EMface: The Complete Guide to Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation
Aging is a natural process, but how we age has changed dramatically thanks to advances in aesthetic medicine. Today’s patients are looking for treatments that deliver noticeable improvements without surgery, lengthy recovery times, or an overdone appearance. Instead of dramatic transformations, many people want subtle enhancements that help them look refreshed, rested, and naturally youthful.
While skincare, injectables, and energy-based devices all play an important role in facial rejuvenation, they don’t address every cause of facial aging. As we get older, our skin loses collagen and elastin, fat pads gradually reduce in size, facial muscles gradually weaken, and the structural support beneath the skin begins to change. These combined changes can lead to sagging, flattening of the cheeks, loss of definition along the jawline, and the development of fine lines and wrinkles.
EMface was designed to treat these underlying changes in an entirely new way. By simultaneously targeting both the facial muscles and the skin, each EMface treatment helps improve facial tone, stimulate collagen production, and create a naturally lifted appearance without needles, surgery, or downtime.
At 817 Surgical Arts, we believe facial rejuvenation should enhance your natural features while preserving facial expression and individuality. Whether you’re beginning to notice early signs of aging or you’re looking for a non-surgical option to complement your long-term aesthetic plan, EMface offers an innovative approach backed by clinical research and FDA-cleared technology.
In this guide, we’ll explain how EMface works, who may benefit from treatment, what to expect during your appointments, and how it compares to other facial rejuvenation options.
What Is EMFACE?
EMface is a non-invasive facial rejuvenation treatment that simultaneously strengthens facial muscles while improving the quality of the skin. Unlike treatments that focus solely on wrinkles or volume loss, EMface addresses two of the primary contributors to facial aging by combining synchronized radiofrequency (RF) energy with High-Intensity Facial Electrical Stimulation (HIFES™).
This unique combination allows each EMface treatment to remodel collagen and elastin within the skin while strengthening the facial muscles that naturally support the face. The result is smoother skin, improved facial tone, enhanced definition, and a subtle lifting effect that looks natural rather than artificial.
EMface is well loved because it’s a needle-free treatment. There are no injections, incisions, anesthesia, or recovery periods required. Patients typically return to work, social activities, or their normal routine immediately after their treatment.
FDA-Cleared Technology
EMface is cleared by the FDA for improving facial tissue tone and treating facial wrinkles through the combined use of radiofrequency and HIFES technology. This means the device has undergone rigorous evaluation for safety and effectiveness for its intended use. Although no aesthetic procedure can permanently stop the aging process, each EMface treatment offers patients a scientifically backed non-surgical treatment for improving visible signs of aging.
Who Is BTL?
EMface is developed by BTL, a global medical technology company recognized for creating innovative, research-driven devices used in aesthetics, rehabilitation, women’s health, and cardiology.
Within aesthetic medicine, BTL has become known for developing technologies that harness the body’s natural physiology to improve both muscle function and tissue quality. Their treatment portfolio includes several industry-leading devices, including:
- EMFACE® for non-surgical facial rejuvenation
- EXION™ for skin rejuvenation and collagen stimulation
- EMSCULPT NEO® for muscle building and body contouring
- EMSELLA® for pelvic floor strengthening
Today, these devices are used by body & facial plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and aesthetic providers around the world.
How Does EMFACE Work?
EMface is the first in facial rejuvenation technology to simultaneously deliver combine radiofrequency (RF) energy and High-Intensity Facial Electrical Stimulation (HIFES™) during a treatment session. By combining these technologies, we can simultaneously improve skin quality and strengthen the underlying facial muscles, delivering more youthful, refreshed appearance while addressing multiple concerns in a single treatment.
Synchronized Radiofrequency (RF)
Radiofrequency energy has been used in the medical aesthetic industry for years because of its ability to safely heat the deeper layers of the skin without causing damage on the surface. The controlled heating stimulates the cells responsible for producing collagen, elastin, and other structural proteins that help keep skin firm and resilient.
Collagen production naturally declines as we age, leading to thinner skin, fine lines, and reduced elasticity. By delivering synchronized RF energy, EMface encourages the body to rebuild these essential structural components over time. Patients will often notice smoother skin, improved firmness, and a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles as collagen remodeling continues in the weeks following treatment.
Unlike some energy-based treatments, EMface is designed to preserve the natural facial fat that helps maintain youthful contours. In fact, BTL’s clinical research shows that the treatment remodels the skin without reducing these important facial fat pads. The exception is the submental, or under-the-chin, treatment, where a higher level of radiofrequency energy is intentionally used to target stubborn fat beneath the chin. This helps improve jawline definition while tightening the skin, making it an effective option for patients concerned about a double chin.
