Effectiveness and side effects of bipolar radiofrequency to treat submental laxity

Submental skin laxity becomes a common cosmetic problem with age. Bipolar radiofrequency is a new, non-invasive procedure. Unlike the LASER, the radiofrequency (RF) device has no specific chromophore absorption. Thus, the device can be used on any skin type.

To evaluate the effectiveness and adverse effects of the bipolar RF for treatment of submental laxity and skin tightening.

Twenty-two patients with submental laxity were treated with Forma™ on both sides of the submental area. The patients underwent four sessions every 2 weeks for one and half months. Two blinded dermatologists evaluated the pre-treatment and post-treatment photographs at every visit. The three-dimensional photographs were recorded by Vectra^® camera and determined the association.

All 22 patients completed all the treatment sessions. The degree of improvement was statically significant after the third session based on the physical assessment scale and after the second session in terms of the submental laxity score. The fat volume reduction was statically significant from one week to six months from baseline. Almost all subjects developed transient erythema immediately after the treatment. No serious side effects were noted.

The bipolar RF device is another potential choice for skin tightening due to its efficacy and safety profile. It can be used with any skin type and has few side effects.