Clinical efficacy and safety of a focused-radiofrequency device on middle and lower face rejuvenation: a retrospective clinical study

ABSTRACT

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a unipolar focused-RF device used to rejuvenate the middle and lower face and to create an assessment system. This retrospective study comprised 52 patients with mild-to-moderate skin laxity and wrinkles who received 1–3 treatments 1 month apart and were followed up for 1–7 months. At baseline and post-treatment, three blinded observers measured facial contour and lines, analyzed VISIA scores, and assessed the results using Alexiades Comprehensive Grading Scale (ACGS) and Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). Significant improvements were observed (P < .05) in facial width (left 5.95%, right 5.66%), nasolabial folds (left 18.98%, right 20.56%), marionette lines (left 18.88%, right 25.80%), and cheek lines (left 3.35%, right 3.05%) and in the scores of wrinkles (15.37%), texture (13.67%), pores (6.48%), and red areas (6.57%) using VISIA. There was an obvious reduction in wrinkles, laxity, erythema/telangiectasia based on ACGS, and 75% improved and 5.8% much improved using GAIS. There was no severe side effect. We suggest that the unipolar focused-RF device is an effective and safe technique for middle and lower face rejuvenation and provides a series of comprehensive assessment methods based on standardized photos using VISIA.

KEYWORDS:

• Skin rejuvenation
• facial tightening
• radiofrequency
• assessment system

Authorship

Yiqiu Zhang drafted the manuscript. Jing Mi, Ying Zeng, and Huyan Lin conducted the treatments. Min Yan, Min Yao, and Jiying Dong acquired and analyzed the data. Shen Wang designed the study and revised the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.