HIFES™ Muscle Stimulation
While radiofrequency focuses on the skin, HIFES technology targets another important aspect of facial aging: the underlying facial muscles.
Just like the muscles throughout the rest of the body, facial muscles naturally weaken over time. This gradual loss of muscle tone contributes to sagging tissues, flattening of facial contours, and decreased support for the skin.
EMface uses this technology to generate thousands of targeted muscle contractions during each session. These contractions strengthen and retrain the facial muscles, helping restore structural support and improve facial contours in the treated areas.
Rather than immobilizing muscles, every EMface treatment encourages healthier muscle function which contributes to a naturally lifted appearance while preserving normal facial expression.
Supporting Collagen, Elastin, and Hyaluronic Acid
Healthy, youthful skin depends on more than collagen alone. It also relies on elastin for flexibility and hyaluronic acid for hydration and volume. As we age, our natural production of all three slows down, contributing to skin laxity, fine lines, and a loss of firmness.
EMface is designed to encourage your body’s natural production of these essential components:
- Collagen helps support the skin’s structure
- Elastin gives it the ability to stretch and bounce back
- Hyaluronic acid helps keep skin hydrated from within
Supporting the production of these components at the same time is one of the reasons patients often notice skin that looks firmer, smoother, and more refreshed after a series of treatments.
A Completely Needle-Free Experience
An EMface treatment session requires no needles, unlike injectable treatments or surgical procedures, so there are no incisions or anesthesia used during the treatment session.
Applicators are placed on the desired treatment area while synchronized RF and HIFES technologies work beneath the surface. Patients simply relax during the session while the device performs thousands of muscle contractions and delivers controlled radiofrequency energy.
Since an EMface treatment is completely non-invasive, patients can return to work, exercise, or other daily activities immediately afterward.
Why Muscle Matters in Facial Aging
When most people think about facial aging, they picture wrinkles, fine lines, or loose skin. While these are some of the most noticeable signs of aging, they only tell part of the story.
Beneath the skin lies a complex network of facial muscles that create our expressions and help support the overlying tissues. As we age, these muscles gradually lose tone and strength, contributing to changes in facial support and definition over time.
Think of it like a fitted sheet stretched over a mattress. If the mattress becomes thinner or loses its shape, the sheet naturally begins to wrinkle and sag. Your skin behaves in a similar way. Healthy, toned facial muscles help provide support for the skin, while weakened muscles can contribute to softer contours and a less lifted appearance.
Traditional skin tightening treatments primarily focus on the skin itself. By stimulating collagen and elastin production, they can improve skin firmness, texture, and elasticity. However, they do not address the underlying facial muscles, which also change with age.
EMface was developed to bridge that gap.
By treating both the skin and the underlying facial muscles, EMface addresses facial aging on multiple levels. HIFES™ technology strengthens and retrains the facial muscles to improve their support, while synchronized radiofrequency stimulates collagen and elastin production to enhance skin quality.
Rather than simply targeting individual wrinkles, each EMface treatment focuses on the structural changes that contribute to facial aging. The result is a subtle, natural looking improvement in facial definition, lift, and overall appearance, all while preserving your natural facial expressions.
By improving both muscle tone and skin quality, EMface offers a more complete approach to facial rejuvenation, helping patients look refreshed, rested, and like the best version of themselves – never overdone!
Areas EMFACE Can Treat
One of the greatest advantages of EMface is its versatility. While many aesthetic treatments are designed to target a single concern, every EMface treatment can be customized to address multiple regions of the face and neck that are commonly affected by aging.
Each treatment area has its own specialized applicator and treatment protocol, allowing your provider to create a personalized plan based on your anatomy and aesthetic goals. Whether you’re looking to soften forehead lines, lift the cheeks, improve jawline definition, or rejuvenate the neck, EMface can be incorporated into a comprehensive facial rejuvenation strategy. EMface can even be used to help patients with TMJ-related jaw tension and teeth grinding!
EMFACE Eyes
The eyes are often one of the first places to show visible signs of aging. As collagen production decreases and the muscles surrounding the eyes lose strength, patients may notice crow’s feet, crepey skin, dark circles, or a tired appearance even when they feel well-rested.
