Integration of thermal imaging with subsurface radiofrequency thermistor heating for the purpose of skin tightening and contour improvement: a retrospective review of clinical efficacy.

INTRODUCTION

Radiofrequency has remained a staple procedure for the treatment of skin laxity as therapeutic heat thresholds effectively promote collagen remodeling. Nevertheless, comprehensive skin tightening involves both dermal and hypodermal collagen remodeling. However, transcutaneous radiofrequency is unable to deliver consistent and measurable temperatures to the hypodermal layers. Herein, we evaluated a newly emerging approach that provides precise and controlled subdermal heating is thermistor-controlled subdermal skin tightening (ThermiTight) using a percutaneous radiofrequency treatment probe.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 35 patients was completed on patients having undergone ThermiTight for submental skin tightening. Treated sites included under-chin and under-chin and jowls. The ThermiTight probe temperature was set between 50 to 60 °C and was maintained using the thermistor integrated electrode. The probe was guided at a deliberate pace, treating a surface area of 3.0 cm2 every two minutes. The clinical endpoint was an epidermal temperature of 42 °C. Two blinded reviewers assessed photographs taken at baseline and 30 days post-procedure. They were randomly presented with a photograph and asked to rate the photograph using a 4.0 skin laxity scale.

RESULTS

The combined mean change comparing baseline and post-procedure skin laxity scores was -0.78, which was statistically significant (Table 2; P<0.0001). Each blinded reviewer correctly categorized photographs as either being "baseline" or "post-procedure" 89% of the time. No adverse events were reported.

DISCUSSION

These data demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the ThermiTIght procedure for the treatment of skin laxity.