Use of a Nonablative Radiofrequency Device to Rejuvenate the Upper One-Third of the Face

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of the ThermaCool TC nonablative radiofrequency device for rejuvenation of the upper one-third of the face, as determined by brow elevation.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Twenty-four patients in a facial plastic surgery office were treated with the nonablative radiofrequency device. The patients had pretreatment photos, in-office procedure, and follow-up photos. Brow elevation measurements were used to gauge efficacy of the procedure. These results were compared to an untreated, control group of 12 patients.

RESULTS: Compared to the control group, the post-treatment measurements were improved (P < 0.05). The post-treatment measurements were also improved from pretreatment baseline (P < 0.05). Subjective results obtained from patient satisfaction questionnaires did not correlate to the objective data. The data also showed that improvement in brow elevation was not uniform in each patient.

CONCLUSION: The ThermaCool TC nonablative radiofrequency device for in-office rejuvenation of the upper one-third of the face procedure does provide brow elevation in a majority of patients; however, the majority of the study patients did not perceive benefit from the procedure. Patient satisfaction in facial plastic surgery must be an important part of the decision of whether or not to introduce a new device into a practice setting. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2004;130:397–406.)