Usefulness of Monopolar Thermal Radiofrequency Treatment for Periorbital Wrinkles

BACKGROUND: Over the past 10 years, monopolar radiofrequency (MRF) technology has been widely used by dermatologists as a valuable modality to effectively tighten and rejuvenate photoaged skin. It also has the benefit of a short recovery time. OBJECTIVE: Using an objective parameter, this study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of MRF, which is the basic modality of radiofrequency technologies, for treatment of periorbital wrinkles in Korean patients. METHODS: We enrolled 70 middle-aged female patients with periorbital wrinkles for this study. Each patient underwent triple sessions of MRF treatment in the periorbital region, separated by 2-week intervals. Clinical photographs were obtained, and the areas of wrinkles were measured using a Robo Skin Analyzer CS50 (Inforward Inc., Japan) at baseline and 4 weeks after the final treatment session. RESULTS: Significant reduction in the mean area of periorbital wrinkles was detected at 1-month follow-up (80.64±28.96 mm(2)) compared to baseline (95.08±31.93 mm(2)). The improvement ratio of the wrinkle area was 15.19%. Pain during procedure seemed to be tolerable without any local anesthesia for all patients. Transient mild erythema was the only side effect reported during the study. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, MRF could still be an attractive modality for Korean patients with periorbital wrinkles if the treatment is conducted repeatedly with sufficient energy and proper intervals.