The role of bipolar radiofrequency in aesthetic treatments

Portrait Jonathan Redeker

Jonathan J. Redeker, MD

18. October 2024

FaceTite-Gerät für bipolare Radiofrequenzbehandlungen – modernes Gerät zur Hautstraffung und Konturierung in der ästhetischen Medizin.

What is bipolar radiofrequency (e.g. FaceTite™) used for in aesthetics?

Bipolar radiofrequency (RF) based treatments are used to treat sagging skin and unwanted fat deposits on the face, neck and body. The treatment aims to tighten soft tissue, stimulate collagen production and reduce small fat deposits without the need for incisions to shorten recovery time. As a minimally invasive tightening procedure, it is suitable for correcting minor deformities, but the real magic happens when it is combined with surgical procedures such as eyelid lifts and liposuction. Subcutaneous RF treatments can also be combined very well with a Morpheus8™ treatment to rejuvenate the skin layers.

Bipolar RF treatment uses two electrodes, one on and one under the skin, with the inner electrode positioned in the subcutaneous fat layer. The heat generated by radiofrequency is delivered in a controlled manner, with the temperature being monitored in real time. An automatic switch-off mechanism, which is activated when the desired temperature is reached, provides additional safety. The device increases the temperature selectively in the different layers of tissue, with the skin surface maintaining a lower temperature and higher temperatures being reached in the fatty tissue. This ensures efficient and safe treatment in the tissue between the electrodes.

What are AccuTite™, FaceTite™ and BodyTite™?

AccuTite™, the smallest probe, is designed to treat smaller and more sensitive areas such as nasolabial folds, laugh lines, eyelids, eyebrows, chin and jawline.

FaceTite™ is a larger probe for full facial rejuvenation and focuses on areas such as the cheeks and neck.

BodyTite™ is the largest probe and is intended for contouring larger body areas such as the abdomen, thighs, upper arms, back and breasts.

Often these technologies can be combined with liposuction, known as RFAL (radiofrequency-assisted liposuction). This approach is beneficial for treating larger fat deposits all over the body or smaller fat deposits in the neck area and offers better skin tightening than conventional liposuction methods.

How does the procedure work?

After infiltration of the local anesthetic, the probe is inserted just below the surface of the skin, which emits controlled heat using radiofrequency energy. This leads to a shrinking effect of the deep connective tissue.

Benefits of AccuTite™, FaceTite™ and BodyTite™

  • Local anesthesia: The procedure begins with the application of a local anesthetic to ensure maximum comfort.
  • Short duration: Procedures can be performed in the practice OR and last 60 minutes or longer depending on the area being treated.
  • Less downtime: Radiofrequency (RF) procedures are minimally invasive and therefore shorten the required recovery time. However, edema can sometimes occur after the procedure, e.g. in the midface and eyelids, which can last for several weeks to months.

Permanent result

After treatment with FaceTite™, BodyTite™ and AccuTite™, improvements are visible as soon as the bruising and swelling have subsided, which is usually within a week. However, the best results, which are due to collagen formation, are seen around 2 to 4 months after the procedure and continue to improve for up to a year. Studies show that the skin visibly improves within 10 weeks after the procedure, including increased skin volume and improvement of the extracellular matrix due to the formation of new hyaluronic acid, collagen and elastin.

How many AccuTite™, FaceTite™ or BodyTite™ treatments do you need?

Unlike other minimally invasive radiofrequency procedures such as Morpheus8™, most people typically only need one to two sessions with AccuTite™, FaceTite™ or BodyTite™ to achieve a visible effect. Results can last five years or longer.

Schedule an appointment with me to achieve the natural results you desire!

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Portrait Jonathan Redeker

Jonathan J. Redeker, MD | FEBOPRAS

Jonathan J. Redeker is a highly experienced board-certified plastic surgeon.

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