Skin Tightening of the Arms and Legs with Radiofrequency and Broadband Light

Abstract

With increasing age, skin that was once full and firm begins to sag, developing laxity and redundancy. Traditionally, a surgical procedure was required for treatment of this laxity as in rhytidectomy, browlift, or brachioplasty. More recently, technological advances have shifted the treatments toward nonsurgical alternatives in place of plastic surgery. Further refinement toward nonablative tissue remodeling has proven popular because of its efficacy and markedly reduced downtime and complication rate. The major emphasis in the field of nonablative tissue remodeling has been on facial rejuvenation; however, these techniques can be applied to other areas of the body as well. Of particular interest has been the development of the nonsurgical techniques for areas of loose skin on the posterior upper arms and around the knees, sites of concern particularly for many women. These areas of tissue redundancy are troublesome as they can be difficult to otherwise treat and are not necessarily a reflection of body weight or thinness. Certain devices, particularly radiofrequency (RF) and broadband light sources, have demonstrated utility for tightening and nonsurgical contouring of mild to moderate skin laxity in these regions.