The nonablative radiofrequency is a procedure commonly used for the treatment of skin laxity from an increase in tissue temperature. The goal is to induce thermal damage to thus stimulate neocollagenesis in deep layers of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. However, many of these devices haven't been tested and their parameters are still not accepted by the scientific community. Because of this, it is necessary to review the literature regarding the physiological effects and parameters for application of radiofrequency and methodological quality and level of evidence of studies. A literature search was performed in MEDLINE, PEDro, SciELO, PubMed, LILACS and CAPES and experimental studies in humans, which used radiofrequency devices as treatment for facial or body laxity, were selected. The results showed that the main physiological effect is to stimulate collagen synthesis. There was no homogeneity between studies in relation to most of the parameters used and the methodological quality of studies and level of evidence for using radiofrequency are low. This fact complicates the determination of effective parameters for clinical use of this device in the treatment of skin laxity. The analyzed studies suggest that radiofrequency is effective, however the physiological mechanisms and the required parameters are not clear in the literature.
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Controversies regarding nonablative RF, beyond purely scientific discussions, also involve economic questions - i.e. market interests that, in the field of healthcare focused on esthetic, are very strong. This fact is evident when observing the explosion of RF equipment designed for beauty treatments in the market (national and international). Many of these devices have not yet tested parameters and they aren't accepted by the scientific community, which may represent a serious risk to the user's health. 13 Therefore, it is necessary to review the literature regarding the physiological effects, the appropriate parameters for the use of nonablative RF and the methodological quality and level of evidence of the studies. Additionally, analysis of the equipment available on the market allows the performance of safe and effective applications in the clinical practice.
Among the non-invasive procedures, those that use electromagnetic fields (EMF) to directly or indirectly influence cells stand out. 8 , 9 Nonablative radiofrequency (RF) is one of the commonly used procedures, especially for the treatment of skin laxity. This is a therapeutic modality that produces a selective and controlled rise in tissue temperature from a high frequency alternating current (0.3 to 10 MHz). The rising of temperature and the depth of heating depend on the level of energy used and on the impedance of biological tissues. 10 The final goal is to induce thermal damage to stimulate changes in collagen conformation and produce neocollagenesis in deep layers of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. 11 However, literature is not unanimous in relation to the occurrence of these benefits. 12
Currently, there are several strategies, invasive and non-invasive, to treat unesthetic disorders. 4 , 5 Despite relatively better results of invasive treatments, the sequelae and the complications that may be caused by them lead to increasing search for non-invasive or minimally invasive procedures. 6 , 7
Among the unesthetic disorders, laxity, especially in the skin, is one that has great impact on the function and quality of life. 2 A lax tissue is the result of biomolecular changes, and the damage due to collagen fibers change is closely involved in this process. 3
We investigated the relationship between what is advocated in the literature for the use of nonablative RF, comparing it with what is offered by nonablative RF equipment available in Brazil and abroad. It was observed that the equipment allow the adjustment of the parameters and techniques for safe and effective intervention. A survey in the instruction manual and/or contact with the manufacturer was carried out to acquire the technical characteristics of the devices.
For the assessment of the methodological quality of the articles we used PEDro scale 14 (Physiotherapy Evidence Database) and to analyze the level of evidence we used the criteria proposed in the work of Reid and Rivett (), adapted for this study. 15
Selected studies were organized into a table for the general characterization of the study and facilitating of the analysis of methodological quality and level of evidence. Data regarding objective, sample size, study groups, analyzed endpoints, measuring instruments, obtained results and justification for the study were gathered.
Four independent reviewers selected the articles by title and abstract. If this provided enough information for inclusion, a complete copy of the text was requested. In the presence of differences between examiners, these get together to reach a consensus. If the disagreement remained, a fifth person was invited to address the problem.
Studies that used nonablative RF devices as treatment for facial or body laxity were included. Studies that used other associated therapies were included only if the effect of nonablative RF could be identified separately.
A literature search was conducted from August to December in six databases (MEDLINE, PEDro, SciELO, PubMed, LILACS and CAPES), using the keywords "facial rejuvenation", "skin rejuvenation"," skin tightening"," laxity", "cutaneous remodeling", "body shaping", "body contouring", "skin contraction", "rhytides", "radiofrequency non-ablative", "radiofrequency nonablative" and "radiofrequency non-invasive". In addition to the electronic databases, the search was supplemented by a manual search, which had the bibliography of previously selected articles as reference.
