Application of radiofrequency lipolysis combined with linear lifting in 237 cases of facial rejuvenation

Objective To explore the application of radiofrequency lipolysis combined with linear lifting in fine lipolysis, facial rejuvenation and treatment of common complications. Methods From February 2016 to October 2018, 237 patients were treated by radiofrequency lipolysis combined with linear lifting. According to the patient＇s face shape, skin laxity and fat accumulation, the thickness of fat was measured by B-mode ultrasonography before operation, and the operative plan was formulated after sufficient communication with the patients. Then, we marked the range of lipolysis, the orientation of serrated line and the position of puncture point, followed by the adjustment of the treatment parameters. Subsequently, we placed FaceTite handle after swelling anesthesia, moving slowly and fixing the treatment point, as well as monitoring the temperature and swelling status of the skin. Immediately after the completion of lipolysis, the treatment area of skin was ice compressed, with the trocar needles inserted and serrated lines introduced for linear lifting operation. Neck-jaw sleeves were put on after operation. Results 237 patients had different degrees of post-operative edema, of which the period ranged from 2 to 7 days. 168 patients were followed up for 6 to 24 months, and 8 patients had subcutaneous sclerosis that then gradually disappeared within 2 months after operation. Folliculitis occurred in 5 cases of scalp puncture, and recovered after topical antibiotics. Facial skin relaxation and sagging, fat accumulation, facial shape, pouch and wrinkles of 160 patients were improved in varying degrees, and the outcomes of facial rejuvenation were obvious. However, the self-reported treatment outcomes of 7 patients were not obvious. One patient was reported that the sagging of the skin after sacrificial lipolysis was worse than before; 48 patients underwent autologous fat transplantation, botulinum toxin injection, hot pull, E-light, and water-light injection during the follow-up period, and were not included in the evaluation of efficacy; 21 patients were lost to follow-up. Conclusions Radiofrequency lipolysis combined with linear lifting is an effective method for facial rejuvenation, and it has obvious effect in fining lipolysis and facial rejuvenation by avoiding the disadvantage of single approach. Post-operative edema should be controlled and avoided to improve patients＇ satisfaction. Key words: Face; Radiofrequency lipolysis; Linear lifting; Facial rejuvenation; Fat accumulation; Firmness upgrading