Early results are promising for an exciting new technology that uses radio frequency to tighten loose skin on the neck or face without surgery and only minor side effects.
Dr. Ruiz-Esparza reported preliminary findings of radio frequency therapy on a group of patients at the University of Guadalajara, Mexico, most of who were treated for loose facial skin. To better evaluate this new technology, a multi-center clinical trial is currently underway in San Diego and planned for nine other research centers in the United States.
The system is comprised of a radio frequency (RF) generator; a controlled modular cooling system that houses a cryogen canister and related cooling control components; and a hand-held treatment tip that couples both the cryogen cooling and the RF heating device to the treated area. The nonablative (subsurface) technology can potentially be used to lift loose facial and neck skin, enhance the arch of the eyebrow, and reduce eyelid hooding without invasive surgery.
Before the procedure, patients typically receive an application of a topical anesthetic cream. Then, the dermatologic surgeon contacts the skin with the treatment tip of the hand piece, delivering radio frequency energy without wounding the skin surface.
The authors are searching for the mechanism by which the heat produced from the radio frequency energy tightens the collagen in the skin. Dr. Ruiz-Esparza, noted that the fluences delivered by non-ablative lasers to produce a dermal injury while sparing the epidermis is limited to about 40J/cm2, while the new technology allows for delivery of up to 150J/cm2 with equivalent epidermal sparing. This deeper penetration offers a much greater potential for collagen remodeling of loose skin on the face and neck. This device has been used on more than 100 patients who experienced only a limited amount of swelling, redness, or discomfort which quickly resolved.
Side effects were minimal and included mild redness or swelling that lasts about one hour or so. This was seen in several patients, particularly in those who underwent aggressive treatments. In the initial group, less that 1% of the treatment spots showed small burns the sizes of a pencil eraser. Based on early empirical experience, the rate of adverse events has since been reduced with subsequent adjustments to the treatment approach.
Dr. Ruiz-Esparza asserts that the declining percentage of burns is encouraging news regarding the overall safety of the new technique, which compares favorably both with ablative and non-ablative lasers for facial rejuvenation.
He stated that the results vary among different patients and even in terms of different treatments on the same patient. They are still experimenting with the number of sessions required, the proper intensity of the radio frequency, and the best age group for patients. But, they believe the system's ability to tighten tissue will make this technology an effective adjunct to lasers and other cosmetic procedures.