안면리프팅 및 윤곽성형을 위한 피부하 실시간 열감지 단극성 고주파 시술의 임상적 효과 및 안전성 평가

Abstract

Background: As demand for a youthful appearance has increased, techniques for face lifting and contouring have been introduced to reduce excess fat deposition and improve skin laxity. Recently, radiofrequency (RF)-assisted lipolysis and liposuction (RFAL) has been used successfully for body and face contouring. Objective: In this study, we evaluated the clinical improvement achieved with an internal real-time thermosensing monopolar RFAL device (APOLEX®, Chung Woo Medical, Seoul, Korea) for face lifting and contouring, and examined its safety. Methods: A prospective study was conducted in 20 Korean patients who underwent an internal real-time thermosensing monopolar RFAL procedure. Prior to treatment and 12 and 24 weeks after treatment, digital photographs were taken and skin elasticity was measured using a Cutometer® CT575 (Courage and Khazaka®, Cologne, Germany). Safety was also evaluated at each visit. Results: All 20 patients showed clinical improvement. Although the changes in skin elasticity measured by the Cutometer® were not statistically significant, all three treated regions showed a trend toward improvement. No major side effect was observed. Conclusions: After further studies with more patients and longer follow-up periods, internal real-time thermosensing monopolar RF devices may become one of the popular treatment options for face lifting and contouring.