Radio frequency (RF) devices are a major category of commercial beauty devices, offering a wide range of benefits. When choosing a device, you’ve likely encountered monopolar, bipolar, and multipolar RF technologies. Today, we’ll introduce these RF technologies and differentiate their characteristics to help you make a better choice.
What’s radio frequency?
Radio frequency wave that can penetrate the barrier of melanophore on top of the epidermal layer, it can warm up collagen fiber in corium layer to a temperature of 55-65 ℃, so it will contract. Then the loose skin will be lifted and tighten, while at the same time, the corium layer is heated up and the growth of collagen will be stimulated, and the elastics of skin will be recovered to achieve the long term effect of eliminating wrinkle.
Monopolar RF vs Bipolar VS Multipolar RF
| Feature | Monopolar Radio Frequency (RF) | Bipolar Radio Frequency (RF) | Multipolar Radio Frequency (RF) |
| Electrode Structure | One handpiece electrode + one externalreturn electrode (e.g., body pad). | Two electrodes on the same handpiece, witha fixed distance between them. | Three or more electrodes on the samehandpiece (e.g., in triangular or matrixarrangements). |
| Working Principle | Current flows from the handpiece deep intothe dermis/subcutaneous tissue to find theexternal return electrode, completing thecircuit. | Current flows only between the two fixedelectrodes within the tissue, forming aclosed, localized circuit. | Multiple pairs of electrodes worksynergistically using phase-controlledtechnology.Currents converge andsuperimpose at multiple points, directionsand depths subdermally. |
| Treatment Depth | Deepest: Typically reaches 3.0mm -4.0mm+, effectively targeting the deepdermis, subcutaneous fat layer, and eventhe SMAS fascia layer. | Most shallow and fixed: Depth isapproximately half the distance between thetwo electrodes.Commercial devices areusually designed for 1.0mm -4.0mm,primarily focusing on the superficial to mid-dermis. | Flexible and adjustable: Through technicalcontrol, it can achieve selective focal heatingat superficial dermis (<2mm), mid-dermis(~3mm), and deep dermis (>4mm). |
| Energy Profile | High energy, volumetric heating, strongpenetration. | Concentrated,localized energy, high safetyprofile. | Moderate energy per point, but generateshigh-efficiency thermal effect in focal areasthrough “hot spot” superposition. |
| Treatment Sensation | Comfortable Intense deep heat feeling. | Mild, uniform warmth, sensation is moresuperficial, high comfort level. | Uniform and deep warmth, generally morecomfortable than monopolar, with lower riskof epidermal overheating. |
| Key Advantages & Primary Uses | Deep lifting and contouring. Targetsmoderate to severe skin laxity, facialcontour sagging, body tightening post-liposuction, and fat reduction/bodysculpting. | Precise superficial rejuvenation. ldeal forimproving fine lines, skin texture, mildtightening, and delicate area treatments(e.g., around eyes, neck). | Intelligent, layered rejuvenation. Can treatmultiple depths in a single session,addressing both skin quality improvementand lifting/tightening. Offerscomprehensive,efficient treatment withexcellent patient experience. |
| Representative Technologies | Thermage (Thermal RF): lts classic tip depthcan reach 4.3mm. | Traditional bipolar RF probes, common inmulti-function aesthetic devices. | Tripollar (3-phase RF), EndyMed Pro(3DEEP Multi-Source Phase-Controlled RF),Accent Prime (combines mono & bipolarmodes), etc. |
The characteristics of the Monopolar VS Bipolar VS Multipolar RF
1. The “Depth” of Monopolar Radiofrequency (RF)
Its depth advantage stems from its physical principles. The current needs to travel from the injured tissue at the treatment head to the electrode that may be attached to the body’s electrical circuit. This path inevitably passes through severely damaged tissue.
This depth also has significance: Collagen contracts instantly at 55°C-65°C, initiating a wound healing response and continuing to regenerate over the next 2-6 months. Monopolar RF can directly heat the SMAS layer—the “skeleton” supporting soft tissue—and its contraction delivers an immediate and significant lifting effect. Simultaneously, the thermal effect on the fat layer promotes lifting and tightening.
The “Shallow” and “Fixed” Depth of Bipolar Radiofrequency:
Its depth is locked by the physical structure. According to electromagnetic field theory, the effective depth of the electric field generated between two parallel electrodes is approximately half the distance between the electrodes. If the center-to-center distance between the two electrodes is 8mm, the main effective depth is approximately 4mm. Commercial instruments use probes with different spacings to adapt to different areas (e.g., smaller spacing for probes around the eyes).
Depth Significance: Focuses on the papillary and upper reticular layers of the dermis, key areas for wrinkle formation and skin elasticity. It can effectively stimulate superficial collagen regeneration, improving fine lines and skin texture, but the lifting effect is limited because it cannot effectively heat the supporting structure.
The “Intelligence” and “Controllability” of Multi-Pole Radio Frequency (RF):
This is the essence of its technology. Through multi-source phased-array RF technology, the system can precisely control the phase difference of the emitted current from each pair of electrodes.
In-phase: The currents are in the same direction, and the energy is mainly superimposed in the shallow layers, used for uniform heating of the epidermis and superficial dermis.
Out-of-phase (anti-phase): The currents are in opposite directions or have a specific phase difference, attracting and converging at a preset deep focal point, generating strong heat superposition (hot spots), thus achieving precise deep heating without increasing the heat on the epidermis.
Significance of depth: Achieving layered treatment. In a single treatment, the skin texture can be improved by evenly heating the superficial layers first, and then the energy can be focused on the deeper layers (such as 3.5mm or 4.0mm) to stimulate collagen contraction and regeneration, achieving a lifting effect similar to that of a single layer, but the process is more comfortable and safer.
Monopolar rf device for your review
Biopolar rf device for your review
Multipolar rf device for your review
After reading this article, do you have a better understanding of monopolar RF, bipolar RF, and multipolar RF? If you have any further questions or concerns about choosing monopolar RF, bipolar RF, or multipolar RF instruments, please contact us odi laser.