Prospective Clinical Trial of the Latest Generation of Noninvasive Monopolar Radiofrequency for the Treatment of Facial and Upper Neck Skin Laxity.

[BACKGROUND] Aging of the face and upper neck is a complex process characterized by loss of collagen and elastic fibers, resulting in clinical skin laxity. Noninvasive interventions such as monopolar capacitively coupled radiofrequency (MRF) have gained popularity, offering a safer and more convenient alternative to traditional surgical face lift. The latest MRF device features larger tips, vibration, cooling, and impedance matching.

[OBJECTIVE] We performed the first open-label clinical trial, measuring the efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction of this device for noninvasive lifting and tightening of the face and upper neck.

[MATERIALS AND METHODS] Forty subjects 30 to 60 years of age with mild/moderate skin laxity of the face and upper neck were enrolled. After pretreatment with ketorolac 60 mg intramuscular injection, subjects underwent treatment with MRF. Follow-up evaluations were performed on Days 30, 60, and 180.

[RESULTS] Our study demonstrated that the newest generation MRF produced statistically significant improvement in skin laxity 6 months post-treatment, especially in the jowls and melolabial folds. According to the Investigator Global Aesthetic Improvement Score, 73% of subjects had improvement at 6 months post-treatment. Subject satisfaction and improvement questionnaires supported these findings.

[CONCLUSION] Our data coupled with the excellent adverse effect profile validates MRF as an attractive treatment modality for facial and upper neck skin laxity.