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

Abstract

Background: Radiofrequency has been proven to penetrate deeper than optical light sources independent of skin color allowing a safer treatment for the Asian skin type. Many studies have indicated the efficacy of various types of devices, but have not included a sufficient objective evaluation. Multisource radiofrequency uses multiple phase controlled radiofrequency generators with real time impedance control, allowing painless, deeper dermal heating with better adaptation to differences in individual skin impedance. In this study we used three-dimensional imaging for the objective evaluation of facial skin tightening by multisource phase-controlled radiofrequency. Methods: Twenty Japanese patients were treated with a multisource phase-controlled radiofrequency device. Three-dimensional imaging was performed with a Canfield Scientific Vectra camera and software, and quantitative volume measurements were taken to evaluate the change in the post-treatment volume. The patients then provided subjective assessments. Results: Objective assessments of the treated cheek volume evaluated by a three-dimensional color schematic representation with quantitative volume measurements showed significant improvement three months after the final treatment. The mean volume reduction at the last post-treatment visit was 3.878 ± 2.86 mL. The post-treatment volume was significantly reduced compared to the pretreatment volume in all of the volunteers (P = 0.0007). Ninety-five percent of volunteers reported satisfaction with the improvement of skin laxity, and ninety percent of volunteers reported satisfaction with the improvement of wrinkles, such as the nasolabial folds. Conclusions: The advantages of these multisource phase-controlled radiofrequency treatments are its high efficacy for skin tightening associated with minimal level of discomfort, minimal side effects, and low cost. Taken together, these characteristics facilitate the ability to give repeated treatments as a stand alone treatment or adjunct to surgery. This study provides for the first time a qualitative and quantitative volumetric assessment, proving the ability of the technology to reduce the volume through non invasive skin tightening.