Monopolar Radiofrequency (RF) Technology
Monopolar RF technology, which was introduced six years ago and which is credited as the first non-surgical skintightening device, has been the catalyst for what is now an explosion in non-invasive skin tightening with different technologies and areas of the body that we can treat. Originally used to lift the eyebrows, monopolar RF was found to be effective in tightening the jowls and neck area with its unique approach of cooling the outer layer of skin while heating the deeper layers to cause tightening.
See The Results
These photos are of actual patients who have received the procedure.
Before and After photos are un-retouched and represent patients that have had significant results. Your results may vary depending on age and skin condition.
The American FDA cleared for the non-invasive treatment of wrinkles and rhytids. Side effects are generally mild and may include redness, swelling, blisters, bumps and rare instances of surface irregularities.
ARES Non Surgical Facelift
ARES is a non-invasive monopolar Radio Frequency Energy System. This procedure will benefit Clients who want to correct the "jowling effect". These are the little pouches, or loose skin, that begin to form along the jaw line.
ARES Will help to lift and or tighten the skin, and soften wrinkles. In some cases the patient may experience a slight lift in the eyebrow area, and hooding of the upper eyelids may become less pronounced. The tightening of skin in the jaw area, will reduce the jowling effect.
ARES is geared at the regeneration of the collagen in the skin. The collagen is heated by the radio frequency energy, and it contracts and tightens. Also, creating heat in the epidermal layer is interpreted as a injury by the body and in response the body increases white cell, fibroblast and collagen production. This gives the skin a tighter appearance, and softer diminished lines and wrinkles.
The ARES Radio waves creates heat within the subcutaneous tissue layer causing immediate collagen contraction. This is followed by gradual collagen tightening, followed by a growth in collagen, which lifts the skin without damage to the epidermis. During this procedure cryogen cooling is used to protect the epidermal surface (upper layers of skin) before and after the radio frequency. The patient will feel the cooling and heating sensation of this process.
The Clients facial area is thoroughly cleansed prior to the procedure. We apply aloe vera gel to act as a conductor, it also enhances the radio frequency energy.
There are no restrictions on activities following the treatment.
Most clients will notice some results immediately after the treatment.
STUDY
Monopolar Radio Frequency Facial Tightening: A Retrospective Analysis of Efficacy and Safety in over 600 Treatments (Weiss, R.A., M.A. Weiss, et al) Journal of Drugs in Dermatology - Vol. 5; Issue 8; 707-712; September 2006.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Monopolar radio frequency skin heating coupled with cryogencooling of facial skin for skin tightening has been utilised on over 10,000 patients since 2002. In order to establish the actual rate and degree of side effects in our clinical experience, a retrospective chart review was performed.
STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS
Charts and clinical images of over 600 consecutive patients treatments between May 2002 and June 2006 using a monopolar radio frequency device for skin tightening at the Maryland Laser, Skin and Vein Institute retrospectively reviewed. The primary presentation for treatment was skin laxity of the lower face.
RESULTS
The most common immediate and expected clinical effects were erythema and edema lasting less than 24 hours, although 6 patients reported edema lasting up to one week. There were no permanent side effects. In total, 2.7% of treatments resulted in temporary side effects, the most significant of which was a slight depression on the cheek, which completely resolved within 3.5 months. Other side effects included localised areas of acneform subcutaneous erythematous papules and a linear superficial crust. Tenderness of the neck lasting from 2 weeks was also reported.
CONCLUSION
Our data, obtained in an office setting without injectable anaesthetic or IV sedation, indicate that monopolar RF for skin tightening is a very safe procedure. The treatment algorithm and tips have evolved over several years leading to increased safety and efficacy. Side effects are infrequent, self-limited, and minor, comparing favourably to other nonablative devices utilised for facial rejuvenation.
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