The role of deep heating for noninvasive skin rejuvenation

Redundant facial, neck, or body laxity is a major feature of aging. Just a few years ago, the choices for treatment of skin laxity were only surgery. As technology continues to evolve, procedures that once required major surgical intervention are gradually being replaced by minimally invasive techniques. Recently, monopolar radiofrequency (MRF) and infrared light sources have been introduced for nonablative tissue tightening by volumetric heating of the deep dermis. Appropriate selection of patients and managing realistic patients' expectations of outcome are key considerations to ensuring satisfaction with results. However, controversy persists over the effectiveness of these treatments. Further development of the technology and refinement of treatment protocols may allow for more dramatic modulation of the underlying deeper structures, improving the consistency of results. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.