Noninvasive radio frequency for skin tightening and body contouring.

The medical use of radio frequency (RF) is based on an oscillating electrical current forcing collisions between charged molecules and ions, which are then transformed into heat. RF heating occurs irrespective of chromophore or skin type and is not dependent on selective photothermolysis. RF can be delivered using monopolar, bipolar, and unipolar devices, and each method has theoretical limits of depth penetration. A variant of bipolar delivery is fractional RF delivery. In monopolar configurations, RF will penetrate deeply and return via a grounding electrode. Multiple devices are available and are detailed later in the text. RF thermal stimulation is believed to result in a microinflammatory process that promotes new collagen. By manipulating skin cooling, RF can also be used for heating and reduction of fat. Currently, the most common uses of RF-based devices are to noninvasively manage and treat skin tightening of lax skin (including sagging jowls, abdomen, thighs, and arms), as well as wrinkle reduction, cellulite improvement, and body contouring.

Radiosurgery versus carbon dioxide laser for dermatochalasis correction in Asians.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Carbon dioxide (CO(2)) laser and radiosurgery are techniques commonly employed in oculoplastic surgery. However, there is no literature comparing their results in blepharoplasty. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty Chinese patients with dermatochalasis underwent radiosurgery in one upper eyelid and CO(2) laser in the contralateral eyelid. Intraoperative time, hemorrhage, and pain control were assessed. Subjects were evaluated at postoperative 1 hour, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months for hemorrhage and wound healing by a masked assessor. RESULTS: All patients reported minimal pain with either technique. A significantly shorter operative time was achieved with CO(2) laser, with better intraoperative hemostasis. There was no significant difference in postoperative hemorrhage and wound swelling between radiosurgery and CO(2) laser. No significant intraoperative complications were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Both radiosurgery and CO(2) laser are equally safe and effective for upper lid blepharoplasty. CO(2) laser achieves shorter operative time with superior intraoperative hemostasis.