Unlike injectable treatments that temporarily relax muscles, EMface works by strengthening facial support while improving skin quality. EMface Eyes is designed to improve the appearance of the upper face by stimulating collagen, elastin, and the muscles that help support the orbital fat and surrounding tissues. The radiofrequency in the EMface treatment will improve the skin including the appearance of crow’s feet, crepey skin, and dark circles while the HIFES™ works to tone the muscle, reducing the appearance of under eye bags.
Many patients choose EMface Eyes as a standalone treatment while others incorporate it into a full-face rejuvenation plan for more comprehensive results.
EMFACE Forehead
Horizontal forehead lines and subtle brow descent often become more noticeable with age. While neuromodulators remain an excellent option for reducing expression lines, EMface Forehead offers a different approach by improving skin quality and strengthening the muscles that support the upper face.
Treatment can help improve forehead smoothness, enhance brow support, and contribute to a naturally lifted brow and refreshed appearance without affecting normal facial movement.
Before and After EMface Forehead.
EMFACE Cheeks
The cheeks play a significant role in maintaining youthful facial contours. As facial muscles weaken and collagen declines, the midface can gradually appear flatter, contributing to a tired or aged appearance.
EMface Cheeks targets the muscles responsible for midface support while stimulating collagen remodeling throughout the overlying skin. Patients often notice improved cheek definition and volume, subtle lifting, and smoother skin texture.
Rather than adding volume directly via fillers or fat grafting, EMface enhances your natural facial structure by improving the support system beneath the skin resulting in the appearance of more volume.
EMFACE for TMJ and Jaw Tension
EMface can also be used to help patients with TMJ-related jaw tension and teeth grinding. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are conditions that affect the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, often causing jaw pain, muscle tightness, headaches, and difficulty chewing.
By delivering synchronized radiofrequency and HIFES™ technology to the jaw muscles, EMface helps improve muscle function while promoting relaxation of overworked muscles. Many patients who clench or grind their teeth develop enlarged, fatigued masseter muscles that contribute to discomfort and facial tension. EMface helps normalize muscle activity without needles, reducing muscle fatigue while supporting healthier muscle performance. At the same time, the radiofrequency energy stimulates collagen production in the overlying skin, providing the added aesthetic benefit of improved jawline definition. While EMface is not a cure for TMJ disorders, it can be an effective non-surgical option for patients whose symptoms are related to muscle tension and overactive jaw muscles.
EMFACE submentum (Chin)
Fullness beneath the chin and early loss of jawline definition can occur due to aging, genetics, or changes in weight. Even patients who maintain a healthy lifestyle may notice reduced definition in this area over time.
EMface Submentum is designed to improve support beneath the jawline while enhancing skin quality as well as reducing stubborn chin fat. By strengthening underlying muscles and stimulating collagen production, treatment can contribute to a more sculpted appearance and improved facial balance.
This area is frequently included as part of a full-face treatment plan for patients seeking comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
Who Is a Good Candidate for EMFACE?
EMface is an excellent option for adults who want to improve visible signs of facial aging without surgery or downtime. Because treatment works by stimulating your body’s natural regenerative processes, it appeals to patients who want subtle, natural-looking improvements instead of surgery.
Ideal candidates include those with mild to moderate skin laxity, early facial sagging, or decreased facial definition. Many patients start considering treatment when they notice their face looks a little more tired, less lifted, or not quite as firm as it used to.
Like any aesthetic treatment, EMface isn’t the right fit for everyone. Since it uses synchronized radiofrequency and HIFES™ technology, patients with certain metal or electronic implants may not be candidates. We’ll go over your medical history during your consultation to make sure the treatment is safe for you. If you have a permanent bonded retainer, don’t worry! In many cases, we can still perform an EMface treatment by placing a protective mouthguard or gauze over the retainer during your session.
Patients Interested in Prevention
Facial aging begins long before wrinkles become obvious. Collagen production starts declining as early as our twenties, while facial muscles gradually lose strength over time.
For younger patients, an EMface treatment plan can serve as a preventative treatment by supporting healthy collagen production and maintaining facial muscle tone before more advanced signs of aging develop. Many patients in their thirties, forties, and even fifties choose EMface as part of a proactive skin care and aesthetic maintenance plan.
Patients After Significant Weight Loss
Weight loss is an incredible achievement, but it can also lead to changes in facial volume and skin support. Whether weight loss occurs through lifestyle changes, bariatric surgery, or GLP-1 medications, patients often notice increased skin laxity and a less defined facial appearance.
EMface can help improve facial support by strengthening underlying muscles while stimulating collagen and elastin production. Although it does not replace volume that has been lost, it may improve overall firmness and facial contours as part of a customized rejuvenation plan as well as support your skin through the changes that come with weight loss. It’s a perfect pairing.
