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.