The advantage of the high frequency low temperature (HFLT) or radiofrequency (RF) surgical device (Ellman surgitron) in blepharoplasty has been documented through numerous publications, lectures and thousands of surgical procedures.
RF has a minimal to no lateral heat spread far better than CO2 laser or other surgical tools. It is used to safely incise and excise achieving excellent cosmetic results with fast healing.
Radiofrequency is performed with a portable generator that operates on a standard 60-cycles household current and converts the current to high frequency of 4.0MHz above AM and below FM frequencies. The high frequency current is further modified by filtering and rectification to produce one of four waveforms: fully filtered for cutting; fully rectified suitable for 50% cutting, 50% hemostasis; partially rectified for coagulation; and fulguration. The radio waves are transmitted to the electrode through a hand piece.
The use of radiofrequency in skin tightening and rejuvenation is becoming the appropriate non invasive technology.
Few RF devices were developed for the purpose of skin rejuvenation. CO2 laser has also been used for skin resurfacing (face and periocular area). Following a transconjunctival lower lid blepharoplasty, Dr. Bouzouay (as did other collegues) uses the CO2 laser transconjunctivally to tighten the skin.
The Chedly Thermoplasty, named by the company who will be commercialising it, is an additional electrode added to the various electrodes used with the RF Ellman surgitron for various surgical procedures. The instrument is in the prototype phase and is currently undergoing clinical trials.
The Chedly Thermoplasty is designed for the purpose of tightening and rejuvenating the lower lid skin through the transconjunctival approach. It is insulated and only a “Plateau” can be active. It is applied on the posterior surface of the skin. When activated through the RF device and its hand piece a heating action is produced that immediately tighten the skin tissue and structure. Using the RF unit the surgeon can perform the blepharoplasty with incision and excision in a bloodless field. Without changing the surgical device we switch the waveform from the rectified current to the partially rectified current and we change to the Chedly Thermoplasty.
Through the transconjunctival incision the Chedly Thermoplasty is applied subcutaneously to safely tighten the skin. This is a non in invasive and safe subcutaneous RF skin rejuvenation. Of course results vary depending on age and skin condition.
This thermoplasty delivers controlled RF energy to collagen layers of the skin. When the Chedly Thermoplastyis activated the heating action penetrates the collagen and causes it to contract, therewith improving tone and texture. In addition new collagen grows to further tighten the skin. Collagen is in the dermis and subcutaneous layers so the post approach following transconjunctival blepharoplasty is even safer than applying the RF on the surface of the skin.
The Chedly Thermoplasty and the RF technology is a safe way to tighten and smoothen the skin through a subcutaneous approach improving therefore the cosmetic result of lower lid blepharoplasty.
