Radiofrequency

Question 1

Electrocautery

Answer 1

– First electrical medical device used for hemostasis
• Thermal: 3,000 BC
– Passive electrical current → direct pressure → burn

Question 2

Who coined the radiofrewuency technology

Answer 2

Bovie and Cushing

Question 3

Ideal frequency

Answer 3

3.8-4.0MHz

Question 4

High frequency is good why

Answer 4

Lower temperature = Less lateral heat

• No electrical shock rather passage through tissue

Question 5

Resistance of human tissue causes heat:

Answer 5

Tissue dedication
Protein coagulation
Intracellular cytoplasmic liquid-to-gas conversion—volatilizations (vaporaization)

Question 6

Parts of the ellman unit

Answer 6

• Active electrode (hand piece)
• Passive electrode (antennae/ground plate)
• Transformer
• Vacuum/suction unit

Question 7

Indications for RF

Answer 7

• Papillomas/skin tags
• Seborrheic keratoses
• Verruca
• Sebaceous cysts
• Benign nevi
• Pyogenic granulomas
• Trichiasis
• Punctal occlusion
• Xanthalelasma
• Biopsies
• Chalazion incision
• Cutaneous neurofibromas

Question 8

Waveform setting I

Answer 8

Pure Cutting Action -90/10 (cut/coag)

– Dry lesions, biopsy

Question 9

Waveform setting II

Answer 9

Blended -50/50 (cut/coag)

– Verruca

Question 10

Waveform setting III

Answer 10

Coagulation/Hemostasis -90/10 (coag/cut)

– Epilation, punctal occlusion, bleeding

Question 11

Waveform setting IV

Answer 11

Fulguration (Coag/Destruction)

– Bed of BCC/SCC, cyst remnants

Question 12

Sectility

Answer 12

degree to which tissue fibers separate compared to how much energy is
applied
– High: pigskin
– Low: chicken skin & eyelids

Question 13

Increasing sectility

Answer 13

Increase sectility by increasing tension & mechanical support
– Mechanical support
– Tension between fingers

Question 14

Benefits of RF

Answer 14

• Minimal damage to biopsy tissue
– More localized heat
– Fine control
• Minimizes collateral tissue damage
• Simultaneously cuts/coagulates
• Rapid healing & minimized infection
– Cuts off capillary beds and lymphatic system
• Decreases bleeding / chance of infection / swelling / bruising
• No muscle contractions (Faradic effect)
– Occurs in frequencies <100 KHz

Question 15

Precautions of RF

Answer 15

• Smoke & fire hazard
– Keep away from flammable fumes/liquids 
• Smell & particles
– (+) isolated HIV/HPV 
• Excess lateral tissue damage 
• No tactile sensation 
• DO NOT do shave excision on pigmented lesion unless you are CERTAIN it is
not a melanoma 
• Pacemaker***

Question 16

Faradaic Effect

Answer 16

Muscle contractions in frequency <100KHz=Faradaic Effect

Question 17

Pelleve

Answer 17

Wrinkle removal system

Question 18

How does pelleve work

Answer 18

– Collagen production slows as we get wiser → lose laxity/firmness
– Non-invasive solution to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles without
surgery or needles
• GlideSafe® handpiece gradually delivers radiofrequency energy through the epidermis into the
dermis → heats penetrating dermal layer generates new collagen – Timeline
• 1 -3 days after your procedure= “post treatment glow”
• 4 - 15 days after treatment = fibroblast formation occurs and collagen begins to rebuild
• 15+ days after treatment = collagen synthesis and formal remodeling occurs

Question 19

How long does pelleve last

Answer 19

45-60m
Requires 3-5 treatments about 4 weeks apart
Costs: 500-600 for eyes, full fave $1500-2000

Question 20

Advantages of pelleve

Answer 20

– Blepharitis
• Works similarly to a Lipiflow due to the residual heal from the handpiece
– Removal of Demodex Mites
– smooths out crows feet or eyelid wrinkles
– Hide creases or smile lines that give your mouth a wrinkled look.
– Reduces smoker lines

Question 21

Risks of pelleve

Answer 21

– Redness
– Swelling
– Blistering (over heating)
– Infection
– Poorly heal → scarring
– Disabling a pacemaker
– Disappointment