Lower face lifting and contouring with a novel internal real-time thermosensing monopolar radiofrequency

Abstract

As demand for a youthful appearance has increased, various techniques for face lifting and contouring have been used to reduce excess fat deposition and improve skin laxity. Recently, radiofrequency (RF)-assisted lipolysis and liposuction (RFAL) has been introduced for body and face contouring. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical improvement and safety of a new RFAL device for face lifting and contouring. A prospective study was conducted in 20 Korean patients who underwent an internal real-time thermosensing monopolar RFAL procedure. Prior to treatment and 12 and 24 weeks after treatment, digital photographs were taken, and the degree of improvement as measured by investigators and patients was recorded. Skin elasticity was measured using a Cutometer (CT575, Courage and Khazaka®, Cologne, Germany). Safety profiles were also evaluated at each visit. Results showed favorable improvement in skin laxity and fat deposition. Both investigators' evaluations and patients' evaluation showed significant improvement between 12 and 24 weeks. Although the changes in skin elasticity measured by the Cutometer were not statistically significant, all three treated regions showed a trend toward improvement. No major side effects such as infection or burn were observed. The internal, real-time thermosensing monopolar RFAL device showed clinical efficacy and safety. After further studies with more patients and longer follow-up periods, internal real-time thermosensing monopolar RF devices might become one of the popular treatment options for face lifting and contouring.

Efficacy of fractional laser, radiofrequency and IPL rejuvenation of periorbital region

“…3 Patient CD, age 58, before the first session of treatment with non-ablative RF and after the last one Fig. 4 Patient EF, age 43, before the first session of treatment with intense pulsed light session and after the last one insignificant [3]. Shin et al used R2 and R5 parameters to evaluation of IPL application in a group of 23 women.…”

“…Cutometric measurement showed significant changes in the following parameters: elasticity (R2 + 5.9%), viscoelasticity (R8 − 9.4%), fatigue (R3 and R9 − 16.2%, − 19.7%, respectively) and thickness R0 − 14.9%) [ 2 ]. Kim et al conducted a Cutometer study to assess the effect of monopolar radiofrequency treatment on skin elasticity; however, their results were statistically insignificant [ 3 ]. Shin et al used R2 and R5 parameters to evaluation of IPL application in a group of 23 women.…”

Evaluating the effectiveness and safety of radiofrequency for face and neck rejuvenation: A systematic review

“…48 For elasticity, a study on patients who underwent monopolar RF-assisted lipolysis (RFAL) measured improvement in elasticity at buccal and submental areas (upward trend at 12 vs. 24 weeks) by cutometer although not statistically significant (n = 20). 63 Another study on 44 patients treated with fractional RF found elastometry measurements with significant improvement (5%-12% in Young's Modulus and 10%-16% decrease in retraction time, p < 0.05). Average elasticity improvement correlated to a 2.6-year enhancement in skin property.…”

“…Sixty percent of RF patients were satisfied and 33% were very satisfied. 34 Similar to RF of the facial upper third, studies in the lower face show rhytid reduction 54,59,60 and improved skin laxity, 32,33,49,54,59,[61][62][63] but no difference in TEWL. 48 For elasticity, a study on patients who underwent monopolar RF-assisted lipolysis (RFAL) measured improvement in elasticity at buccal and submental areas (upward trend at 12 vs. 24 weeks) by cutometer although not statistically significant (n = 20).…”

“…Overall, there is high subjective improvement ratings by both patients and physicians in treating the lower face/ neck with RF. 33,45,48,54,[61][62][63]65 Patient satisfaction scores were also consistently high (68.4%-93%) 34,49,63,65,66 with the exception of one study. Hsu et al interviewed 15 subjects 1-6 months posttreatment.…”