A focused monopolar radiofrequency causes apoptosis: a porcine model.

Background: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the effect of monopolar, focused radiofrequency (RF) with embedded cooling on subcutaneous skin structures. Specifically, the study was to prove that the monopolar RF with cooling can selectively heat fat, causing disintegration of adipocytes and programmed cell death (apoptosis) of the subcutaneous fat cells.

Methods: A non-invasive monopolar RF device with cooling (Exilis Elite, BTL Industries, Framingham, MA) was used to reduce abdominal fat in a porcine model.