Facial contour modulation and skin tightening using 40.68-MHz unipolar radiofrequency

To evaluate changes in facial contour and skin elasticity following full-face treatment with 40.68-MHz unipolar radiofrequency (RF), and to assess its safety and tolerability in adults with mild-to-moderate facial laxity. This prospective single-arm interventional clinical study evaluated adults with mild-to-moderate facial laxity who underwent three full-face 40.68-MHz unipolar RF treatment sessions at 4-week intervals. The primary endpoint was the change in VECTRA-derived three-dimensional facial volumetric parameters from baseline to Week 20. Secondary outcomes included Cutometer-derived skin elasticity parameters (R2 and R5), Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS), FACE-Q satisfaction scores, visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, and adverse event monitoring. Of the 30 enrolled participants, 26 completed follow-up and were included in the final analysis. By Week 20, VECTRA 3D analysis demonstrated modest volume reductions in the cheek (- 2.2 mL), jowl (- 1.7 mL), and submental region (- 2.9 mL). Skin elasticity parameters increased over time, with R2 increasing from 0.62 to 0.69 and R5 from 0.53 to 0.59. GAIS improvement was observed in 88.5% of participants, and the mean FACE-Q score increased to 72.4 ± 10.1. Treatment was well tolerated, with low mean pain scores (VAS 1.2 ± 0.9). Only transient erythema and mild edema were reported, with no serious adverse events observed. Three sessions of 40.68-MHz unipolar RF were associated with modest measurable improvements in facial contour and skin elasticity that were maintained during the 20-week observation period, with good tolerability and no serious adverse events. Because this was an uncontrolled single-arm study, these findings should be interpreted as preliminary and require confirmation in controlled studies with longer follow-up.