Learn more about facial rejuvenation after weight loss.
Maintaining Surgical Results
Patients who have previously undergone a facelift or other facial rejuvenation procedures often want to maintain their results for as long as possible.
Because EMface works by improving muscle tone and skin quality, it may be recommended as part of a long-term maintenance strategy after surgical healing is complete. Supporting collagen production and facial muscle function can help patients preserve a refreshed appearance over time.
Patients Who Want to Avoid Surgery
Not everyone is ready for a facelift or other facial rejuvenation procedures, and not everyone needs one. Many patients simply want subtle lifting, smoother skin, and improved facial tone without incisions or recovery.
EMface provides a non-surgical option for individuals who want gradual, natural-looking improvements while continuing their normal daily activities. It’s also an excellent choice for patients who may be considering surgery in the future but want to delay the need for a more invasive procedure.
During your consultation at 817 Surgical Arts, we’ll evaluate your facial anatomy, skin quality, and treatment goals to determine whether EMface is the right fit for you. If another treatment or combination of treatments would better achieve your goals, we’ll create a personalized plan designed around your needs.
What Does EMFACE Feel Like and is there any downtime?
One of the questions we hear most often is whether an EMface treatment is painful. The answer for most patients is no.
During treatment, you’ll feel two sensations happening simultaneously. The radiofrequency energy creates a gentle warming feeling as it heats the skin. At the same time, HIFES technology produces rhythmic muscle contractions that feel similar to an intense facial workout.
Although the muscle contractions can feel unusual at first, most patients become accustomed to the sensation within the first few minutes. The treatment is generally well tolerated and does not require topical numbing cream or anesthesia.
A typical EMface treatment lasts approximately 30 minutes, making it easy to fit into a busy schedule. Many patients schedule treatments during their lunch break before returning to work or other daily activities.
After treatment, there is essentially no downtime. Mild redness or a flushed cheek appearance may be present for a short period, but this usually resolves quickly. Because the skin remains intact, patients can resume normal activities immediately without restrictions.
Unlike more aggressive resurfacing procedures, EMface does not involve peeling, bruising, swelling, or extended healing time making it an attractive option for patients looking for effective facial rejuvenation with minimal disruption to their routine.
How Many EMFACE Treatments Do You Need?
Most patients achieve the best results with a series of four to six treatments, typically performed once per week over consecutive weeks.
This treatment protocol allows collagen remodeling and muscle strengthening to build progressively, producing gradual improvements that continue even after the final session.
Some patients begin noticing subtle improvements after their second or third treatment, while others experience more significant changes several weeks after completing the full series. Because collagen remodeling is a biological process, improvements continue developing over the following weeks and months.
Results vary depending on age, skin quality, lifestyle, and individual treatment goals. During your consultation, your provider will discuss what you can realistically expect based on your facial anatomy.
To maintain results, many patients choose periodic maintenance treatments. The ideal maintenance schedule varies from person to person, but many patients benefit from an additional EMface treatment every six to twelve months as part of their long-term facial rejuvenation plan.
Combining EMface with medical-grade skincare, healthy lifestyle habits, sun protection, and other aesthetic treatments like neurotoxin (Botox, Daxxify, etc) may help maximize and extend your results over time.
EMFACE vs. Other Facial Rejuvenation Treatments
One of the biggest advantages of modern aesthetic medicine is that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Every treatment works differently, and the best option depends on your anatomy, concerns, lifestyle, and goals.
EMface stands out because it targets both the skin and the underlying facial muscles. However, it doesn’t necessarily replace other treatments. In many cases, it complements them as part of a personalized facial rejuvenation plan.
EMFACE vs. neurotoxins
Neurotoxins like Botox and Daxxify works by temporarily relaxing specific facial muscles that create expression lines, helping soften dynamic wrinkles such as crow’s feet, forehead lines, and frown lines.
EMface takes a different approach. Rather than relaxing muscles, it strengthens the facial muscles that provide structural support while simultaneously stimulating collagen and elastin production.
These treatments aren’t direct competitors. Many patients benefit from combining Botox and EMFACE to address different aspects of facial aging.
EMFACE vs. Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers restore volume to areas that have become hollow due to aging, helping enhance facial contours and soften deeper folds.
EMface does not add volume directly. Instead, it improves muscle tone which provides support for the facial fat pads to create subtle lifting and improved definition. Patients seeking significant volume restoration may still benefit from fillers (or even facial fat grafting), while those looking to improve skin firmness and facial support may be excellent candidates for EMface .
