title: Clinical efficacy and safety evaluation of a novel fractional unipolar radiofrequency device on facial tightening: A preliminary report.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Previous studies have shown that radiofrequency (RF) energy is safe and effective for improving skin laxity. Unlike monopolar and bipolar devices, little has been studied with the unipolar hand piece.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel fractional unipolar RF device on facial tightening.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a retrospective, single-center study of 14 subjects with age-related facial laxity who underwent five sessions of fractional unipolar RF at an interval of 2 weeks, and then followed-up for 3 months. Standardized photos were taken at baseline and at 3-months follow-up, and were assessed by two independent dermatologists using a 4-point scale (0=no improvement, 1=mild improvement, 2=moderate improvement, 3=significant improvement). Punch biopsies (2 mm) were performed and a questionnaire was used to evaluate the patient's satisfaction and the incidence of adverse reactions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fourteen subjects with mild to moderate age-related facial laxity were included in the study. The mean age of the subjects was 49.7 years (range 32-80). 35.7% of the subjects showed significant improvement, 50% moderate improvement, and 14.3% slight improvement of facial laxity in their follow-up photos. About 85.7% of the patients replied that they were either greatly satisfied or satisfied with the results at 3-months follow-up. Skin biopsies revealed an increase in collagen in the dermis. None of the subjects experienced any serious adverse events during or after the procedure.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our findings suggest that fractional Unipolar RF can be safely performed on the face and is effective in skin tightening. It has a great advantage over other forms of RF by being entirely painless.
authors.affiliation: Arumdaun Nara Dermatologic Clinic, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Dong Hye
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Suh
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Incheon St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Incheon, Korea.
authors.forename: Eun Jung
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Byun
authors.affiliation: Arumdaun Nara Dermatologic Clinic, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Sang Jun
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Kye Yong
authors.initials: KY
authors.lastname: Song
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Incheon St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Incheon, Korea.
authors.forename: Hei Sung
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0576-0474
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D004867:Equipment Design; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015595:Skin Aging; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: efficacy; facial skin tightening; fractional unipolar RF device; novel