What it means for a patient
- This is a non-surgical treatment for mild-to-moderate face and neck sagging, done in one session.
- The author recommends repeating it after six months to keep results.
- For more advanced sagging, the author does not suggest it alone.
- Limits: a protocol description with clinical observations only. The abstract reports no number of patients, no measured results and no comparison group.
Why this paper matters
It describes a radiofrequency protocol aimed at the retaining ligaments and fibrous septa rather than skin alone. Its claims are not supported by data in the abstract.
Overview
Many patients with face and neck skin laxity prefer non-invasive treatment. The author describes a monopolar radiofrequency device with continuous skin cooling that delivers up to 140 W to the upper and middle skin layers and to the facial retaining ligaments. The protocol targets ligaments and fibrous septa in the face, under the chin and in the neck.
Findings
- Candidates: adults aged 35 or older with mild-to-moderate facial and/or neck sagging.
- Maximum energy 140 W, with continuous low-temperature skin cooling.
- 1,000 shots in one session across face, submental and neck regions.
- Delivered in a hashtag pattern with 50% overlap at energy levels 8-10.
- Reported observations: better skin thickness, texture, elasticity, face and neck contour, and fewer wrinkles, with minimal or no pain and high satisfaction.
- Repeat treatment is recommended after six months.
- For moderate and severe cases, the author recommends combining it with fillers or microfocused ultrasound.
- The abstract gives no patient numbers, measurements or follow-up data.
Terms
- Monopolar radiofrequency: a device that sends electrical energy through tissue to heat it, using one treatment electrode.
- Retaining ligaments: fibrous bands that anchor facial soft tissue to deeper structures.
- Fibrous septa: thin fibrous walls that divide the fat under the skin.
- Dermis: the deeper layer of skin that contains collagen.
- Epidermal cooling: cooling of the skin surface to protect it from heat.
- Collagen remodeling: the breakdown and rebuilding of collagen in the skin.
- Microfocused ultrasound: focused ultrasound energy used to heat tissue under the skin.
- Laxity: looseness or sagging of skin.