For many patients, the two treatments work exceptionally well together.
EMFACE vs. Facelift Surgery
A deep plane facelift remains the gold standard for correcting significant skin and soft tissue laxity as well as advanced facial aging. Surgical procedures remove excess skin, reposition deeper tissues, and produce dramatic, long-lasting improvements.
EMface is not a replacement for facelift surgery. Instead, it is designed for patients with mild to moderate signs of aging, those wanting to support their face while undergoing weight loss, or those who wish to postpone surgery.
An EMface treatment may also be recommended after facelift surgery to help maintain skin quality and muscle support over time.
During your consultation, we’ll help determine whether a non-surgical treatment, surgery, or a combination of both is the best option for achieving your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About EMFACE
Does EMFACE replace a facelift?
No. EMface is designed for patients with mild to moderate signs of aging who want natural-looking improvements without surgery. Patients with more advanced skin laxity may achieve better results with a facelift or another surgical procedure.
Can EMFACE replace Botox?
Not necessarily. Botox relaxes muscles that create expression lines, while an EMface treatment strengthens facial muscles and improves skin quality. Depending on your goals, one treatment may be recommended, or both may be combined.
Is EMFACE painful?
Most patients describe EMface as comfortable. You’ll experience gentle warmth from the radiofrequency energy along with rhythmic muscle contractions that feel like an intense facial workout.
Is there any downtime?
Very little. Mild redness may occur immediately after treatment but typically resolves quickly. Most patients return to work and normal activities right away.
How long does an EMFACE treatment take?
A typical treatment session lasts about 20 minutes, making it easy to fit into a busy schedule.
How many emface treatments will I need?
Most patients begin with a series of four to six treatments performed one week apart. Your provider may recommend maintenance treatments to help preserve your results.
When will I see results?
Some patients begin to notice improvements after just two sessions, but the most noticeable changes usually develop over several weeks as collagen remodeling continues. Results continue to improve in the months following treatment.
How long do EMFACE results last?
Results vary from person to person, but many patients enjoy improvements for a few years. Periodic maintenance treatments, along with a healthy skincare routine and sun protection, can help prolong your results.
Can EMFACE be combined with other treatments?
Yes. The EMface treatment is frequently combined with medical-grade skincare, laser treatments, chemical peels, injectables, and other aesthetic procedures as part of a customized treatment plan.
Can I have EMFACE after a facelift?
In many cases, yes. Once you’ve fully healed from surgery, EMface may be recommended as part of a long-term maintenance plan. Your surgeon will advise you on the appropriate timing.
Does EMFACE help during and after weight loss or “Ozempic Face”?
Patients who have experienced facial changes after significant weight loss may benefit from EMface . While it does not restore lost facial volume, it can improve muscle support, skin firmness, and overall facial appearance. Depending on the degree of volume loss, additional treatments such as fillers or fat grafting may also be recommended.
Are EMFACE treatments safe for all skin types?
Yes. EMface is designed to treat a wide range of skin types and tones. During your consultation, your provider will review your medical history to ensure the treatment is appropriate for you.
Can men benefit from EMFACE?
Absolutely. Many men choose EMface to improve facial definition, strengthen the jawline, reduce wrinkles, and maintain a refreshed appearance without surgery or downtime.
What age is best to start EMFACE?
There isn’t a specific age that’s right for everyone. Some patients begin treatment in their thirties as a preventative measure, while others start later to address existing signs of aging. The best time depends on your individual concerns and goals.
Is EMFACE worth it?
For patients seeking natural-looking facial rejuvenation without surgery, needles, or downtime, EMface offers a unique approach that addresses both skin quality and muscle support. During your consultation, we’ll help determine whether it’s the right treatment for your goals.
Discover Whether EMFACE Is Right for You
Every face ages differently, which is why no single treatment is right for everyone. At 817 Surgical Arts, we take a personalized approach to facial rejuvenation, carefully evaluating your facial anatomy, skin quality, and long-term goals before recommending a treatment plan.
The EMface treatment offers an exciting option for patients who want to improve facial tone, stimulate collagen production, and achieve natural-looking rejuvenation without surgery or downtime. Whether you’re interested in preventative treatment, maintaining previous results, or exploring alternatives to more invasive procedures, our team can help you determine the best path forward.
If you’re ready to learn more about EMface or build a customized facial rejuvenation plan, we’re here to help.
Schedule your consultation with 817 Surgical Arts today and discover how personalized, non-surgical facial rejuvenation can help you look refreshed, confident, and naturally you.
