The medical face lift: a noninvasive, nonsurgical approach to tissue tightening in facial skin using nonablative radiofrequency.
BACKGROUND
Traditional surgical rhytidectomy is aimed at correcting facial skin that is sagging, which is caused by excessive skin laxity as a result of photoaging. Operating room facilities, general anesthesia, and a skilled surgeon are needed. The patient has recuperation time, which may be prolonged if complications arise. Incision lines are where they could be easily camouflaged or where they blend with natural lines. Nevertheless, healing of surgical wounds and concurrent scars are seen in all patients.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the function of a novel technology that tightens tissue, using energy in the radiofrequency segment of the electromagnetic spectrum to produce internal heat within the skin.


METHODS
Fifteen patients had one treatment session under topical anesthesia and without sedation. Ages ranged from 41 to 68 years. The total treatment time lasted 40 minutes or less. A new radiofrequency unit with concurrent delivery of a cryogen spray to spare the epidermis from burning was used. Pain was used as a clinical indicator of maximum tolerable energy delivered. No postoperative care was needed.


RESULTS
All patients experienced minimal discomfort and were able to return to their normal activities right away. One patient did not respond to this treatment. For all of the others, visible results appeared approximately 12 weeks after the treatment session. In one patient, however, the results started at only 1 week after treatment. Four independent physicians outside of the study reviewed standardized photographs to evaluate results. The patients were followed for 6 to 14 months.


CONCLUSIONS
Fourteen of 15 patients obtained cosmetic improvement from facial skin tightening induced by a novel nonlaser, nonablative, noninvasive source. Nonablative radiofrequency is a safe and effective method to achieve tissue tightening of the face to correct excessive sagging from photoaging. Patients had visible results as early as 1 week and generally within 3 months after the procedure without wounding or scarring.
Ruiz-Esparza
Javier
J
University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California, USA.
Gomez
Julio Barba
JB
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D000772:Anesthesia, Local; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D000078702:Radiofrequency Therapy; D015361:Rhytidoplasty / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome