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Increasingly, there is an attempt to minimize expression lines through esthetic procedures, and radiofrequency (RF) is one of the therapeutic modalities. This article aims to systematically review the literature on the different types of RF treatment in clinical trials and in variables related to the aging process. This systematic review included 21 articles that treated 354 people with different physical characteristics. The most used RF was the fractional followed by the non-ablative RF. There was a large discrepancy in relation to the types and parameters. A parameter that did not show so much divergence was the temperature, which was between 38°C and 44°C. The main temporary adverse reactions reported by the authors were as follows: discomfort, pain, erythema, hyperpigmentation, crusting, swelling, edema, and purple and acneic appearance of the skin. Finally, our study concluded that non-ablative and ablative RF was reported to rejuvenate and improve the features of skin in all skin types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a unipolar focused-RF device used to rejuvenate the middle and lower face and to create an assessment system. This retrospective study comprised 52 patients with mild-to-moderate skin laxity and wrinkles who received 1–3 treatments 1 month apart and were followed up for 1–7 months. At baseline and post-treatment, three blinded observers measured facial contour and lines, analyzed VISIA scores, and assessed the results using Alexiades Comprehensive Grading Scale (ACGS) and Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). Significant improvements were observed (P <.05) in facial width (left 5.95%, right 5.66%), nasolabial folds (left 18.98%, right 20.56%), marionette lines (left 18.88%, right 25.80%), and cheek lines (left 3.35%, right 3.05%) and in the scores of wrinkles (15.37%), texture (13.67%), pores (6.48%), and red areas (6.57%) using VISIA. There was an obvious reduction in wrinkles, laxity, erythema/telangiectasia based on ACGS, and 75% improved and 5.8% much improved using GAIS. There was no severe side effect. We suggest that the unipolar focused-RF device is an effective and safe technique for middle and lower face rejuvenation and provides a series of comprehensive assessment methods based on standardized photos using VISIA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fractional radiofrequency (FRF) has recently emerged for the treatment of scars, cellulite and skin rejuvenation. The aim of this paper was to investigate the evidence behind its use in skin aging and evaluate efficacy, safety, and standardization of protocols. The literature was systematically searched and finally 25 full-text articles were included. Two were randomized controlled trials, 3 were comparative studies, and 20 were case series. Most studies were underpowered with low methodological quality. The participants had skin phototype I-VI with variable baseline severity of signs. Fractional radiofrequency using microneedles or electrode pins was performed on the face, neck, and décolletage. There was heterogeneity in outcomes measurement, but the efficacy of FRF was confirmed in all relevant studies. Mainly, the improvement of rhytides and skin tightening were reported. Mild to moderate pain, transient erythema and edema were the commonest adverse events. Hyperpigmentation was also noted in some cases. There was no consistency in the protocols used and in the description of procedures. A clinical impact score was created to assess the studies and to aid the generation of an evidence-based protocol for minimally invasive radiofrequency procedures. However, there is a need for large scale, well-designed trials to better investigate the efficacy and safety of FRF and to produce clear guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although various minimal invasive approaches are available for aging skin laxity, they alone may not lead to notably satisfactory results. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of combination regimen with monopolar radiofrequency (MRF) and intense-focused ultrasound (IFUS) in facial lifting and tightening. Methods: Twenty-two Korean participants with aging face received a sequential single session of MRF and IFUS treatment. Objective and subjective assessments for improvement were performed at the 20-week post-treatment. Safety profiles were also recorded, and skin biopsies were taken at baseline and follow-up visit. Results: Based on the objective assessment for the overall facial skin tightening and laxity, 19 patients (90%) demonstrated "moderate" or better improvements (more than 25%) compared with baseline. Specifically, improvements of skin laxity and sagging, and droopy jaw line were more noticeable compared with that of superficial skin texture (P < 0.05). Subjective satisfactions were generally consistent with objective findings, and no serious adverse effect was observed. Histologic evaluation showed increased dermal collagen fibers throughout the dermis after treatments (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Combination treatment of MRF and IFUS has cumulative benefits for skin lifting and tightening with satisfactory safety profiles in Asian subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was performed in order to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new handheld home-use multisource radiofrequency device on facial rejuvenation. Forty-seven male and female subjects were enrolled. All subjects received a NEWA®3DEEP™home-use device (EndyMed Medical, Caesarea, Israel) to be used on facial skin three times per week for the first four weeks and then reduced to two times per week for the following eight weeks. Assessments included expert clinical grading for efficacy, instrumental evaluation, image analysis, and photography. Forty-five subjects completed the study; all subjects reported the treatment to be painless with only mild erythema lasting up to 15 minutes post-treatment. No other adverse events were reported. Statistically significant improvements were noted in the appearance of marionette lines, skin brightness, elasticity, firmness, lift (facial), lift (jawline), texture/smoothness, tone, and radiance/luminosity by expert visual assessment. Statistically significant improvements in skin firmness and elasticity were found using a Cutometer MPA 580, as well as in collagen and hemoglobin content of the skin using a SIAscope. The results of this study indicate that the NEWA®multisource radiofrequency home-use device is effective in self-administered skin rejuvenation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Carboxytherapy (CA) refers to the cutaneous and subcutaneous administration of CO2 for therapeutic purposes. Radiofrequency (RF) is a method that uses electric current for heating layers of the skin. Both techniques are indicated for the treatment of skin laxity. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of CA and RF on human skin. Methods: After eight patients underwent abdominoplasty, each of them received a single treatment of CA and a single treatment of RF on the right and left infra-umbilical regions, respectively. In the infra-umbilical region, CA was performed on the right and RF was performed on the left side. Untreated skin was used as a control. The sample collection period lasted 120 days. CA was administered at a velocity of 40 mL/min, and the total quantity of CO2 infused was approximately 20 mL. RF was carried out at a temperature higher than 40°C on the epidermis for 5 min. Results: CA and RF led to collagen remodeling; however, this result was more evident and lasted longer with RF. With CA an increase in elastic fibers was observed, whereas with RF no alteration was observed. Conclusion : Our results suggest that RF is more efficient than CA in stimulating collagen synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We, the Editors and Publisher of the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, have retracted the following article: Kyu Young Seo, Dong Hyun Kim, Sang Eun Lee, Moon Soo Yoon & Hee Jung Lee (2013) Skin rejuvenation by microneedle fractional radiofrequency and a human stem cell conditioned medium in Asian skin: a randomized controlled investigator blinded split-face study, Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 15:1, 25-33, https://doi.org/10.3109/14764172.2012.748201 Since publication, concerns have been raised about the originality of the text and data presented in the article as compared to a previous article published by the same authors in I Lasers in Surgery and Medicine i : Seo, K.Y., Yoon, M.S., Kim, D.H. and Lee, H.J. (2012), Skin rejuvenation by microneedle fractional radiofrequency treatment in Asian skin; Clinical and histological analysis. [Extracted from the article]