What Is PEMF and Why Is It Useful in Medical Aesthetics?

The field of medical aesthetics is constantly evolving, with new techniques and technologies being developed and tested as the next top medical aesthetics treatment trend each year. Alternatively, technologies that have been used for decades may regain favor as they evolve or are adopted from other industries. Pulsed Electro Magnetic Fields (PEMF) is one of those technologies. But what is PEMF and why is it useful in medical aesthetics?

The History of PEMF Use

Historically, Pulsed Electro Magnetic Fields have been widely used for therapeutic treatments including those for bone growth, wound healing, depression, nerve and muscle pain relief, and the regeneration of musculoskeletal tissue (i.e., cartilage, tendons, and ligaments). While PEMF therapy was common around the 1950s, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only granted approvals for the use of PEMF starting in 1979 for bone growth.

In terms of the delivery of PEMF therapy, the first PEMF devices featured the Helmholtz coil. Treatments required patients to be placed inside the device that generated and delivered the therapeutic magnetic field. Today, PEMF therapy devices are much more compact. Tabletop devices often feature an applicator containing coils that deliver magnetic pulses, while other devices resembling a yoga mat are used with massage tables and deliver the treatment as the patient lies on the device.

How Does PEMF Work?

PEMF treatments work in a multitude of ways, which explains why this technology is used in a variety of medical fields. In terms of bone growth, PEMF supports osteoblast formation to prompt healthy bone formation, while disturbing osteoclast formation to prevent degradation. In sports therapy, PEMF has positive effects on the regeneration of damaged musculoskeletal tissues, with one study showing a significant improvement in pain, mobility, and daily activity via its support of the healthy production of collagen and fibroblasts. Essentially, these building blocks—collagen and fibroblasts—help to spur the healthy repair of damaged tendons, muscles, and ligaments on a cellular level, while recharging tired and damaged cells so that they may perform to their top potential.

But what’s at the root of these effects? How is the therapy delivered to damaged cells? Simply put, PEMF therapy delivers low-level electro magnetic radiation bursts to stimulate cells. While these electro magnetic levels are low and similar to what the body faces on a regular basis, it’s the delivery in pulses of five to 30 hertz that spurs cells to react. These electro magnetic pulses penetrate deep within the skin to activate and energize cells and kickstart their natural repair cycles, replicating and producing healthier cells in the process.

The Benefits of PEMF in Medical Aesthetics

PEMF’s effects on collagen and fibroblast production levels make it ideal for medical aesthetics treatments. In fact, advanced radio frequency (RF) technology combined with PEMF offers optimal results in medical aesthetics treatments, including non-invasive cellulite reduction, body contouring, and skin tightening. In these combination therapies, RF pulses are delivered in phases to homogeneously maintain optimal temperatures while delivering heat deep below the skin’s surface for maximum efficacy.  

Meanwhile, PEMF delivers quick pulses of electricity via a coil placed over the targeted treatment area, inducing magnetic fields through the skin that alter the electrical charge of dermal cells. This results in an increase in collagen production via dermal fibroblasts and the stimulation of angiogenesis for healthy cell renewal. The combined delivery of RF and PEMF stimulates neovascularity, fibroblast proliferation, collagen synthesis, and the contraction of elastin fibers for smoother, firmer, healthier-looking skin. 

Interested in learning more about RF and PEMF-powered medical aesthetics devices? Consider Venus Concept’s selection of compact, easy-to-use devices featuring today’s most advanced technology with proven results. As more medical aesthetics devices look to incorporate PEMF, Venus Concept’s line of devices featuring patented (MP)² technology, which combines Multi-Polar RF and PEMF, offer the advantage of no disposables and an industry-first subscription acquisition model that puts our customers’ success first.

Contact an expert today to learn more about the advantages of a Venus Concept partnership alongside an industry-leading medical aesthetics device featuring PEMF.