Overview
The ThermaCool TC system heats deeper tissue with radiofrequency energy without injuring the skin surface. After use in the upper face, the device was applied to tighten the lower face and upper neck. The authors compiled 6 months of data on patients treated on the cheeks, jawline and upper neck, recorded settings, side effects and photographs, and assessed satisfaction by telephone interview.
Findings
- 16 patients treated over 6 months.
- Areas: 11 had cheeks, jawline and neck; 2 had cheeks and jawline; 3 had cheeks only.
- Cheeks: average level 14.6, average energy 113.8 joules per pulse.
- Jawline: average level 14.0, average energy 107.0 joules per pulse.
- Neck: average level 13.8, average energy 99.7 joules per pulse.
- All patients had mild redness and swelling, resolved within 48 hours.
- 15 of 16 patients were interviewed: 10 found the results unsatisfactory, 5 were satisfied.
- 4 of 11 (36%) with all 3 areas treated were satisfied, compared with 1 of 4 (25%) treated in 1 or 2 areas.
- The satisfied group had higher dial settings and energy per pulse.
- Average age: 58 in the unsatisfied group, 51 in the satisfied group.
- Photographic analysis showed no statistically significant results.
What it means for a patient
- In this study, two thirds of those interviewed were not satisfied with radiofrequency tightening of the lower face and neck.
- Younger patients, higher energy and treatment of all three areas were linked with satisfaction.
- Side effects were mild redness and swelling that cleared within 2 days.
- Limits: 16 patients, satisfaction by phone interview, no control group, and before-and-after photos showed no significant change.
Why this paper matters
It is an early report of a nonsurgical radiofrequency device on the lower face and neck, and most patients were not satisfied. The authors used it to suggest settings and patient selection. Cited 125 times (NIH iCite, 2026-09-25).
Terms
- Radiofrequency: electrical energy that makes charged particles in tissue move and produce heat.
- Nonablative: a treatment that heats deeper tissue without removing or wounding the skin surface.
- Joules per pulse: the energy delivered with each shot of the device.
- Erythema: redness of the skin.
- Edema: swelling from fluid in the tissue.
- Collagen: the protein that gives skin its firmness; the authors state heat shrinks it and prompts new collagen.