Subcutaneous radiofrequency: prospective pilot study on safety and efficacy in face chrono-ageing treatment

Abstract

Objective: to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerance of the face aging treatment using subcutaneous radiofrequency in patients with mild, moderate e severe ptosis of the middle face. Material and methods: prospective data from patients treated with subcutaneous radiofrequency. Patients underwent two treatment session carried out by the same surgeon. The principal efficacy criterion was the assessment of depth reduction of the naso-labial fold and malar prominence’s restoration after 3 and 6 months, the evaluation of the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale by the patients and an outside procedure surgeon was the second criteria. Safety and tolerance were evaluated through observed side effects. Result: A total of 30 patients, 27 women and 3 men with a mean age of 53 years underwent subcutaneous radiofrequency procedure. Depth’s reduction of the naso-labial fold and malar prominence’s restoration was observed in the majority of all case, associated to the patient e medical satisfaction. Transitory adverse effects, commonly for cosmetic procedure e.g erythema, edema was not observed. One patient had post procedure hematoma. No serious adverse effects such as burning or scars were reported. Conclusion: This prospective pilot data confirmed that subcutaneous radiofrequency is a safe and effective in improvement in skin laxity. Patients’ satisfaction was high. Although this treatment cannot substitute surgical procedure, it might prolong the time to the first surgical facial lift. Further confirmation investigation should be performed.