20 MAY/JUNE 2016
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Med Esthetics
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AMONG THE LATEST tools in minimally invasive
aesthetic medicine are fractional radiofrequency (RF)
devices, which excel at addressing acne scarring, striae and
mild to moderate wrinkling in patients of all skin types.
Fractional RF uses an electrode matrix designed to create
zones of thermal wounds surrounded by unaffected
tissue. Like fractional lasers, the thermal wounds stimulate
dermal remodeling while the healthy surrounding tissue
helps promote healing. Some of these devices employ
microneedles designed to deliver RF energy to specifi c
dermal depths while decreasing damage to the epidermis.
Fractional RF is a relatively new technology pioneered
in Europe and Asia. In September 2008, the Syneron
eMatrix became the fi rst FDA-approved bipolar RF-based
device to offer skin resurfacing similar to fractional lasers.
Its fractionated handpiece consists of 64 electrodes in a
disposable applicator tip. The company's ePrime—now
called Profound—the fi rst fractional microneedle RF
device to receive FDA approval (December 2010), uses a
microneedle electrode array to deliver bipolar RF energy
directly to the reticular dermis with minimal disruption of
the epidermis. Both noninvasive fractional RF and minimally
invasive fractional microneedle RF devices have been
shown to produce visible volumetric skin changes and new
restructured collagen in the deep dermis.
Fractionated RF devices tend to fall between nonablative and
ablative fractional lasers in terms of effi cacy and downtime;
they also offer some unique benefi ts to patients and practices.
Following are four major considerations that will affect whether
a practice should adopt this fast-developing technology.
Mak i n g
By Linda W. Lewis
Fractional and microneedle RF devices offer some unique
benefits for aesthetic practices.
Waves