Clarifications on radiofreqency and metal in the body.

Dr. Irwin
June 23, 2014
i'm thinking about buying a thermage radiofrequency for home use but i had a broken lower right leg 3 years ago and i have a plate and screws in my leg,doing the RF will hamper anything in my leg.

Your doctor should advise you on this but here are some helpful guidelines.  In general, you don’t want the current from the RF to pass through the metal in your body because the metal could heat up too much, which theoretically could loosen metal or the glue that is used in some cases.

  • There are many different types of RF systems now so alway ask the dermatologist about their specific system!
  • With both Thermage and Exilis, the system uses a grounding pad.  The metal implant must not be between the treatment site and the grounding pad.  So for example, if Thermage is done on the face and the grounding pad is on the back, it will not have any effect on metal in a leg, and it’s fine to do the treatment.
  • Some systems have an effect on pacemakers so again be sure to tell your doctor.

Hope this helps,  Dr. I

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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