Radiofrequency vs. scalpel incision for upper blepharoplasty: A clinicopathologic and photo comparison

Abstract

Cosmetic blepharoplasty of the upper eyelids has long been a mainstay of aesthetic surgeons and remains one of the most requested functional and aesthetic procedures. Multiple incisional modalities have been used over the years, including scalpel, scissors, electro surgery, radio wave surgery, and CO2 laser [1-12]. Although conventional surgery with scalpel and scissors (i.e., cold incision) produces aesthetic results, it applies skin stretching during incision and leads to enhanced bleeding and increased postoperative edema, ecchymosis, and discomfort [3]. By contrast, radio wave surgery (also designated radiofrequency [RF] surgery or radiosurgery), provides a pressure less incision with no dragging or bunching of tissue (concomitant with an enhanced precision of incision), and a simultaneous cutting and coagulation mode maintains a bloodless surgical ield, with minor risks of postoperative hematoma. However, it does lead to lateral tissue damage caused by heat production in the tissue1. Surprisingly, only a few studies were found comparing these two incision modalities in the same patient [1,2]. Abstract