SKIN REJUVENATION WITH A NEW BIPOLAR MULTICHANNEL RADIO FREQUENCY DEVICE

Expert consensus on the use of the Reaction Bipolar Multi-channel Radiofrequency with combined vacuum device

ABSTRACT products, attracting the public’s attention and becoming a focus of studies in skin beauty and treatment.

In April 2023, renowned Chinese experts held a seminar to reach a consensus on the use of Reaction (Sinclair (Shanghai) Co., Ltd) before its launch with foreign experts in Chongqing, China. At the seminar, experts discussed and reached a consensus on the clinical application of the Reaction Bipolar Multichannel Radiofrequency Combined Vacuum Device in facial rejuvenation. The Consensus is aimed at providing clinical physicians and experts with references and suggestions on the clinical facial rejuvenation applications for the device.

MEDICAL ADVISOR BOARD EXPERT TEAM

OVER THE YEARS, AS LIVING standards have significantly improved, people now have higher expectations for facial rejuvenation treatments driven by rapid technological developments. The accelerated population ageing in China has pushed up the demands for anti-ageing services and

There are diverse techniques to treat the ageing face, including Botox injection, chemical peeling, lasers and surgery, which face significant limitations in clinical application due to the associated risks of trauma, hyperpigmentation, scars, poor post-treatment stability, and aesthetic results 1. In fact, when it comes to facial rejuvenation, people tend to prefer minimally invasive or non-invasive treatments. Being first applied in the field of skin rejuvenation from the beginning of the 21st century 2-3, radiofrequency (RF) is a non-invasive treatment technique that has been extensively applied in facial rejuvenation. A non-invasive cosmetic medicine technology, such as RF, is a common aspiration for all physicians and patients.

Features of the device

By adjusting different electromagnetic wave frequencies that include 0.8 MHz, 1.7 MHz, and 2.45 MHz, the Reaction Bi-Polar Multi-channel can be set to precisely lock a penetration depth from 3.9 mm to 18.6 mm and treat the superficial dermis, deep dermis, and subcutaneous adipose tissue layer by layer for more accurate positioning. The device penetrates all layers of skin from shallow to deep under the Fourth Dimension Channel Mode as well as penetrates and heats layer by layer by applying the First, Second and Third Dimension Channels to achieve a comprehensive therapy 4. Meanwhile, the device can raise the dermal temperature to 40~50°C while maintaining the skin temperature at 39~42°C thanks to its electronic cooling function. The device also stimulates collagen production in fibroblasts 5–7

For the first time, the Reaction Bipolar Multichannel Radiofrequency Combined Vacuum Device makes integrating RF and the negative pressure systems of three frequencies possible. Different electromagnetic wave frequencies enable the device to target specific layers from shallow, middle, to deep for accurate positioning. Integrating with the vacuum system, the device improves action in areas between the two electrodes and expands the penetration scope and depth of RF energy, thus improving blood microcirculation and increasing lymphatic drainage. The bipolar arrangement effectively avoids adverse reactions, such as pain and burning commonly found in monopolar devices. The distribution of RF current in the tissue can be controlled by constraining the distance between the two electrodes, making the device safer. In most cases, the device can heat the target tissue rapidly to distribute the heat more evenly for a better treatment outcome 4

The patented Channeling Optimized RF Energy (CORE) technology enable diverse different treatment parameters, so that the physician can customize device settings for each patient considering specific treatment scheme. RF energy intensity, RF penetration depth and mechanical vacuum suction strength are controlled to achieve the optimal treatment effect in different treatment areas.

KEYWORDS

Sinclair, Reaction, Skin rejuvenation

Clinical application of Reaction in facial rejuvenation

The device may be set with different frequencies and RF intensities to penetrate and heat layer by layer, thus achieving a comprehensive therapy. It stimulates the fibroblast to produce including extracellular matrix (ECM) and collagen. With noticeable treatment effects in facial and skin rejuvenation, the device can improve fine lines and sagging skin, tighten the skin, and comprehensively improve the facial contour, especially mild to moderate wrinkles and mild laxity accompanied by facial fat accumulation. Moreover, it is a comfortable experience for the patient, with a high safety and reliability profile. It can also deliver personalised and diversified treatments to cater to different skin qualities and the cosmetic demands of patients.

