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. 2019 Apr 8;39(Suppl_3):S112-S119.
doi: 10.1093/asj/sjz055.

Adjustable Depth Fractional Radiofrequency Combined With Bipolar Radiofrequency: A Minimally Invasive Combination Treatment for Skin Laxity

Erez Dayan  1 , Christopher Chia  2 , A Jay Burns  3 , Spero Theodorou  2
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Free PMC article

Adjustable Depth Fractional Radiofrequency Combined With Bipolar Radiofrequency: A Minimally Invasive Combination Treatment for Skin Laxity

Erez Dayan et al. Aesthet Surg J. .
Free PMC article

Abstract

Increasingly, patients are seeking minimally invasive methods to tighten skin and remodel adipose tissue. A large treatment gap exists among 3 types of patients: (1) the younger demographic, who increasingly desire soft tissue tightening without traditional operations, scars, and downtime; (2) patients with soft tissue laxity who are not "severe enough" to justify an excisional procedure, but not "mild enough" to rely on liposuction with soft tissue contraction alone; and (3) those with recurrent laxity who already underwent traditional excisional procedures. In these populations, plastic surgeons risk under- or overtreating with traditional methods. The purpose of this supplement is to describe the utility of radiofrequency (RF) microneedling (Fractora modified to Morpheus8 InMode Aesthetic Solutions, Lake Forest, CA) in combination with bipolar RF (FaceTite/BodyTite, InMode Aesthetic Solutions). By combining these procedures, the aforementioned treatment gap can be addressed. The RF microneedling allows for subdermal adipose remodeling and skin tightening. Addition of bipolar RF also tightens the skin by contraction of the underlaying fibroseptal network in addition to induction of neocollagenesis, elastogenesis, and angiogenesis at skin surface temperatures of 40° to 50°C. In our experience, these technologies have been effective and safe in these patient populations. Level of Evidence: 4.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Bipolar radiofrequency device (Facetite, InMode Aesthetic Solutions, Lake Forest, CA).
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Radiofrequency microneedling device (Morpheus8, InMode Aesthetic Solutions, Lake Forest, CA).
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Illustration of radiofrequency microneedling depth and effect.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
(A) Preoperative view of this 55-year-old woman with submental and jowl skin laxity. (B) Postoperative view of the patient 6 months after radiofrequency microneedling to jowls and submental area demonstrating improved skin laxity.
Figure 5.
Figure 5.
(A) This is a 47-year-old woman with abdominal skin laxity. (B) Six months after bipolar radiofrequency and radiofrequency microneedling treatment of anterior abdomen. Note preoperative supraumbilical skin laxity that is improved with radiofrequency treatment and not suction assisted liposuction alone.
Figure 6.
Figure 6.
(A) This is a 44-year-old woman who was bothered by backrolls. (B) Six months after treatment of backrolls with bipolar radiofrequency and radiofrequency microneedling.
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Cited by 2 articles

  • Multimodal Radiofrequency Application for Lower Face and Neck Laxity.
    Dayan E, Rovatti P, Aston S, Chia CT, Rohrich R, Theodorou S. Dayan E, et al. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2020 Aug 26;8(8):e2862. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000002862. eCollection 2020 Aug. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2020. PMID: 32983756 Free PMC article.
  • The Use of Radiofrequency in Aesthetic Surgery.
    Dayan E, Burns AJ, Rohrich RJ, Theodorou S. Dayan E, et al. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2020 Aug 17;8(8):e2861. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000002861. eCollection 2020 Aug. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2020. PMID: 32983755 Free PMC article.

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