Prospective Clinical Trial of the Latest Generation of Noninvasive Monopolar Radiofrequency for the Treatment of Facial and Upper Neck Skin Laxity

Abstract

BACKGROUND Aging of the face and upper neck is a complex process characterized by loss of collagen and elastic fibers, resulting in clinical skin laxity. Noninvasive interventions such as monopolar capacitively coupled radiofrequency (MRF) have gained popularity, offering a safer and more convenient alternative to traditional surgical face lift. The latest MRF device features larger tips, vibration, cooling, and impedance matching. OBJECTIVE We performed the first open-label clinical trial, measuring the efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction of this device for noninvasive lifting and tightening of the face and upper neck. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty subjects 30 to 60 years of age with mild/moderate skin laxity of the face and upper neck were enrolled. After pretreatment with ketorolac 60 mg intramuscular injection, subjects underwent treatment with MRF. Follow-up evaluations were performed on Days 30, 60, and 180. RESULTS Our study demonstrated that the newest generation MRF produced statistically significant improvement in skin laxity 6 months post-treatment, especially in the jowls and melolabial folds. According to the Investigator Global Aesthetic Improvement Score, 73% of subjects had improvement at 6 months post-treatment. Subject satisfaction and improvement questionnaires supported these findings. CONCLUSION Our data coupled with the excellent adverse effect profile validates MRF as an attractive treatment modality for facial and upper neck skin laxity.

Efficacy and Safety of Monopolar Radiofrequency for Treatment of Lower Facial Laxity in Asians

“…Alhaddad et al [14] demonstrated that MRF significantly improved cheek laxity, nasolabial folds, jowls, and upper neck laxity as early as 30 days after the procedure. Furthermore, Angra et al [2] showed that 80% and 73% of subjects improved by months 3 and 6, respectively. In the current investigation, we observed greater degrees of improvement at the 3-and 6-month follow-ups, and more moderate-to-marked improvements were seen.…”

“…Furthermore, Angra et al. [ 2 ] showed that 80% and 73% of subjects improved by months 3 and 6, respectively. In the current investigation, we observed greater degrees of improvement at the 3- and 6-month follow-ups, and more moderate-to-marked improvements were seen.…”

“…Newer generations of MRF devices have improved by incorporating larger tips for greater efficacy and efficiency, vibration for added comfort, cooling for greater comfort and ability to endure high energy levels, and impedance checking technology to increase safety [ 2 ]. Fourth-generation MRF devices use a high-frequency generator that produces a 400 W, 6.78 MHz monopolar current signal.…”

“…The alterations occur at every anatomic level due to a dynamic interaction between extrinsic and intrinsic factors and the activities of the facial musculature [ 1 ]. Gradual deterioration of these layers manifests clinically as excessive skin laxity [ 2 ]. Lower face wrinkles and excessive skin laxity make people look “older.” Various modalities have been utilized to treat skin laxity and wrinkles of the lower face.…”

“…Monopolar radiofrequency (MRF) is a valuable modality to tighten and contour mild-to-moderate skin laxity of the lower face and neck. Treatment with MRF is still one of the gold standards and a popular method for skin tightening [ 2 ]. Since the introduction of the first MRF device in the early 2000s, different companies have developed RF platforms that utilize innovative and novel technologies to enhance therapeutic outcomes [ 4 ].…”