One of my favorite things about being a beauty editor is getting to try non-invasive beauty treatments like micro-acupuncture and acne scar erase lasers before they’re available to the public. So when I received an email in August with the opportunity to try Emfacea new facial procedure from BTL (the makers of the popular body toning treatment Emsculpt), I was incredibly excited to try since it is advertised as a needle-free filler replacement that leaves your face more sculpted, firmer and toned.
Even my dermatologist friends were referring to the treatment as “revolutionary” and “game-changing,” especially for people who want to improve their appearance in a more natural way without needles or downtime. So I immediately scheduled a series of appointments with a plastic surgeon Yael HalaasMD, in her practice in New York, and now, about four months later, I am fully seeing the results of Emface.
So if you’re curious like me, read on for my Emface review, including what to expect from the treatment, how long it takes, and ultimately, whether it’s worth trying for yourself.
What is Emface?
Emface is a non-invasive treatment that uses a combination of HIFES (high intensity facial electrical stimulation) and radio frequency technology to improve facial muscle density and stimulate collagen and elastin production, says Dr. Halaas. “As of now, it is the only device that can address and reverse the two main causes of aging – loss of facial muscle tone and loss of collagen.”
How exactly does Emface work? In short, HIFES contracts your forehead and cheek muscles with an electromagnetic current to lift and lift facial tissue, while RF technology uses thermal energy to trigger a wound healing response in your skin. This process increases collagen and elastinthe two main proteins responsible for keeping baby soft and plump.
What are the benefits of Emface?
Emface has many benefits: Creates lift, restores volume and reduces fine lines on the face, says Dr. Halaas. “It also tones the underlying facial muscles to deliver an overall rejuvenated, firmer and smoother complexion.” Dr. Halaas also says that Emface can lift your brows and make your cheekbones look more defined, which were definitely the two most noticeable benefits I experienced after my round of treatments.
How is Emface different from filler or Botox?
Historically, if you wanted to lift and sculpt your facial features or smooth out fine lines, you would have to go to a dermal for a neurotoxin (like Botox or Xeomin) and/or filler. Emface is said to create these same filler-like effects in a more natural way—and without the use of needles. Fillers inject hyaluronic acid into the face to add volume and lift, while Emface strengthens facial muscles to add volume and lift. Botox paralyzes facial muscles to prevent lines and wrinkles from forming, while Emface uses RF heat to smooth forehead lines and wrinkles.
For what it’s worth, I’ve tried all three: Botox, fillers, and now Emface. And while I *think* Emface produces comparable results to Botox and Filler, it’s just much more subtle. Straight botox is erasing my forehead lines. Emface softened them. I’ve only tried the cheek filler once and it made my cheekbones look fuller, whereas the Emface made them look more lifted. Personally, I prefer the result to Emface – it looks less puffy than filler.
Unlike Botox and filler (Botox kicks in about a week after treatment and filler results are almost immediate), Emface takes a while to see a noticeable difference in your skin (think: a few months). Building collagen and building muscle is a long game and I didn’t really notice a difference until after my third treatment, with the results becoming more and more noticeable as the weeks went by. On average, Emface results peak around 90 days after the last session and continue to improve over time.
How long does an Emface treatment last?
Every single one of my Emface treatments was needed about 25 minutes from start to finish. To prepare for your treatment, your provider will clean your cheeks and forehead with an alcohol pad so that the stickers adhere properly to your skin. They will also stick a grounding pad to the skin on your back. Once the treatment stickers and grounding pad are in place, the 20 minute treatment begins.
And remember, Emface is not something that is done in isolation. “You’ll need to complete four sessions—about a week or two apart— to see full results,” says Dr. Halaas. “And maintenance sessions may be needed once or twice a year depending on the patient and their desired goals.” If you’re not going to commit to all four sessions, the Emface is not Not the cure for you.
Is Emface painful?
From my experience, Emface isn’t painful, but it sure feels weird— especially the first time you try it. Unlike other non-invasive treatments such as Clear and Brilliant or RF microneedling, there is no numbness and absolutely zero downtime. After your treatment, you can go about your day as usual.
Your doctor will place three sticky patches on your face—one on each cheek and one on your forehead. Each pad emits gentle heat reminiscent of a hot stone massage. Nice and relaxing. They also vibrate, which results in this weird involuntary contraction of your facial muscles (exhibit A: my face in the video below). If you have ever experienced microcurrent, it is a similar sensation that is most intense.
What does Emface cost?
IMO, the biggest downside of Emface is the hefty price tag. Price varies by location and practice, but in general, expect to pay $4,500 for a series of four treatments, says Dr. Halaas. Hopefully, as the treatment becomes more widespread, the price comes down a bit.
Is Emface worth it?
There is no doubt that Emface is a complete game changer in the non-invasive beauty care space. It is safe for all skin tones and skin types (one exception-“patients with metal on their face are not candidates for the treatment due to the energy released through the grounding applicator,” says Dr. Halaas) and is a great way to quickly lift, tone and smooth without downtime or injections.
But will Emface replace filler for me? No, because nothing makes my forehead as satisfyingly smooth as a few botox units. Will it stop me from trying the filler again? As of now, yes. Would I recommend this to anyone looking to experiment with antiaging treatments in a discreet, relatively low-commitment way? Absolutely.
Meet the expert:
- Yael Halaas, MD, is a dual board plastic surgeon in New York, New York. Dr. Halaas specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive facial plastic surgery and non-surgical procedures. She is an international speaker for major beauty brands, as well as a clinical researcher for new treatments.
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Lauren Balsamo is deputy director of beauty at Cosmopolitan with nine years of experience researching, writing and editing skincare stories ranging from the best exfoliators for sensitive skin to a comprehensive Hydrafacial review. He regularly tests and analyzes new cosmetic treatments, while working with the industry’s leading dermatologists and estheticians to evaluate new technologies.
Deputy Beauty Director
Lauren Balsamo is Associate Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan, where she writes, edits, and produces all kinds of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for nine years at Cosmopolitan and has contributed to Women’s health and Seventeen magazines too. Follow her Instagram.
