A Three-dimensional Simulation Based on Radiofrequency Electrothermal Coupling fields for Skin Rejuvenation*

Radiofrequency (RF) current is used as an effective non-ablative method for skin rejuvenation. However, mixed results have been reported using different home-use RF devices. In order to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of home-use RF devices, this study has provided a three-dimensional (3D) simulation procedure based on the electrothermal coupling model for home-use RF devices. Firstly, the tissue geometric model with the setting electrode shapes was established and then imported into the simulation software. Secondly, electrical and thermal boundary conditions with excitation voltages were loaded to the corresponding components. In addition, the items of 3D temperatures at all locations and key temperatures of the tissue were assessed. The results have shown the temperature distributions of four commercial RF products, respectively. This 3D RF electrothermal coupling simulation can be conducted quickly and effectively to obtain the temperature and electric distribution of the home-use RF devices at different using periods, which is also useful for the design of home-use RF devices.Clinical Relevance— This study provides a simple and effective simulation procedure for device developers to evaluate the home-use RF devices when designing products. This simulation is also helpful for customer decision-making and performance evaluation considering different devices.