Ultrastructural evaluation of multiple pass low energy versus single pass high energy radio‐frequency treatment

Abstract

Background and Objective:: The radio-frequency (RF) device is a system capable of volumetric heating of the mid to deep dermis and selective heating of the fibrous septa strands and fascia layer. Clinically, these effects promote dermal collagen production, and tightening of these deep subcutaneous structures. A new technique of using multiple low energy passes has been described which results in lower patient discomfort and fewer side effects. This technique has also been anecdotally described as giving more reproducible and reliable clinical results of tissue tightening and contouring. This study will compare ultrastructural changes in collagen between a single pass high energy versus up to five passes of a multiple pass lower energy treatment. Study Design/Materials and Methods: Three subjects were consented and treated in the preauricular region with the RF device using single or multiple passes (three or five) in the same 1.5 cm 2 treatment area with a slight delay between passes to allow tissue cooling. Biopsies from each treatment region and a control biopsy were taken immediately, 24 hours or 6 months post treatment for electron microscopic examination of the 0-1 mm and 1-2 mm levels. Sections of tissue 1 mmÂ1 mmÂ80 nm were examined with an RCA EMU-4 Transmission Electron Microscope. Twenty sections from 6 blocks from each 1 mm depth were examined by 2 blinded observers. The morphology and degree of collagen change in relation to area examined was compared to the control tissue, and estimated using a quantitative scale. Results: Ultrastructural examination of tissue showed that an increased amount of collagen fibril changes with increasing passes at energies of 97 J (three passes) and 122 J (five passes), respectively. The changes seen after five multiple passes were similar to those detected after much more painful single pass high-energy treatments.Conclusions: This ultrastructural study shows changes in collagen fibril morphology with an increased effect demonstrated at greater depths of the skin with multiple lowfluence passes and at lesser depths with single pass higher fluence settings. Findings suggest that similar collagen fibril alteration can occur with multiple pass low-energy treatments and single pulse high-energy treatments. The lower fluence multiple pass approach is associated with less patient discomfort, less side effects, and more consistent clinical results. Lasers Surg. Med. 38:150-154, 2006.

Thermage – Lifting ohne Skalpell?

“…Insgesamt 68% der Patienten gaben an, dass ihre Erwartungen erfüllt wurden und 45% fanden die Prozedur zu schmerzhaft. Mit den aktuellen Algorithmen, also mehreren niedrigenergetischen Durchgängen waren die Ergebnisse deutlich besser, was durch andere Publikationen bestätigt wurde [10,18]. Bei Dover et al [6] zeigten 87% der Patienten einen Soforteffekt, 92% nach 6 Monaten, 94% äußerten sich zufrieden und nur noch 5% fanden die Behandlung zu schmerzhaft.…”

Objective Assessment of Skin Tightening Using Multisource, Phase-Controlled Radiofrequency in Asians

“…Due to its better tissue penetration, RF treatment is capable of volumetric heating of the mid to deep dermis as well as selective heating of the fibrous septa strands and fascia layer [21]. Specifically, RF energy heats hydrodermal collagen, promoting both collagen remodeling and skin tightening [22].…”

“…Specifically, RF energy heats hydrodermal collagen, promoting both collagen remodeling and skin tightening [22]. Clinically, these effects promote dermal and hypodermal collagen production and the tightening of these deep subcutaneous structures [15,21]. RF devices have been used in thermal delivery systems to provide the beneficial effects of heat while avoiding some of the downfalls of more standard lasers [23].…”

Procedures Offered in the Medical Spa Environment

“…Kist and colleagues treated three subjects in the preauricular region using a single pass or multiple passes (3)(4)(5) in the same 1.5 cm 2 treatment area. 70 Biopsies taken from each region immediately post treatment, 24 hours post treatment, and six months post treatment showed an increased amount of collagen fibril changes with increasing passes. Changes seen in the samples that had five passes were similar to those in the single pass higher energy treatments.…”