Overview This standard is about using radio frequency to rejuvenate the skin and improve body contour. You will also be required to do a post treatment evaluation for continuous improvement of both your delivery and for the client's future needs. SKABA7 1
Performance criteria You must be able to: 1. prepare the treatment area for a radio frequency treatment 2. select and use equipment variables and applicators to suit the treatment objectives and treatment area 3. follow treatment protocol, maintaining applicator contact to cover the treatment area 4. monitor skin reaction and the client's wellbeing, adjusting the duration and equipment variables following treatment protocol 5. implement the correct course of action in the event of an adverse reaction to the treatment 6. conclude the treatment by turning the equipment to deactivated mode 7. follow manufacturers' guidance to complete the treatment 8. take post treatment photographic evidence of the treatment area following organisational procedures 9. complete client's records and store in accordance with data legislation 10. use evaluation methods agreed within the treatment protocol 11. collate and record the information gained from client feedback, client records and your own observations 12. provide written aftercare advice and recommendations on the treatment received 13. agree and record recommendations for any alterations for future treatment based on the outcome of your evaluation SKABA7 2
Knowledge and understanding You need to know and understand: 1. the preparation procedures of different treatment areas 2. the use of products with radio frequency treatments 3. how to adapt and maximise radio frequency treatment outcomes taking account of: 3.1 skin classifications 3.2 skin characteristics 3.3 body conditions 3.4 treatment objectives 4. the physical effects created by the radio frequency treatment 5. how radio frequency is measured and its relationships to the electromagnetic spectrum 6. the interaction of radio frequency with the skin and underlying tissues 7. the difference between monopolar, bipolar and tri-polar radio frequency 8. the types of treatments that could be given in conjunction with, or post radio frequency treatments 9. the potential hazards of using radio frequency devices 10. possible adverse reactions which may occur and how to deal with them 11. the legal significance of producing photographic evidence post treatment 12. the anatomy and physiology of the skin, face and body 13. the legal requirements of completing and storing client records 14. the purpose of evaluation activities 15. how to collate, analyse and summarise evaluation feedback in a clear and concise way 16. the advice and recommendations on products and treatments SKABA7 3
Scope/range It is expected that an individual undertaking this standard already has the skills, knowledge and behaviours identified in Beauty Aesthetic treatment guidance documents or the Beauty Therapy National Occupational Standards. The individual is expected to already be able to demonstrate competency in determining the relative (restrictive) and absolute (preventative) contraindications for the Beauty Aesthetic Standards undertaken. Items listed within the scope/range should be evidenced in line with the specific type of treatment being performed. SKABA7 4
Scope/range related to performance criteria Treatment area 1. face and neck 2. torso 3. limbs Equipment variables 1. frequency 2. temperature 3. time 4. intensity Treatment objectives 1. reduction of fine lines and wrinkles 2. improved skin condition 3. body contouring 4. facial skin contouring 5. improved appearance of cellulite 6. circumference reduction Equipment 1. aesthetic radio frequency only device 2. aesthetic radio frequency device with vacuum suction 3. face applicator 4. body applicator SKABA7 5
Scope/range related to knowledge and understanding Skin classification 1. Fiztpatrick Scale 1-3 2. Fitzpatrick Scale 4-6 Skin characteristics 1. skin thickness 2. hydration level 3. skin type 4. skin condition Body conditions 1. uneven fat deposits 2. uneven skin texture Adverse reactions 1. excessive erythema 2. excessive pain 3. excessive irritation 4. burns 5. blistering 6. bruising 7. scarring 8. allergic reaction 9. excessive oedema 10. hyperpigmentation Anatomy and physiology 1. the structure and functions of the body systems and their interdependence on each other 2. the structure and function of the skin and skin appendages 3. skin diseases, disorders and conditions SKABA7 6
4. the aging process of the skin including the effects of genetics, lifestyle and the environment 5. the skin healing process 6. the process of collagen and elastin synthesis including fibroblastic stimulation 7. the variances and location of skin thickness and adipose tissue deposits within different regions of the face and neck and body 8. the physiology and grading of cellulite 9. the structure and function of adipose and lipolysis 10. the physiological effects and benefits of radio frequency treatments on soft tissues and underlying skeletal structures Advice and recommendations 1. obtain client consent should they require treatment, alternatives or options not to treat 2. additional product and treatments 3. the future treatment needs and ongoing maintenance to retain optimum results 4. the lifestyle factors and changes that may be required to improve the effectiveness of the treatment 5. visual skin changes and recovery time 6. avoidance of procedures and activities post treatment, that could impact on the treatment outcomes, healing process and exacerbate adverse events 7. suitable aftercare products and their uses 8. time intervals between treatments 9. the benefits of a course of treatment 10. the importance of giving the client written after care advice 11. post treatment contra-actions and adverse reactions and how to deal with them 12. the importance of ensuring the client is given a post treatment point of contact 13. post treatment evaluation procedures SKABA7 7
Glossary Bipolar radio frequency Bipolar radio frequency places two symmetric and closely placed electrodes to pass a radio frequency current through a defined volume of tissue, to heat the desired target. Electromagnetic spectrum The Electromagnetic spectrum is made up of two main forms of radiation. Ultraviolet, which is used mainly for its skin tanning effects and Infrared which is used as a method of warming the tissues for therapeutic purposes. Equipment variables An element, feature or control embodied within a Beauty Aesthetic device that can vary and adjust the functional ability. Monopolar radio frequency Monopolar radio frequency places one single electrode on to the treated area and an opposing electrode that is relatively far removed so that the current goes deeply through the body. Skin classification The Fitzpatrick skin phenotype system is a classification system originally developed to predict a persons' lifetime risk of developing skin cancer. Treatment protocol A device and treatment indication specific protocol that sets out the necessary pre-treatment checks and tests, manner in which the procedure is to be applied, acceptable variations in settings used, and when to abort a treatment. Tripolar radio frequency Tripolar radio frequency selectively heats the fat cells under the skin without adversely affecting the surrounding tissues, increasing metabolism and secretion of liquid fat. SKABA7 8
Developed by SkillsActive Version Number 1 Date Approved December 2018 Indicative Review Date Validity Status Originating Organisation Original URN Relevant Occupations Suite Keywords December 2018 Current Original SkillsActive SKABT34 Beauty Therapy Beauty Aesthetics radio frequency, bipolar, monopolar, tripolar, rejuvenation of the skin SKABA7 9