3 days ago
Editor Review of Emface for Forehead, Cheeks, and Under Eyes
For the weeks leading up to my 34th birthday back in June, I was strongly considering under-eye filler. I felt like my under-eye area needed a refresh that topical skincare couldn't address. As a regular Botox user, the idea of being poked with a couple of needles didn't bother me. Still, given all the recent (and kinda scary) discourse around fillers, I decided to hit the brakes and look for an alternative. So when I got an email to test out Emface Eyes, I immediately booked a series of four appointments.
Emface as a treatment isn't new—I tried it three years ago on my cheeks and forehead when it first came out—but the device can now be used under the eyes to treat dark circles, puffiness, and bags—all the things I was considering filler to address on myself. Unlike filler, though, Emface is painless (it does feel weird, more on that below), and comes with little risk and zero downtime.
So if you're curious like I was, keep reading for my recent Emface Eyes review (plus details from my first experience back in 2023), including what to expect from the treatment, how long it takes, and ultimately, if it's worth trying for yourself.
Emface is a non-invasive treatment that utilizes a combination of HIFES (high-intensity facial electrical stimulation) and radiofrequency technology to improve facial muscle density and stimulate collagen and elastin production, says plastic surgeon Yael Halaas, MD. "As of right now, it's the only device that can address and reverse the two main causes of aging—loss of facial muscle tone and loss of collagen."
So how exactly does Emface work? In short, the HIFES contracts your forehead and cheek muscles with an electromagnetic current to elevate and lift facial tissue, while the RF technology uses heat energy to prompt a wound-healing response in your skin. This process increases collagen and elastin, the two main proteins responsible for keeping skin baby-soft and plump.
Emface creates lift and tightness, restores volume, and reduces fine lines in the face, says Dr. Halaas. "It also tones underlying facial muscles to provide an overall refreshed, tighter, smoother complexion." Emface utilizes four different applicators for targeting the main areas of the face. There's one for the forehead to help lift the brows, one for the cheeks to sculpt and add volume, one for the submentum (aka the area under your chin) to reduce double chin, and, now, one for the under eyes to target dark circles and bags.
IMO, the biggest downside to Emface is the hefty price tag. The price varies by location and practice, but in a big-city practice like Dr. Halaas's, expect to shell out anywhere from $3000 to $4000 for a series of four treatments. The average cost of a single treatment is $850.
On average, the results from a series of Emface treatments will last about a year. Of course, as is the case with all cosmetic treatments, your lifestyle choices and how well you take care of your skin post-treatment (good sleep, healthy diet, regular SPF, etc.) will impact the results too. "You'll need to complete four sessions—spaced about a week or two apart—to see the full results," says Dr. Halaas. "And maintenance sessions may be required once or twice a year, depending on the patient and their desired goals." If you're not going to commit to all four sessions, Emface isn't the treatment for you.
When I tried Emface for the first time in 2023, I was impressed by how it gave my brows a lift and added definition to my cheekbones. It absolutely did not replace Botox for me (Botox straight-up eliminates my forehead lines; Emface softened them, which makes sense since neurotoxins paralyze facial muscles to prevent lines and wrinkles from forming, while Emface uses RF heat to smooth them), but I liked the overall effect it had on my face. I looked refreshed and perky, but you couldn't quite put your finger on why—super natural but not so subtle that you couldn't see a difference.
I'm currently experiencing the same effect from the series of my Emface Eyes treatments I had back in June. My dark circles and bags aren't entirely gone, but they are definitely less pronounced. Even with concealer, my under eyes always used to look shadowy, but now, a month after my last Emface treatment, all I need is a quick dab of my trusty Nars Soft Matte Concealer , and my face looks way less tired. On average, Emface results peak about 90 days after your last session and continue to improve with time, so I'm excited to see how my eye area looks in September and beyond.
Another benefit of Emface is how quick and easy the treatments are, especially compared to lasers and microneedling. To prep, your provider will wipe your skin clean with an alcohol pad so the sticker applicators adhere to your skin properly. They'll 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.
Emface is a painless treatment (although it does feel kinda strange—especially the first time you try it). Each pad emits mild heat that feels reminiscent of a hot stone massage. They also vibrate, which results in this weird involuntary twitching of your facial muscles (Exhibit A: my face in the video below). If you've ever tried microcurrent, it's a similar sensation, just most intense. Unlike other non-invasive treatments, like Clear and Brilliant or RF microneedling, there's no numbing ahead of time. There's also no downtime afterwards—this is a true "lunchtime treatment" if you will. After each session, my face looked completely normal (if anything, the teeniest bit flushed for five minutes max), and I could easily carry on with my day.
There's no denying Emface is a great needle-free alternative to filler. It's safe for all skin tones and skin types (one exception—"patients with metal in their face are not candidates for the treatment due to the energy being released through the grounding applicator," says Dr. Halaas) and is a great way to quickly lift, tone, and smooth without any downtime or injections.
Like I mentioned earlier, it won't replace Botox for me, but it has replaced my interest in under-eye filler. If you're looking for a low-risk treatment to address signs of aging and are comfortable spending the money, Emface is definitely worth considering.
Lauren Balsamo is the beauty director at Cosmopolitan with more than a decade of experience researching, writing, and editing skincare stories that range from the best skincare routine for your 30s to a comprehensive Hydrafacial review. She regularly tests and analyzes new cosmetic treatments while working with the industry's top dermatologists and aestheticians to assess new technologies.
Lauren Balsamo is the beauty director at Cosmopolitan where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for more than a decade at Cosmopolitan. Follow her on Instagram.