In Brazilian RF devices, according to their respective manuals and manufactures websites, the frequency, in most of equipments, varies between 0.64 MHz and 8 MHz, and 1 device works with the frequency of 27.12 MHz. 57 - 63 The power used ranges from 50 W to 150 W -lower than the international equipment and without the possibility of adjustment during treatment. Treatment time ranges from 5 to 10 minutes per unit area (10 cm 2 quadrants) and the temperature is maintained at 40º C in the epidermis. According to the manuals, in the dermis the temperature is around 60º C and the treatment is painless, with no the need for using anesthetics. Despite this statement of manufacturers, in clinical practice it is possible to note that the application of RF is not completely painless and discomfort can be felt due to the temperature rise. The form of energy transmission to the tissue is through capacitive method (bipolar, tripolar or multipolar electrodes) in most equipments; two equipments 59 , 63 use inductive method (monopolar electrode). 57 , 59 - 63
Most of the devices found on the market are international. 45 - 56 According to information collected in the respective manuals and websites of manufacturers, the frequency varies from 1 MHz to 6 MHz and the power ranges from 40 MHz to 240 W. Most of these equipment allows power settings according to the treated area. RF application in each region takes about 2.5 seconds. Manuals also mention that, during the treatment, the temperature in the epidermis is maintained at 40º C, whereas in the dermis it ranges from 50º C to 75º C. The form of energy transmission to the tissue is through the capacitive method, with bipolar, tripolar or multipolar electrodes. The main side effect is pain during treatment, and to minimize it the patient receives a topical and/or oral anesthetic.
Analyzing RF equipment available in the market, both in Brazil and abroad, a great variability in relation to the parameters offered by the equipment and the modulation range of these parameters can be observed, especially in relation to the frequency of electromagnetic waves and the thermal power. Not all devices provide in their manuals data or technical specifications of the radiation used, and even after contact by it was not possible to have access to this information.
Regarding the treatment time, it was observed that there was no standardization, ranging from one to 24 weeks. There was, however, a tendency toward only one session (25.92%). In 18.5% of the studies, the treatment time was not specified.
The thermal power was the parameter that showed more divergence. Forty-six percent of the studies used the maximum power of 330 W; 25% did not mention the power used or data as application time and size of the nozzle that would enable the calculation thereof. In other studies there was great variation of this parameter. No study measured the temperature in RF therapeutic target, the dermis, and the values were measured only in the epidermis. Sixty-four percent of reviewed studies maintained the temperature range in the epidermis between 35º C and 45º C and 36% didn't measure the temperature range.
The most used equipment was Thermacool (THERMAGE), used in 52% of trials. Regarding the frequency of electromagnetic waves, there was a wide divergence. However, there is a tendency to use 6 MHz frequency, observed in 64% of trials.
All reviewed articles reached grade &#;4 on PEDro scale. 14 Main problems were lack of control group (96%), no secret allocation (100%) and no blinding of subjects, therapists and evaluators (100%). On the analysis of level of evidence, it was observed that 88% of the studies presented limited methodological quality, suggesting insufficient scientific evidence of the benefits of nonablative RF regarding skin laxity.
Main characteristics of the studies are summarized in table 1 . It's possible to note that the sample used was composed predominantly by women (95.17%), aged between 35 and 65 years. Most studies (96%) had no control group, and only in Bassichis et al study () the results were analyzed through a comparison with a control group. 20
Skin aging may be divided into 2 processes: intrinsic and extrinsic aging or photoaging. The first is a natural, slow and gradual process. The second is exacerbated by environmental factors such as improper exposure to sunlight. Both are accompanied by changes in morphological and biomechanical properties of skin.64 The main clinical characteristics of aged skin are increased rugosity and loss of elasticity (laxity). Human dermis consists mostly of type I collagen, composed of 3 polypeptide chains stabilized by a triple-helical conformation.13 Using the microscope, it is observed that with age there is an increase of collagen network density and reduced stability of cross-links.13,65 Elastin, the main component of elastic fibers in the dermis, shows signs of decrease of its function, providing less resistance and traction capacity. Atrophy of subcutaneous fat is also noted.65
Among the non-invasive procedures for treating skin wrinkles and laxity, RF is one of the most widely used.11 The objective of RF is to stimulate changes in collagen conformation and induce neocollagenesis by thermal power generation in deep layers of the skin and subcutaneous tissue.9
