Les Nouvelles Dermatologiques

AN EX-VIVO STUDY OF THE REGEN™ TRIPOLLAR™ RF DEVICE USING AN EXPERIMENTAL HUMAN SKIN MODEL

Publication: English translation of © Nouv. Dermatol. 2008 ; 28 :331-332

S. Boisnic, Dermatologist, anatomopathologist, Research Director of the
GREDECO Research Association, Pitié Salpétrière Hospital, Paris, France

Abstract:

The aim of this ex-vivo study was to test the anti-cellulite and skin tightening effects of a TriPollar radiofrequency technology (regen™) on ex-vivo human skin samples harvested from abdominoplasty surgery and maintained in survival conditions. Single treatment at 25 Watts was applied. Radiofrequency selectively heats fat cells to increase metabolism and secretion of liquid fat.
A significant increase of glycerol released by the skin was found, indicating lipolysis. Additional findings included vasoconstriction
of the capillaries and improvement of collagen fibers which leads to tightening of the skin.

JEADV peer reviewed paper

Circumference reduction and cellulite treatment with TriPollar radiofrequency device: a pilot study

Publication:
Journal of the Euroepan Academy of Dermatology and Venereology
W Manuskiatti,† C Wachirakaphan,† N Lektrakul ‡, S Varothai††Department of dermatology and
‡Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital,Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand

Abstract:
Backgound A wide variety of treatments for circumference reduction and cellulite are available, but most procedures offer suboptimal clinical effect and/or delayed therapeutic outcome.

Objective:
To determine the safety and efficacy of the TriPollar radiofrequency device for cellulite treatment and circumference reduction.

Methods Thirty-nine females with cellulite received eight weekly TriPollar treatments. Treatment areas included the abdomen, thighs, buttocks and arms. Subjects were evaluated using standardized photographs and measurements of body weight, circumference, subcutaneous thickness, and skin elasticity of the treatment sites at baseline, immediately after and 4 weeks after the final treatment. Physicians' evaluation of clinical improvment scores using a quartile grading scale was recorded.

Results Thirty-seven patients (95%) completed the treatment protocol. There was significant circumference reduction of 3.5 and 1.7 cm at the abdomen (P=0.002) and thigh (P=0.002) regions, respectively. At 4 weeks after the last treatment, the average circumferential reductions of the abdomen and thights were sustained. No significant circumferential reductions of the buttocks and arms at the last treatment visit compared to baseline were demonstrated (P=0.138 and 0.152, respectively). Quartile grading scores correlating to approximately 50% improvment in cellulite appearance were noted.

Conclusions:
Tripollar radiofrequency provided beneficial effects on the reduction of abdomen and thigh circumference and cellulite appearance.

Clinical and histopathological results following TriPollar™ radiofrequency skin treatments

Introduction: Skin laxity, wrinkles and cellulite are common aesthetic problems associated with the aging process. These symptoms are due to the weakening and thinning of dermal connective tissue and the enlargement of hypodermal fat cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the TriPollar RF technology in reducing fat and collagen regeneration. Methods: Twelve healthy patients underwent weekly treatments on different body sites using the TriPollar technology. Treatment areas were photographed and measured and patient satisfaction was monitored. One abdominal patient consented to a series of TriPollar treatments prior to her scheduled abdominoplasty. A controlled histopathology analysis was performed on skin samples taken during the abdominoplasty procedure. Results: Histopatho-logical examination revealed marked differences between treated and non-treated abdominal skin areas. An increase of 49% in dermal thickness, focal thickening of collagen fibers and focal shrinkage of fat cells was shown following TriPollar treatments. Average patient satisfaction indicated clear satisfaction with the clinical results achieved. Conclusion: The TriPollar is a safe and effective non-invasive technology leading to skin tightening and body shaping. Histology results indicate changes at the dermal and fat layers following TriPollar treatments resulting in increased collagen regeneration and stimulated fat metabolism.

Treatment of striae distensae with a TriPollar radiofrequency device: A pilot study

Background: Striae distensae are a frequent skin condition for which treatment remains a challenge. Objectives: To determine the efficacy and safety of a TriPollar radiofrequency (RF) device for the treatment of striae in skin phototypes IV-V. Methods: Seventeen females with striae received six weekly treatments with a TriPollar RF device. The participants were evaluated using standardized photographs and a UVA-light video camera at baseline, and at 1 and 6 weeks after the final treatment. Side effects of treatment were recorded at every session. Results: At 1 week after the final treatment, 38.2% and 11.8% of the subjects were assessed to have 25-50% and 51-75% improvement of their striae, respectively. Compared with the 1-week follow-up, at the 6-week follow-up a higher percentage of the subjects were rated to have improvement of their striae. There were no significant differences in the striae surface smoothness at the 1- (p = 0.907) and 6-week (p = 0.057) follow-ups, compared with that of baseline. Twelve percent (2/17), 23% (4/17), and 65% (11/17) of the study subjects rated their satisfaction of the overall improvement as slightly satisfied, satisfied, and very satisfied, respectively. No adverse effect was reported. Conclusion: TriPollar RF appears to be a promising alternative for the treatment of striae distensae.

Ex vivo human skin evaluation of localized fat reduction and anti-aging effect by TriPollar

Background: A wide variety of radio frequency (RF) treatments for localized fat and cellulite reduction as well as anti-aging are available nowadays, but only a few have shown the biological mechanism responsible for the clinical results. Objective: To determine the biological mechanism of the TriPollar™ RF device for localized fat and cellulite reduction as well as the collagen remodeling effect. Methods: Human skin samples were collected from abdominoplasty surgery and facial lifts, in order to evaluate the lipolytic and anti-aging effects of the apollo™ device powered by TriPollar RF technology using an ex vivo human skin model. The anti-cellulite effect was evaluated by the dosage of released glycerol and histological analysis of the hypodermis. Skin tightening was evaluated by morphometric analysis of collagen fibers and the dosage of collagen synthesis. Results: Following TriPollar treatment, a significant increase of glycerol release by skin samples was found. The structure of fat cells was altered in shape and a modification of the fibrous tract was also detected in the fat layer. Additional findings indicated stimulation of the dermal fibroblasts with increased collagen synthesis. Conclusions: The detected alteration in the hypodermal layer is manifested by fat and cellulite reduction accompanied by structural and biochemical improvement of dermal collagen, which result in overall skin tightening.

Clinical experience with a TriPollar™ radiofrequency system for facial and body aesthetic treatments

Non-invasive aesthetic treatments aiming at circumference reduction and facial wrinkle improvement are becoming increasingly popular.

TriPollar™ treatments for the purpose of body contouring and skin tightening procedures have recently gained interest. Our aim was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Apollo™ device for non invasive treatment of localized excess fat and facial tightening. 37 female patients were treated for wrinkles, laxity and circumference reduction on different facial and body areas. Facial results were objectively analyzed with the Primos 3D imaging system. Body results were evaluated using photographs and circumferential measurements. Five volunteer patients underwent blood tests to assess changes in liver function and lipid profile following treatment. Significant reductions in body circumferences were measured. The average circumference reduction in main body areas (abdomen, buttocks, thighs), was 3.6 ± 2.4 cm with a maximum reduction of up to 10.5 cm in the abdomen. An improvement of perioral and periorbital wrinkles was achieved and analyzed. No significant changes were found in any of the liver function and lipid profile indicators. Findings confirm safety and efficacy of the new treatment modality for localized fat reduction and for body and face contouring.