Use of radio-frequency pulsed energy in the control of postoperative reaction in blepharoplasty.

This is a preliminary report of the use of a device to apply small pulses of radio-frequency energy to surgical wounds in order to improve wound healing. The device was applied to one eye in 21 patients who underwent bilateral blepharoplasty. There were no device-related complications. In 11 patients, edema and ecchymosis were noticeably less on the treated side within 24 hours of surgery. In 6 patients, ecchymosis and swelling were so slight that no difference between treated and untreated sides was visible. Two patients were noticeably worse on the treated side. Further studies will be conducted.