Updates on radiofrequency devices for skin tightening and body contouring

Abstract Radiofrequency (RF) devices have evolved over time to effectively and noninvasively tighten and contour the skin and body with minimal to no downtime. RF devices can be categorized as monopolar, unipolar, bipolar, and multipolar based on the number of electrodes used and how the energy is delivered to the tissues beneath the skin. The polarity of the RF determines the comfortability, effectiveness, and frequency of the treatments. Since the first of these deviceswere launched in the early 2000s, different companies have developed RF skin tightening and contouring platforms which utilize new and unique technologies to enhance the clinical results. There have been many clinical trials which study the safety and efficacy of these technologies in tightening and contouring the skin and body, although large randomized, controlled clinical trials are lacking. This article reviews the current literature on an assortment of the latest skin tightening devices and their technologies used.