HIGH-TECH FACIALS: BTLEM FACE SUBMENTUM

Contributing reporter Kezia Parkins visits 23MD for an EMS/RF combination treatment

THE LOWDOWN

Emface Submentum is a non-invasive treatment that combines electro muscular stimulation (EMS) and radiofrequency (RF) to help improve the appearance of a double chin or chin laxity by reducing fat, toning muscles and tightening the skin in the submental region. I was lucky enough to try a course of four treatments over four weeks.

THE EXPERIENCE

This was my first time visiting 23MD, located between Kensington and Chelsea. After a consultation with one of the clinic’s therapists, she applied a neutral electrode on my back (which allowed the highfrequency electric current to flow to the applicator) and settled me on the bed for a thorough cleanse.

While my double chin has become a concern, I am also worried about lines appearing around my eyes and on my forehead, so we went for a full-face treatment which involved pads being applied under my chin, on both cheeks, and on my forehead.

At first, the therapist started on a lower intensity setting of about 20, before working her way up to the 100 maximum intensity setting. As the intensity rose, so did the discomfort and frequency of strange facial expressions, but it was nothing unmanageable. The warmth of the RF felt amazing throughout, as did the forehead patch, even at the highest EMS intensity. It is the patch under the chin that can be uncomfortable.

During my second session, after being sick with the flu, I found it a lot harder to endure 20 minutes at maximum intensity, and the therapist explained that it wasn’t unusual to find the EMS harder to tolerate while unwell or during certain points of your menstrual cycle.

THE VERDICT

Two weeks into treatment, my skin looked the best it had in years – clear, smooth and even. I think this was thanks to the RF in the treatment. At the four week point, my face certainly felt tighter and more defined, although I had no major skin laxity to improve.

BUSINESS BENEFITS

This is a really low maintenance treatment for the therapist as the machine can be set up and the patient can be left to relax for 20 minutes with a few check-ins. The Emface can also be combined with other treatments for superior results. For example, if a patient comes in for chin/ jawline filler, a course of Emface will get the chin in the best possible shape, before the more invasive treatment.