Multimodal Radiofrequency Application for Lower Face and Neck Laxity.

Area of Science:

• Aesthetic Surgery
• Dermatology
• Plastic Surgery

Background:

• Nonexcisional facial skin tightening remains a challenge in aesthetic surgery.
• A treatment gap exists for patients with moderate aging not severe enough for excisional surgery but too severe for traditional noninvasive methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a combination radiofrequency (RF) skin tightening technology.
• To assess bipolar RF (FaceTite) and fractional bipolar RF (Morpheus8) for treating facial aging.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter retrospective study from January 2013 to December 2018.
• Included 247 patients treated with combined bipolar RF and fractional bipolar RF.
• Collected demographic data, Baker Face/Neck Classification, energy used, adverse events, and patient satisfaction; included cadaver dissections.

Main Results:

• 247 patients (average age 55.1) showed an average improvement of 1.4 points in Baker Face/Neck Classification.
• 93% patient satisfaction with procedure; 97.2% performed under local anesthesia.
• Complications included prolonged swelling (4.8%), hardened areas (3.2%), and neuropraxia (1.2%), all resolved without intervention.

Conclusions:

• Combination RF treatment offers a viable option for facial skin tightening, addressing the gap between surgical and noninvasive modalities.
• The procedure broadens options for plastic surgeons, particularly for moderate facial aging.
• Older patients showed a greater magnitude of treatment effect, though all age groups improved.