It was observed in this study that EMF can act on tissues in several ways, causing thermal and/or athermal effects. Several authors cite as thermal effects, caused by the increase of local tissue temperature, the contraction of collagen and the stimulus to the synthesis of collagen fibers.12,17,21,25 The literature also cites some athermal effects, where EMF could induce biological changes through interaction with cellular membrane receptors or channels. According to Bachl et al ()8, EMFs are able to stimulate the synthesis and cytoprotective growth factor. Goodman et al ()66 mention the increasing of enzyme activity, level of transcription of specific genes and mRNA expression. Tokalov et al ()67 reported, on their experiments with human cell cultures, that EMF leads to a significant induction of heat shock genes. Alvares et al ()68 also mention the effects on the synthesis of mucopolysaccharides and elastic fibers, which leads to dermal thickening, thus improving firmness and elasticity of the skin. In the studies reviewed, all authors credited the results observed only to the thermal effects caused by RF, without taking into account other actions promoted by EMF. However, only 12% of the studies used an objective instrument (biopsy) for establishing the therapeutic changes promoted by tissue heating, and most of the outcomes were evaluated through subjective data such as photographs or perception of the patient - very inaccurate measurements to validate the results.21,22,30,38
The reviewed literature mentions that RF for the treatment of skin laxity and wrinkles is founded on the use of a source of heat for denaturation of collagen (which occurs at temperatures ranging from 50º C to 75º C in the dermis) and the consequent contraction of the connective tissue.9,10,69 These processes lead to tissue repair response, establishing long-term dermal remodeling. Zelickson et al () demonstrated, through abdominal skin biopsies, than 8 weeks after the denaturation of collagen there is an induction of new collagen synthesis (neocollagenesis).70
According to Ruiz-Esparza et al (), the amount of synthesized collagen depends on the heating intensity of the connective tissue.33 Collagen protein is a compound of 3 polypeptide chains, which are involved in a triple helix structure. The process of thermal contraction of collagen begins with denaturing the triple helix, where the intramolecular cross-links are broken and collagen undergoes a transition from a highly organized crystalline structure to a gel-like state (denaturation). The collagen contraction occurs by the cumulative effect of the "unwinding" of the triple helix due to the destruction of intermolecular cross-links and the residual stress of such links.69 According to Ruiz-Esparza et al (), the thermal effects of RF can change the shape, the length and the diameter of the collagen fibers for the reorganization of collagen.33
In order to have an effective effect of RF in the treatment of skin laxity and wrinkles, it is vital to have knowledge not only of skin aging process, but also of parameters to be used, such as frequency and device power, treatment time and temperature maintained in the skin. Researches advocate the need for the use of appropriate parameters for the achievement of the therapeutic results of the RF, since the effects induced by EMFs are dependent parameters.8,71 This review observed that there is no report of standardization of the way to reference these parameters in the literature and, often, they are not made available from manufacturers of RF equipments.
Alvares et al () studied changes in tissues, cells, thickness and structure of pigskin after each RF section and 2 months after the last application.68 The most significant changes were found 2 months after the last application. In biopsies taken after each session, it was observed that the papillary dermis was expanded due to edema and vascular congestion, followed by an accumulation of intercellular substance. In biopsies after 2 months of the last application, an increase in the amount of collagen, elastic fibers and mucopolysaccharides was noted.
The thermal power applied by the devices of the studies was the parameter that showed a greater difference. In 46% of the studies, the maximum power used was 330 W, and in 29% it presented a great variation of the adopted values. In other studies, the power was not mentioned or data that allowed the calculation of this variable were not provided, as well as application time or size of the nozzle used for treatment. Zelickson et al () performed a dose-response study evaluating the efficacy of a RF device in the treatment of skin laxity in the abdominal area.70 Authors confirmed, by histological analysis, that using a power of 78 W showed significantly better results. There was a change in the areas of collagen fibers, with increased diameter and amount of type I collagen, after 8 weeks of treatment. Analysis of the power used is important since the conversion of electrical energy into thermal energy occurs due to the power supplied and the impedance of the tissue.72
The frequencies used in the reviewed studies ranged from 1 MHz to 6 MHz, with the highest percentage of studies reporting a frequency of 6 MHz. According to Abraham and Mashkevich ()73, during the treatment cycle with an EMF at 6 MHz, it is determined that polarity alternates, at a rate of 6 million cycles per second, what stimulates the movement of charged particles and creates an electrical current within the tissue treated by attracting and repulsing electrons and ions. Through resistance of the tissue to this flow of particles occurs heat generation.11 The higher the frequency of EMF and the lesser vascularized the tissue, the greater will be the production of heat.
