Monopolar RF vs bipolar RF for skin tightening and fat reduction
Radiofrequency is one of the most useful of all the non-invasive body contouring technologies. It’s the gold standard for skin tightening; plus, some RF machines possess the ability to reduce fat. But exactly what each RF machine is capable of improving, and how much improvement it can deliver, varies from machine to machine. Specifically, much of it boils down to the manner in which the machine delivers the radiofrequency electrical energy to the body…which comes down to the placement of the radiofrequency electrodes. Does the RF handpiece have one electrode or two…monopolar RF vs bipolar RF? In this article, we’ll examine the merits of monopolar RF vs bipolar RF and break down the skin tightening and fat reduction abilities of each. Plus, we’ll tell you how you can get the proprietary RF protocols we’ve developed and still use in our medspa.
But before you continue…
Why you can rely on this
- We are Kay (an RN/Attorney) and Shannon (an Esthetician). We’ve owned and operated Texas medical spas since 2006.
- We started sharing our knowledge with others in 2018 as faculty of the Body Contouring Academy.
- We also host a podcast, have written books and blog regularly.
- And pertinent to this article, we’ve utilized many different RF devices in our medspas for close to twenty years..
Let’s start by laying the foundation with a review of some radiofrequency basics.
Monopolar RF vs Bipolar RF
What is Monopolar RF?
In Monopolar Rf, the RF positive and negative electrode placement is located far apart from each other
- With monopolar RF, the positive and negative electrodes are located far away from each other.
- One electrode is located in the handpiece and the other electrode is located in a ‘grounding pad or plate’ positioned under (or on the other side of) the patient’s body.
Deep RF penetration with Monopolar RF
- Because the positive and negative electrode poles are positioned on either side of a patient’s body (usually front and back), the radiofrequency electrical currents travel through and affect all layers - epidermis, dermis, subdermis and subcutaneous tissue (including the subcutaneous fat cells).
Monopolar RF is the choice for fat reduction and severe skin laxity
- What differentiates monopolar RF from bipolar RF is its deep tissue penetration of monopolar RF, resulting in powerful collagen regeneration and fat cell destruction.
- The dual action of monopolar RF firms the skin while simultaneously reducing fat and sculpting the body.
Monopolar RF vs Bipolar RF
Radiofrequency Fundamentals
- Radiofrequency technology delivers radiofrequency energy to the surface of the skin via a handheld applicator.
- The RF applicator emits the radiofrequency energy directly to the skin which is converted to heat energy in the targeted tissue.
- This ‘controlled heating’ sparks skin tightening, and in some RF machines, fat reduction.
Skin Tightening: When collagen cells and elastin cells are heated, the body reacts by producing new collagen and elastin, resulting in improved tone, smoothness, strength and elasticity in the treated area.
Fat Reduction: When fat cells are heated (to a high enough temperature), apoptosis is initiated resulting in destruction of fat cells and a reduced circumference in the treated area.
RF electrode configuration: Radiofrequency machines differ by the configuration of electrodes in the applicators. It’s these electrode variations that classify the machine as monopolar RF vs bipolar RF.
Monopolar RF in a nutshell:
Monopolar RF vs Monopolar RF
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Deep tissue penetration
- Collagen remodeling
- Effective treatment for fat reduction
Cons
- Treatments are limited to large areas
- Potentially high level of discomfort
- Requires a specific heating
- Monopolar RF machines are generally more expensive
Now to bipolar RF…
Monopolar RF vs Bipolar RF
What is Bipolar RF?
In Bipolar RF, the RF positive and negative electrodes are positioned very closely to each other
- With bipolar RF, the positive and negative electrodes are positioned closely, both of them are located in the handheld RF applicator.
- This means the RF current only flows between the two electrodes in the handpiece and does not penetrate further into the body.
Superficial RF penetration with Bipolar RF giving it the safety edge
- Though the penetration is superficial, bipolar RF can produce collagen and elastin regeneration at an epidermal and dermal level.
- Bipolar RF does not penetrate deeper into tissue to affect the subcutaneous fat.
- But because of its superficial nature, bipolar RF is a safer option for body contouring beginners.
- Caution is still needed when operating; however, as bipolar RF produces a strong heat sensation and localized redness, making instruction and certification in RF treatment technique critical to both safety and best results.
Interested in learning how to perform Bipolar RF treatments to get best results and practice safely?
Get the details of the instruction in our bipolar RF course!
Bipolar RF in a nutshell:
Monopolar RF vs Bipolar RF Bipolar RF
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Treatments are usually pain free
- Ideal for surface-level
- High degree of safety - more suitable for body contouring beginners
- Recommended over monopolar RF for sensitive areas such as inner thighs and upper arms
- Less expensive, more affordable machines
Cons
- Limited to superficial tightening
- No fat reduction due to superficial RF penetration
Our secret to reducing fat using Bipolar RF
While bipolar RF cannot affect fat cells on its own, combining the skin tightening power of bipolar RF with the fat blasting power of ultrasound fat cavitation (using our proprietary protocol) delivers truly transformative body sculpting results.
You can get our combination cavitation/radiofrequency protocol in our RF certification course!
Conclusion
- In deciding between monopolar RF vs bipolar RF, the right choice depends on your client’s needs and your treatment goals.
- Monopolar RF is the go-to for deep tissue effects, offering powerful fat reduction and significant skin tightening for larger areas, but it’s a more risky treatment and the machines are pricey,
- On the other hand, bipolar RF is ideal for precise, surface-level skin tightening and addressing sensitive areas, making it a safer option for beginners…plus the machines are more affordable.
- With the right training and protocols, such as those offered in our Body Contouring Academy certification courses, you can decide on which machine to use based on the unique benefits of each RF type to achieve outstanding body sculpting results.