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. 2022 Jan;54(1):27-45.
doi: 10.1002/lsm.23506. Epub 2021 Dec 19.

Evaluating the effectiveness and safety of radiofrequency for face and neck rejuvenation: A systematic review

Grace K Austin  1   2   3 , Sarah L Struble  4 , Vito C Quatela  1
Affiliations

Evaluating the effectiveness and safety of radiofrequency for face and neck rejuvenation: A systematic review

Grace K Austin et al. Lasers Surg Med. 2022 Jan.

Abstract

Background: Radiofrequency technology has emerged as a treatment for aesthetic rejuvenation.

Objective: To examine radiofrequency for facial and neck rejuvenation, clinical studies were assessed on effectiveness and safety of radiofrequency for acne, acne scars, and facial aging by subjective and objective measures.

Methods: A systematic literature review was performed. Eligibility criteria included articles in English, primary literature, clinical or ex vivo studies, use of radiofrequency, and face or neck treatment. Ablative techniques, home-use devices, combined modalities, and studies unrelated to rejuvenation were excluded. All studies were appraised for quality and biases.

Results: We identified 121 articles. Radiofrequency effectively treated acne by reducing sebum levels and lesion count and improving acne scars. Radiofrequency demonstrated a volumetric reduction in facial fat, and improved skin laxity, elasticity, and global skin aesthetic. Patient satisfaction was higher for those desiring modest rejuvenation. There were histological changes consistent with repair response, neocollagenesis, and neoelastinogenesis. Radiofrequency was safe apart from one patient who developed a neck fistula.

Conclusion: Most studies demonstrated radiofrequency treatment of acne, scars, or facial rhytids had positive subjective improvement ratings. Objective studies demonstrated reduction of acne, decreased scarring, lifting effect, improvement in elasticity and collagen, volumetric fat changes, and wrinkle reduction.

Keywords: face tightening; radiofrequency; rejuvenation; skin laxity.

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References

REFERENCES

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    1. Bassichis BA, Dayan S, Thomas JR. Use of a nonablative radiofrequency device to rejuvenate the upper one-third of the face. Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery 2004;130:397-406.
    1. Hantash BM, Renton B, Berkowitz RL et al. Pilot clinical study of a novel minimally invasive bipolar microneedle radiofrequency device. Lasers Surg Med 2009;41:87-95.
    1. Migliardi R, Tofani F, Donati L. Non-invasive peri-orbital rejuvenation: radiofrequency dual radiowave energy source (RF) and light emission diode system (LED). Orbit (Amsterdam, Netherlands) 2009;28:214-8.

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