The literature reports that the penetration depth of RF is an inverse function of its frequency, that is, in lower frequencies (0.8 MHz) occurs a greater penetration and in higher frequencies (2.45 MHz), a lower penetration.10 Zelickson et al ()70 mention, however, that it is possible to change the depth of penetration of the treatment by changing the electrode geometry, the amount of power supplied and the duration of treatment.
The tissue temperature is another key parameter for achieving therapeutic goals with RF and is directly influenced by the characteristics of the tissue.11,74 RF energy is conducted electrically to the tissue. Heat is generated when the inherent tissue resistance (impedance) to the passage of electrons converts the electric current to thermal energy. This reaction is determined by Ohm's Law: Energy (J) = I2 × R × T (where I = current, R = tissue impedance and T = time of application). High impedance tissues, such as subcutaneous fat, generate more heat.75 Several experiments with tendons, joint capsules and skins of different species (rat, bovine and human) have established that collagenous tissues suffer distortion when exposed to temperatures ranging from 65º C to 85º C.76-78
In all the analyzed studies, the authors mention the need to reach high temperatures in the dermis in order to achieve therapeutic goals. In this review, however, none of the authors measured the temperature of the therapeutic target, the dermis. There are reports on the temperature measurement in the epidermis, which remained around 40º C and 42º C, and allusions on that in the dermis the temperature would be around 65ºC. To date the application of RF viability with dermal heating and preservation of the epidermis was studied only by using a three-dimensional mathematical model.79 No scientific evidence of studies in humans that could reliably quantify the temperature of RF target was found. This fact undermines the decision-making and does not guarantee the effectiveness of treatment.
Some of the reviewed studies performed histological analyzes, whose findings show benefits of RF in increasing collagen production, thus reducing wrinkles and skin laxity.21,22,30 It is noteworthy, however, that in the studies of Montesi et al ()30 and Kaplan et al ()38 results were based only on quantitative data, with no statistical analysis.
Through the analysis of RF equipment available in the market it was revealed that international equipments, at first, seem to allow the modulation of parameters closer to those required to obtain significant changes in collagen. There aren't, in the surveyed databases, studies proving the effectiveness of Brazilian RF equipment, despite the benefits reported by manufacturers and the fact that these equipments are frequently found in clinics and medical offices in the country. Furthermore, by analyzing the manuals of these equipments, we observed that the power used is fixed and lower than that of international equipments used in the assessed studies. These data suggest that the physiological effects resulting from the use of RF can't be achieved with these equipments.
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Regarding the frequency of electromagnetic waves, we noted a difference on the frequencies of the equipment used in the studies analyzed and those on the market (national and international). In studies with positive results there was a predominance of 6 MHz frequency, differently from the frequencies often cited in the manuals of equipments available on the market, which was 1 MHz. In one of the assessed equipments, the frequency reported by the manufacturer (27.12 MHz) diverges from other equipments.47 Frequency of 27.12 MHz is used in RF equipment commonly employed for the treatment of trauma and orthopedic disorders. In the manual of this equipment, this potency is justified by the demands made by international and national bodies, such as the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) and Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações (ANATEL), with the frequencies 13.56 MHz, 27.12 MHz and 40.68 MHz designed for medical applications. However, there is no data to confirm benefits of these frequencies on skin laxity or wrinkles.
Most equipment use capacitive method (bipolar, tripolar or multipolar electrode) for transmitting energy to the skin. According Montesi et al ()30, the main difference between the inductive and the capacitive method is the configuration of the electrodes to be applied to the skin, which will result in the way energy is transmitted to the tissues. The inductive method (monopolar electrode) uses an active and a passive electrode, the latter acting as a grounding electrode. Power is transmitted to the tissue via a single point of contact, which increases the penetration of the generated current. In the capacitive method (bipolar, tripolar or multipolar electrode), energy alternates between 2 electrodes situated in a short distance from one another. In the tripolar and multipolar devices, bipolar energy switches between different poles at every moment. The energy is concentrated at the site of treatment and the achieved depth is half of the distance between the two electrodes.
