In an article published earlier this year in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, three plastic surgeons in Beijing reported on their study of facial liposuction patients who also received radiofrequency treatments. Radiofrequency, or RF, energy is an increasingly popular method to deliver long-lasting skin rejuvenation. For instance, RF is incorporated into Morpheus8 microneedling at our practice to improve skin tone and firmness.
What Was the Goal of the Study?
The researchers, like all cosmetic surgeons, were already well aware of the benefits of facial liposuction to slim down the mid to lower face and improve overall facial contouring. Their question was whether combining liposuction with subcutaneous (under the skin) radiofrequency energy can deliver objectively superior results compared to liposuction alone.
To perform their analysis, they observed the outcomes of 31 patients with mild-to-moderate skin laxity in the midface area. The patients had an average age of 36 years old and had their procedures performed in the 2020-2022 time period. To review results, analysis of before and after photos by the study authors was combined with satisfaction surveys completed by the patients themselves.
The Study Findings in Detail
This study focused only on patients who had midface liposuction and RF treatment under local anesthesia. Subcutaneous RF treatment was administered immediately after the liposuction was performed, targeted to the same area of the face where fat had been removed. The reported results:
- According to the photographic evaluation of case outcomes, the mean score of midface laxity decreased from 3.3 to 1.6 on a 6-point grading scale for the nasolabial fold, indicating a marked improvement.
- Overall patient satisfaction was also positive: 83.8% of the patients were “rather” to “very much” satisfied with the rejuvenation of midface, 9.7% of the patients considered the results neutral, and 6.5% of the patients considered the results poor or without any changes.
- No study participants had major complications, and only one had some degree of stiffness in the treated area, which was softened by the 2-month mark.
This study demonstrates that a combination of facial liposuction and radiofrequency energy can provide significant improvement of the midface area without the more extensive scars and more significant downtime that can accompany traditional facelift methods. Results like these are exactly why Dr. West is a big proponent of using the latest cosmetic technology to provide patients with an alternative to facial surgery.
Want to learn more about Dr. West’s approach and the treatments that might benefit you at the Michigan Center for Cosmetic Services? Call us at 734-971-0262 or book your complimentary consultation with Dr. West today!
Author: Dr. Jessica West
Dr. Jessica West is the Medical Director for the Michigan Center for Cosmetic Services in Ann Arbor. Dr. West is double board certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and by the American Board of Otolaryngology & Facial Plastic Surgery. She is known for her superior aesthetic results, strong attention to detail, artistic eye, and honest expert opinion in regards to both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
