tiny, controlled points on the surface of the skin. Those points cause the skin to contract and tighten right away, and they kick off your skin's natural renewal process as you heal.
Because it works on the surface, fibroblast has more downtime than RF. The small treated points form tiny crusts that flake off on their own over about a week, and some redness and swelling is normal. You'll need to protect the area from the sun while it heals.
Fibroblast is a great fit for:
- Small, precise areas like upper eyelids, under the eyes, and around the mouth
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Crepey skin texture
- Loose skin in smaller areas where more precise tightening is wanted
Side by side
- How it works: RF heats deep layers. Fibroblast works on the skin's surface.
- Best areas: RF for larger body areas. Fibroblast for small, detailed areas.
- Downtime: RF has little to none. Fibroblast has about a week of healing.
- Results: RF builds gradually over several sessions. Fibroblast shows visible tightening sooner, with continued improvement as you heal.
Which should you choose?
If you want to firm a larger area like your stomach or arms with no downtime, RF is usually the place to start. If you're focused on a small area, like hooded eyelids or lines around the mouth, fibroblast can give more precise results.
Your skin type matters too. Fibroblast may carry a higher risk of pigment changes for some skin tones, which is one reason a consultation is an important first step. Many clients combine treatments as part of a broader plan.
Pricing
RF Skin Tightening starts at $149, and Plasma Skin Tightening starts at $199. Members save 20% on every treatment. See our full treatment menu.
Post-op recovery, sculpting, and lymphatic specialists
Results vary by person. Your provider will recommend the right treatment for your skin during your consultation.