In relation to temperature, it is common to find in the manuals of Brazilian and international equipments that the temperature required for stimulation of collagen synthesis ranges from 50º C to 75º C in the dermis, and that this temperature is reached when the epidermis remains at 40º C. However, when looking for studies to substantiate this information, they do not explain this affirmative, leaving doubts about the veracity of the information. Another issue observed is that with the use of international equipments patients need to receive anesthetics to withstand the temperature rise. In the manuals of Brazilian equipments, however, this fact is not mentioned, despite the need to achieve the same therapeutic temperatures. International equipments have a cooling system that protects the epidermis while the dermis is heated and Brazilians devices do not use these systems.13,80
The results of this review showed that RF, despite being a commonly used procedure in clinical practice, still needs further study, with analyzes that have both methodological relevance and significant statistical results. Despite the large number of papers on this, most have low methodological quality. According to the literature, good scientific evidence supports the use of new techniques -a fact not found in the present review on RF and skin laxity.81
Many treatments on the market today target wrinkles and sagging skin, two concerns that become more and more bothersome as we age. But do we have to turn to needles and expensive procedures to get real and visible results? The answer is no. There are non-invasive anti-aging alternatives that produce significant long-lasting results like radio frequency therapy, one of the most validated facial treatments today. But does radio frequency skin tightening work? Are there any dangers to this treatment? Here&#;s the rundown.
About RF skin therapy
You may have heard: radio frequency therapy is a celebrity favorite when it comes to non surgical skin tightening. It&#;s understandable why: it is a pain-free, no down time facial treatment that is clinically proven to work. In fact, radio frequency&#;s effect on skin has been well documented over the past 20 years. Treatments are performed in the clinic using a large machine operated by professionals and require coming in regularly. But it can also be done at home with the NEWA RF wrinkle reduction device.
Radio frequency therapy works by using energy waves &#; known as radio waves &#; to help boost the proteins that give us tighter and younger-looking skin. These waves penetrate our skin into its deeper layer &#; the Dermis &#; where they help boost the production of collagen and elastin, two proteins responsible for firm and plump skin. We lose about 1% collagen each year after our mid-20s so this comes in very handy.
Benefits of Radio Frequency Therapy
There are quite a few skin benefits to radio frequency therapy that you should consider:
It is proven to visibly
reduce wrinkles and fine lines
It is painless
There are very minimal side effects
It can be done cost-effectively at home
Proven Results
According to a clinical study submitted to the FDA with individuals who used NEWA over a period of three months (3 times a week for the first 4 weeks and twice a week for the remaining 8 weeks), the radio frequency skin tightening before and after results are impressive with NEWA: 100% of participants showed improvement in overall wrinkle appearance. In addition, 84% showed improvement in skin firmness and 75.6% showed an increase in skin collagen content.
If you&#;re wondering how long it will take to actually see results on your skin, you should know that no less than 89%, reported the NEWA RF device made their skin feel and look tighter after only a month of consistent use. Because RF focuses on boosting your skin&#;s natural production of collagen and elastin, these skin-tightening results are also longer lasting than treatments like microcurrent and appear over time.
Minimal side effects
The radio frequency skin tightening dangers are pretty much non-existent. That&#;s why dermatologists praise RF so much: there is no downtime at all after rf facial treatments. It is non-invasive, which means there are no scars or traces left on your face, and completely pain-free. In fact, most users describe using their NEWA RF device at home as similar to a warm facial massage.
No wonder some 300,000 people have already made it a part of their skincare routine! Some people may experience a little redness on their skin right after treatment but this quickly dissipates or is very easily covered up with makeup if you&#;re in a rush.
So really, if you weigh the radio frequency skin tightening pros and cons, it&#;s pretty much a no-brainer! The only real disadvantage of RF treatments is their price in clinics: they can cost hundreds of dollars for each session.
However, that&#;s easily solved by purchasing a device like NEWA, which is made by ENDYMED, the leading company producing RF technology for clinics worldwide. The device will cost you less than one in-clinic treatment and you can use it as much as you need for years to come!
Besides RF
Other at-home treatments are available to tighten the skin without needles including microcurrent, which uses low intensity electrical currents to stimulate the muscles underneath your skin, or light therapies which also help boost collagen production for firming and plumping the skin. Out of these, radio frequency remains the most clinically validated skin tightening technology around today. That being said, there are great ways you can maximize your RF results including by other treatments in conjunction with RF!
In conclusion
There are scientifically proven benefits to getting radio frequency skin tightening treatments for your face. The results are well documented and the downsides are minimal. With devices like NEWA you can get younger looking skin from the comfort of your home. So hold off on rushing to plastic surgery and taking drastic measures for sagging skin and get yourself the gift of radio frequency.
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