Treatment methods and effects

The device offers four different RF treatment modes for physicians. These modes are based on the following integrated technologies:

■ Frequency Mode I — Low RF 0.8MHz (applicable for deep layer treatment)

■ Frequency Mode II — Medium RF 1.7MHz (applicable for middle layer treatment)

■ Frequency Mode III — High RF 2.45MHz

(applicable for superficial treatment)

■ Frequency Mode IV — Integration of the three frequencies described above (applicable for multilayer treatment).

In terms of the hand tools, the skin tightening (ST) device is suitable for the treatment of the face, neck, jaw, shoulder and neck or other small areas. The facial contouring (FC) device is suitable for the treatment of sensitive areas, such as the lower jaw and underarm.

Safety and efficacy

Having undergone basic experiments and clinical studies at home and abroad, the Reaction Bipolar Multi-channel RF has proven to be effective and safe for anti-wrinkle, anti-ageing, and facial contouring. Inna Belenky et al. conducted studies on skintightening with Reaction in Israel. Sixteen subjects aged 37~66 with severe wrinkles and/or lax, sagging skin received Reaction treatment once every 3 weeks for a total of 3 times. Each treatment lasted 25 minutes on average (fibroblasts in each area were all heated for at least 4 minutes). Results show that 50% of subjects had moderate improvement, and 31% of subjects had significant improvement. Lax and sagging skin was clearly improved. The device was approved for registration by the National Medical Products Administration of China in 20154

Discussion

Lax, sagging skin is the primary manifestation of facial ageing. The causes of lax skin include reduced skin elasticity, dull skin, coarse pores, and skin wrinkles under the combined action of internal factors (e.g. natural ageing, estrogen, heredity, etc.) and external factors (e.g. long-term UV exposure, increase in oxygen free radicals, smoking, etc.). Frequent facial expressions and gravitational pull will also result in dynamic facial wrinkles. Change in the facial skeleton with ageing is also a contributing factor8

All these factors together will result in loss of facial soft tissue volume and sagging soft tissues, which will further lead to fat accumulation in lacrimal grooves, nasolabial folds and jawline, as well as sagging mouth. Ageing of lateral eye brows, obscured jawlines and accumulation of fat in the submental region are also common manifestations of facial ageing.

The treatment efficiency of RF in the field of facial anti-ageing has been extensively recognised. RF emits electromagnetic waves that act on the dermis, resulting in a vast amount of heat to the targeted skin, which in turn stimulates structural modification and regeneration of collagen and elastin. The increase of collagen and elastin then increases the thickness and density of the dermis and enables a more compact

Key points

Patented multi-channel optimized RF enable the penetration depth more than 10mm and optimize parameters for different clinical indications

The Device with vacuum suction can obviously improve fine lines and sagging skin, tighten the skin, and comprehensively improve the facial and body contour distance between the two electrodes, making the device safer. Moreover, such a controllable RF device can directly act on the skin dermis to heat the collagen without damaging the epidermal tissue.

It offers comfortable experience, high safety and reliability.

It is generally recognised that there will be a corresponding reaction between collagen and fibroblasts if the temperature is maintained at 40°C~43°C for 10 minutes14. The Device is used for anti-ageing treatment in a moderate yet comfortable manner. The generation of heat is related to local characteristics and resistance of the tissue, which varies between patients and areas targeted.

Conclusion

Having undergone basic experiments and clinical studies at home and abroad, the Reaction Bipolar Multichannel RF has proven to be effective and safe for antiwrinkle, anti-ageing and contouring treatments. The integration of multi-channel RF technology and vacuum brings diverse precise treatment schemes that feature effective treatment, fewer side effects, high safety and no downtime. It offers physicians and patients a new option for its highly comfortable treatment experience. With proved treatment effect in facial rejuvenation, the Device can improve the texture, elasticity and gloss of the skin, lighten wrinkles, tighten and lift lax tissues in jawline, lighten nasolabial folds, tighten the midface, and comprehensive improve the facial contour15-16

Acknowledgements

This consensus was discussed and approved by Wu Yan, Yao Min, Inna Belenky, Su Gongmin, Chan James K.M., Qian Hui and Zhao Xiaozhong at the Reaction Experts Consensus Seminar in April 2023. Note-taker: Wu Li tissue arrangement, thus achieving facial rejuvenation9-13

The Reaction device creatively integrates heat and vacuum, giving rise to mechanical pressure that improves the microcirculation of blood and stimulates lymphatic drainage. The bipolar configuration effectively avoids adverse reactions such as pain and burning commonly found in the monopolar configuration. The distribution of RF current in the tissue can be easily controlled by constraining the

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