Radio frequency
When radiofrequency is applied to a tissue, it causes rapid oscillations of electromagnetic fields .....
Radiofrequency is energy and is defined as electromagnetic radiation, located within the electromagnetic spectrum, between infrared radiation and long waves (VLF). The therapeutic field for medical purposes is between the medium wave and the short wave.
When radiofrequency is applied to a tissue, it causes rapid oscillations of electromagnetic fields, causing movements of the charged molecules, the result of which is an increase in tissue temperature. Thermal effects are determined by the type of radio frequency (wavelength), the energy level (power), the duration of the treatment and the type of tissue to be treated.
The physiological effect is also influenced by the type of radiofrequency (unipolar, bipolar) and the size and shape of the electrode. Wanted the tissue heating at a temperature between 55-62 º C.
The phenomena produced by radiofrequency when applied to tissues are the following:
Warming of fatty tissue and skin. It improves lymphatic circulation and circulation in the skin, improving its quality and stimulating the collagenesis or production of new collagen fibers.
Immediate skin contraction Y medium-term skin remodeling.
Collagen synthesis or neocolagenesis. This takes place thanks to the formation of some HSP molecules (Heat Shock Proteins) or heat shock proteins that are synthesized in response to certain stimuli and are the beginning of tissue repair. Specifically, with Radiofrequency, we were able to synthesize HSP 47, a protein that resides in the endoplasmic reticulum and specifically recognizes the collagen triple helix. Type I collagen molecules can only be assembled in a three-dimensional way correctly in the presence of this protein, HSP-47.
The depth of penetration of the radio frequency depends on:
Electrical properties of the tissue (directly proportional to its impedance). Impedance is the resistance that the tissue puts to the passage of energy. The denser, the greater the resistance that the tissue opposes to the passage of radio frequency and the greater the heat that is generated. Fat is more resistant than skin, for example.
Applicator type: Uni-Bipolar.
Bipolar: the electric field is located between 2 electrodes at a fixed distance. Both electrodes are applied to the area to be treated. And the prolongation of the electric current is limited between the two.
Unipolar: The Unipolar or Monopolar system emits energy through an electrode, with a contact point applied to the area to be treated. The heating depth is variable. There can be an inductive electrode and a return electrode (Thermage), or as an antenna without a return electrode (Exillis or Elite) With the Thermage System we can select the heating produced, which can be superficial, medium or deep. Non-contact multipolar. Radio frequency without contact with the skin, of the system directs the thermal effect to the deep layers where the localized fat is housed.
Maintaining heat for a certain time achieves apoptosis or destruction of fat cells, so this type of radio frequency is applied to reduce localized fat.
Fractional. (Frax Face) The energy is sent through multiple points of contact with the skin, which concentrates it in specific points, achieving more penetration with a faster recovery.
Wave frequency.
The higher the frequency of the wave, the greater the depth of penetration.
The application of treatments based on Radiofrequency therefore are complementary treatments in the armamentarium of Aesthetic Surgery, they do not replace surgery, but can improve results by improving the quality and retraction of tissues due to the new formation of collagen that induces in they. It is very useful for postoperative Cosmetic Surgery.