Nonsurgical tightening of skin laxity: a new radiofrequency approach.
BACKGROUND
Improvement in skin laxity can be difficult to achieve without invasive surgical procedures. Monopolar radiofrequency (RF) treatment is used by physicians to heat skin and promote tissue tightening and contouring. RF technology produces an electric current that generates heat through resistance in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. The thermal effect depends on the conductivity features of the treated tissue. When heated, collagen fibrils will denature and contract, which is believed to lead to the observed tissue tightening.


METHODS
Ninety-three consecutive patients with mild to moderate laxity were included in the study. The Surgitron Dual Frequency RF (Radiowave technology, Ellman International) was used to treat skin laxity. The application of RF energy took place in an ambulatory setting with no need for skin sterilization or anesthesia.


RESULTS
Patients immediately noticed a microlifting retraction in the treated tissues according to the vectors mapped in the area. There were no significant complications and the majority of patients were satisfied with the procedure and able to return to their daily routine after leaving the office, thereby substantiating the popularity of noninvasive rejuvenating procedures.
Division of Dermatology, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Italy. skinlaser@skinlaser.it
Antonio
A
Rusciani
Giuseppe
G
Curinga
Giulio
G
Menichini
Carmine
C
Alfano
Luigi
L
Rusciani
D003357:Cosmetic Techniques / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation; D003483:Cutis Laxa / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D004890:Erythema / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011846:Radio Waves; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome