ABSTRACT
RF is the electromagnetic wave frequency between audio and infrared that ranges from approximately 1.0 × 10 5 nm to about 3.0 × 10 13 nm. RF treatments can be defined as the destruction or modulation of biological tissues using electricity from an unmodulated, sinusoidal wave, alternating current at wavelengths that fall into the range for RF signaling. The ionic influences near the device applicator attempt to drive the ions to follow the changes in direction of the alternating current. This ionic flow causes molecular frictional heating low enough to confine energy transmission to a controllable tissue mass without generating excessive radiation, and without stimulating neuromuscular reaction and electrolysis ( 6 ). This heat energy is generated so that the tissue, rather than the device itself, is the source of heat ( 7 ). Aside from their role in a
variety of medical subspecialties, RF devices represent a growing segment of the cosmetic industry specifically geared toward the treatment of subcutaneous fat and/or cellulite.
