Nonsurgical Facial Contouring With a Novel Radiofrequency and Vacuum Device: A Multicenter Retrospective Study With 33 Patients.

[BACKGROUND] The aging process reflects decreased tissue elasticity and a rearrangement of subcutaneous volume, resulting in superficial wrinkles and three-dimensional changes in skin topography. Radiofrequency (RF)-based approaches have become increasingly adopted in recent decades due to their relatively short downtime and significantly reduced risk of adverse effects.

[AIMS] The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the V-FC handpiece through a multicenter retrospective study as well as ex vivo and in vivo analyses.

[METHODS] The V-FC handpiece was used once a week for a treatment course of 3-6 sessions. The clinical evaluation of 33 patients included demographics, BMI, assessment of skin laxity, and rate of improvement. An ex vivo study with porcine tissue assessed the penetration depth of RF, while device performance was evaluated in an in vivo animal histological analysis.

[RESULTS] No significant adverse effects were recorded during the treatment course or at short- and long-term follow-ups (1, 3, and 52 months). The average skin laxity grade baseline was 34% lower at the end of the treatment course, with the average rate of improvement assessed as moderate. The ex vivo minimal and maximal penetration depths were 3.2-11.3 mm (±10%). The in vivo histopathological analysis showed no signs of acute heat injury at any treatment setting, including the maximum RF power. Additionally, staining showed a power-related progressive proliferation of fibroblasts, elastin fibers, and neocollagenesis, which was significantly higher 4 weeks after treatment.

[CONCLUSIONS] The new RF device demonstrates an effective treatment for facial contouring with a proven short- and long-term high safety profile.