Everything You Need to Know About EMFACE

A treatment with no needles, no downtime, and with sessions that take less time than a mani / pedi… count us in. EMFACE is a new, non-invasive facial rejuvenation treatment by BTL (most famous for EMSCULPT) that everyone in the skincare world has been buzzing about. The innovative device, which was FDA-approved in 2022, uses a combination of high-intensity focused electrical stimulation (HIFES) and synchronized radiofrequency (RF). The HIFES acts as a “facial workout” that tones and lifts the facial muscles while the RF heats the skin and stimulates collagen and elastin production.

Doctors are particularly excited about this new technology because it addresses two of the most common signs of aging: facial volume loss and wrinkles. “It is exciting because it targets the facial muscles and helps tone, tighten, and build muscle for a more youthful-looking appearance,” says David Shafer, MD, a double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and founder of Shafer Clinic in New York City.

So, how exactly does EMFACE work and does it really live up to all of the hype? Read on.

What does the treatment entail?

Getting EMFACE could not be easier; the treatment takes a little over 20 minutes and virtually has no downtime. The only “downside” (and we put that in quotes because it’s really not that big of a deal) is that, in order to get optimized results, the treatment calls for four sessions that are scheduled about a week apart.

Before getting the EMFACE treatment, your provider will take about 10 minutes to prep your skin and the equipment. First, they’ll wipe your face with an alcohol cleanser to help the sticky pads adhere properly. From there, they’ll place a grounding pad on your upper back, which attaches to the machine and is responsible for safely channeling the energy to the facial pads. As a last step, they’ll place three pads on your face: one on your forehead and one on each of your cheeks. Now, you’re ready to go. Your provider will turn the machine on and it’ll start to work its magic; for the next 20 minutes, the pads will send signals that contract the facial muscles, making you involuntarily smile and twitch. You may feel a little bit of heat from the RF and a tickling sensation from the HIFES, but most people report that it is a fairly comfortable treatment.

While the actual EMFACE session is quite quick, it’s important to note that it can take time before you see a noticeable difference. Dr. Shafer says you can expect peak results around one to three months post-treatment. It’s also worth mentioning that you’ll likely need to go in for maintenance sessions a few times a year after those four initial treatments.

How does EMFACE compare to other facial rejuvenation treatments?

While EMFACE uses unmatched technology, experts say its best used in combination with other rejuvenation treatments. For instance, Santa Monica based Board-Certified Dermatologist Dr. Ava Shamban, MD, views EMFACE as complementary to treatments like Botox and filler. Since Botox and other neuromodulators work by relaxing the muscles that pull down the skin, Dr. Shamban says that ideally, a patient would have a neuromodulator treatment first, followed by an Emface treatment.

Compared to filler, Dr. Shamban says EMFACE is completely different. “Emface can give a mild lift to fat pads that overly the muscles that are lifting, but it doesn’t address lip volume or cheek volume changes. It can improve facial contour and appearance of the jawline,” she tells us.

The same goes for Ultherapy, another non-invasive rejuvenation treatment; the two procedures treat different signs of aging. According to Dr. Shafer, Ultherapy tightens tissue by targeting loose or saggy skin whereas EMFACE lifts and tones the underlying muscle through muscle stimulation.

And, in case you were wondering, while EMFACE is a total game-changer, it’s not going to replace a facelift… sorry! With the current technology, sadly no non-invasive treatment can deliver comparable results. That being said, you can combine EMFACE with other in-office treatments to achieve results that have never been possible until now.

Bottom line: is EMFACE worth it?

EMFACE is a great option for those who are needle-phobic, are too young for injectables, or who want efficacious but natural-looking results. Since the treatment doesn’t have any downtime, Dr. Shafer says it’s particularly attractive for his patients looking for pain-free quick solutions with subtle results.

Aside from its price point, the biggest limitation to EMFACE is that you can’t have metal plates or implants in your mouth, since it can interfere with the energy currents. But, as always, it’s best to discuss with your board-certified dermatologist to see if EMFACE is a good fit for you.

For those who aren’t getting the desired results from their existing skincare treatments or find that needles are a barrier, EMFACE could be a great fit for them -- if their budget allows. Depending on the provider and location, the treatment costs around $4,000 for four sessions.

With all of the buzz around this new treatment, we’re sure that EMFACE delivers, but stay tuned for my first-hand perspective as I meet with Dr. Shafer and his team at the Shafer Clinic over the next month!