Bi-Polar RF, Still the Gold Standard for Non-Invasive Fat Volume Reduction

Background and Objective: Non-invasive body contouring treatments is one of the fastest growing markets in the aesthetic field. The main purpose of radiofrequency (RF)-based devices for body contouring is to produce thermal stimulus which leads to skin tightening effect by dermal collagen production and decreases the volume of adipose tissue by a reduction of the adipocyte’s cytosolic. The cutaneous application of RF devices in Asian patients differs in several respects from their use in Caucasians;therefore the objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel RF device used for focal fat reduction. Materials and Methods: Twenty-two Asian patients aged 24 - 51, Fitzpatrick skin types III-V, were enrolled to the study and received 6 sessions of consecutive abdomen contouring treatment with bi-polar RF device combined with a mechanical pressure. Statistical linear correlation tests and descriptive analysis were performed on the cohort. Results: All twenty-two patients treated for six treatments showed some degree of circumferential reduction with a stable weight. No adverse events were recorded during the whole period of trial. During the 3-month follow up visit, no deterioration of the body condition was detected. No statistical significant relation was found between circumference change and weight, age, height?or BMI. Conclusions: The majority of the patients exhibited a substantial circumferential reduction, not at the expense of weight loss. The bi-polar RF device was found to be safe for Asian skin.

Multi-channeling optimized radiofrequency energy: A new age in well-established radiofrequency technology

AIM To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Viora's new multipolar radiofrequency(RF) handpiece. METHODS A group of twelve volunteers(11 females and 1 male) participated in the current study, ranging in age from 23-70 years with Fitzpatrick skin type Ⅱ-Ⅴ. The inclusion criteria for the enrollment were no contraindications for the treatment, body mass index(BMI) < 35 and local fat accumulation or cellulite formation. A total of 19 treatment areas were treated in the study: 9 abdomen, 2 abdomen plus flanks, 2 arms and 6 thighs. The treatment performed with new multi-polar RF handpiece(V-FORM) with 4 levels of RF power(up to 50 W), 4 levels of vacuum pressure intensity(up to 500 mbar) and 4 operational modes(0.8, 1.7 and 2.45 MHz). Circumferential reduction and cellulite reduction treatments were performed once a week(7 ± 1 d) for a treatment series of 3-8 sessions. The clinical assessment of the treatment outcomes included skin moisture level, skin impedance, body temperature, circumferential measurements, clinical photographic assessment and BMI. RESULTS Ten of twelve patients completed the treatment course. No side effects were recorded during the study. The skin responded with slight erythema and sometimes edema, which is considered a positive end-point. All patients maintained a stable weight during the entire period of the study. No patient underwent any treatments or took medications for fat volume reduction during the study. A moderate positive correlation was found between the patient's age and BMI(correlation coefficient 0.54). The initial body temperature increased in average to 34.0 ℃ from 31.9 ℃, the initial skin moisture level increased to an average 40.98% from 38.9% and the initial skin impedance decreased by 3.8%-35.9% by the end of the treatment course. The pre-heating time for all body areas ranged between 1-6 min with negative correlation to the body's end-point temperature(correlation coefficient-0.31). All patients responded to the treatment and showed some degree of circumferential reduction(up to 15 cm), on at least one of two-three measured points. CONCLUSION According to clinical data collected in this study, the new V-FORM handpiece represents an effective treatment with 100% response rate, with the safest treatment profile.