title: Two-treatment protocol for skin laxity using 90-Watt dynamic monopolar radiofrequency device with real-time impedance intelligence monitoring.
abstract: Multiple devices are currently on the market that employ radiofrequency to non-invasively treat skin laxity and wrinkle reduction. The study device was a unique monopolar radiofrequency device FDA cleared for the treatment of wrinkles and rhytids. The delivery system allows constant monitoring of the real-time local skin impedance changes, which allows radiofrequency energy to be more uniformly dosed over an entire treatment area.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The objective was to validate effectiveness of a modified treatment protocol for a unique monopolar radiofrequency device, which has been engineered with greater power and self-monitoring circuitry.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-four female subjects received bilateral monopolar radiofrequency treatments to the mid and lower face from the sub malar region to the submentum. Subjects completed 1 and 3 month follow ups with digital imaging. Skin biopsies (on 4 subjects) and ultrasound measurements (on 12 subjects) were completed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Assessments demonstrated a reduction in skin laxity of 35%, a reduction in fine lines/wrinkles of 42%, and a reduction in the appearance of global photodamage of 33%. Expert photograding demonstrated 92% of subjects showing at least a mild improvement in skin laxity at three months post treatment. 50 MHz ultrasound measurements in 12 subjects showed an increase of 19% in skin density. Histology showed a marked increase in dermal collagen and elastin fibers in two subjects who demonstrated a clinically noticeable reduction in skin laxity and minimal changes in two subjects who demonstrated minimal clinical improvements. There were no significant adverse events reported.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This modified radiofrequency device and treatment protocol was well tolerated and produced improvements in the appearance of skin laxity and overall anti-aging effects in the majority of subjects. Objective measurements including ultrasound and histology help explain the clinical outcome.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: McDaniel
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Weiss
authors.forename: Margaret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Weiss
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mazur
authors.forename: Charmaine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Griffen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003199:Computer Systems; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques; D017097:Electric Impedance / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D061208:Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D000078702:Radiofrequency Therapy; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000473:pathology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome