Combined infrared light and bipolar radiofrequency for skin tightening in asians

• Published in: Lasers in surgery and medicine 2007-07, Vol.39 (6), p.471-475
• Main Authors: Yu, Carol S., Yeung, Chi K., Shek, Samantha Y., Tse, Raymond K., Kono, Taro, Chan, Henry H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Asian Continental Ancestry Group; Cosmetic Techniques - instrumentation; Electric Stimulation Therapy; Face; Female; Humans; Infrared Rays - therapeutic use; laser; Middle Aged; Neck; non-ablative; non-invasive; Patient Satisfaction; radiofrequency; Skin - radiation effects; Skin Aging - radiation effects; skin rejuvenation; skin tightening
• ISSN: 0196-8092; 1096-9101
• DOI: 10.1002/lsm.20515

Background and Objective As the demand for non‐invasive procedures for skin tightening is increasing, combined optical and radiofrequency (RF) devices have recently emerged. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a device that combined broadband infrared (IR) light (700–2000 nm) and bipolar RF (electro‐optical synergy [ELOS]) for non‐ablative treatment of facial laxity. Design/Materials and Methods Nineteen Chinese volunteers of skin types III–V, with facial laxity and periorbital rhytides, received three treatments at 3‐week intervals with combined IR (700–2000 nm, 10 W/cm2) and RF energies (70–120 J/cm3). Standardized photographs were taken by the Canfield Visia CR system at baseline and serially for 3 months after the last treatment. Two masked assessors evaluated the photographs to assess the improvement in skin laxity. Patient satisfaction scores were also obtained. Results At 3 months after the last treatment, 89.5% of the subjects reported moderate to significant subjective improvement in skin laxity of cheek, jowl, periorbital area and upper neck, with a high overall satisfaction rating. Masked observers' assessments were less remarkable. Mild improvement in skin laxity was observed over mid and lower face. There was no serious complication. Conclusion The combination of broadband infrared light and bipolar radiofrequency produces mild improvement of facial laxity in Asians with no serious adverse sequelae. A high patients' satisfaction is achieved. However, further studies are necessary to demonstrate the long‐term effects of the procedure and to optimize treatment parameters. Lasers Surg. Med. 39:471–475, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.