A Split-face Study on Rejuvenation Efficacy According to Monopolar Radiofrequency Tip Size

Monopolar radiofrequency (RF) non-invasively tightens and rejuvenates the skin by stimulating collagen fiber production. Since the introduction of the monopolar RF device in the early 2000's, RF devices have advanced and they can rejuvenate of periorbital and forehead wrinkles, as well as skin laxity of the lower face and neck. We compared the differences in the treatment effects based on the tip size. This randomized split-face study comprised 31 participants aged 29 to 75 years old (three males and 28 females) who underwent one session of monopolar RF; one side of the face was treated with a 3cm² tip and the other with a 4cm² tip. Facial wrinkle scores were measured on the upper face and the lower face before and after treatment for up to three months. Significant improvement was observed in the periorbital area (p<0.001), forehead (p=0.72), and glabellar (p=0.63) treated with a smaller tip. However, nasolabial folds (p=0.8) and marionette lines (p=0.13) showed better improvement when treated with a larger tip.