Minimally Invasive Approach to Skin Tightening of the Face and Body: Systematic Review of Monopolar and Bipolar Radiofrequency Devices

Background: Radiofrequency treatment is a relatively new and increasingly popular option for patients desiring skin tightening and an improvement in facial or body contour without undergoing an excisional surgical procedure. A systematic review of the literature was performed to investigate the safety and efficacy of monopolar and bipolar radiofrequency devices for facial and body rejuvenation. Methods: A computerized search of the MEDLINE database was performed for clinical studies investigating the use of monopolar and bipolar radiofrequency devices in facial and body rejuvenation. Data on the type of device, treated areas, number of patients, number of treatments, follow-up, complications, and outcomes were collected. Results: The systematic review was performed in September of 2020. A total of 207 articles examined the use of radiofrequency technology for cosmetic purposes, and 23 articles remained after all inclusion and exclusion criteria were considered. Nine articles evaluated monopolar devices and five articles evaluated bipolar devices for treatment of the face. Three articles evaluated monopolar devices and six articles evaluated bipolar devices for treatment of various body areas. Conclusion: There is clinical evidence that monopolar and bipolar radiofrequency devices produce measurable improvement in skin laxity of the face and body with an acceptable complication profile. The majority of reported complications are minor and transient in nature; major complication rates are higher with the use of monopolar devices than with the use of bipolar devices.