title: Clinical and histopathological results following TriPollar radiofrequency skin treatments.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Skin laxity, wrinkles and cellulite are common aesthetic problems associated with the aging process. These symptoms are due to the weakening and thinning of dermal connective tissue and the enlargement of hypodermal fat cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the TriPollar RF technology in reducing fat and collagen regeneration.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twelve healthy patients underwent weekly treatments on different body sites using the TriPollar technology. Treatment areas were photographed and measured and patient satisfaction was monitored. One abdominal patient consented to a series of TriPollar treatments prior to her scheduled abdominoplasty. A controlled histopathology analysis was performed on skin samples taken during the abdominoplasty procedure.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Histopathological examination revealed marked differences between treated and non-treated abdominal skin areas. An increase of 49% in dermal thickness, focal thickening of collagen fibers and focal shrinkage of fat cells was shown following TriPollar treatments. Average patient satisfaction indicated clear satisfaction with the clinical results achieved.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The TriPollar is a safe and effective non-invasive technology leading to skin tightening and body shaping. Histology results indicate changes at the dermal and fat layers following TriPollar treatments resulting in increased collagen regeneration and stimulated fat metabolism.
authors.affiliation: Plastic Surgery Clinic, Tel Aviv, Israel. kap123@bezeqint.net
authors.forename: Haim
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kaplan
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gat
mesh_terms: D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000166:cytology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003094:Collagen / Q000502:physiology*; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D000078702:Radiofrequency Therapy; D012867:Skin / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects*
chemical_list: D003094:Collagen