WHAT IS AMFLI TECHNOLOGY?
ThermaLipo™ and ThermaClinic™ RF systems are powered by unique AMFLI technology. Developed by Dr. Manuel Mayo, ThermaMedics's VP of R&D, AMFLI technology incorporates patented designs which effectively overcome the limitations of previously available RF systems.
ThermaLipo™ and ThermaClinic™, uses Automatic Multi- Frequency and Low Impedance ( AMFLI ) technology. Different RF frequencies reach different tissue depths thus eliminating the need to combine them with other technologies. The successful clinical outcomes are related to AMFLI 's ability to rapidly deliver much higher energy, which quickly raises the temperature of the hypodermis and dermis without causing pain and without need for epidermal cooling.
High frequencies have more superficial penetration in tissue, while low frequencies penetrate deeper. The ThermaLipo ™ frequencies of 0.6 MHz to 2.4 MHz and the ThermaClinic™ frequencies of 0.9 MHz to 5.4MHz, are sufficiently high to avoid muscle stimulation, yet low enough to reach the optimal depth required to act on localised fat accumulation in the hypodermis associated with cellulite.
The bi-polar applicator (hand-piece) prevents the dispersion of radiofrequency energy, keeping it concentrated on the treatment zone. The applicator generates high current without causing pain which is another AMFLI technology advantage. In a single treatment session the ThermaLipo™ operator can treat cellulite, localized fat, or lax and redundant skin pertaining to the same area, thanks to the unique capabilities of this device.
Through the applicator bi-polar electrodes, ThermaLipo and ThermaClinic measures skin impedance and automatically adjusts for optimal RF frequency. Dominant frequencies of the AMFLI technology are from 0.9 MHz to 5.6 MHz.
The system processor collects information on skin impedance through the hand-piece bi-polar electrodes and automatically adjusts for optimal RF frequency.
When starting the application the electrodes detect high impedance of the targeted skin and Thermalipo ™ emphasizes a lower frequency. This RF energy affects deeper tissue layers up until hyperemia begins. Impedance then reduces and consequently ThermaLipo ™ emphasizes higher frequencies which heat the superior part of the dermis that houses nociceptors. When nociceptors detect the sensation of intense heat it is the time to stop the application. We thus reach the optimal point on the hormetic curve (fig. 1).
Fig.I. The hormetic curve: low dose stimulation versus high dose inhibition response
ThermaLipo's circuitry with its very low output impedance enables the application of radiofrequency energy free of a continuous current component thus alleviating pain generated by ionic accumulation under the electrodes.
Extremely low output impedance, together with automatic control of frequency, enables the Thermalipo ™ to quickly treat cellulite and lax skin without need for skin cooling or anaesthesia.
In addition to its positive effect on lax skin and cellulite, THERMALIPO ™ improves the quality of skin since its application signal is based on the thermaClinic ™, a previously proven product for the treatment of facial wrinkles and skin tightening. ThermaLipo ™ is more powerful (200 Watts) in order to achieve effects at the level required for these types of treatments.
ThermaLipo™ is notable for its simple and user-friendly operation, with only one selector to choose a treatment program based on the protocol required. All other parameters are automatically processed and set by the system. ThermaLipo's power is a fixed parameter which remains unchanged for all program settings.
THREE TREATMENTS PROGRAMS CAN BE SELECTED:
Each program determines the time interval, or pause, (in milliseconds) between RF energy pulses delivered to the treatment site. This pause, which is related to the skin’s thermal relaxation time, controls the cooling of the skin between each pulse.
ThermaClinic state of the art AMFLI technology incorporates novel, patented designs that make it unique with respect to all other radiofrequency (RF) systems currently on the market.
AMFLI circuitry delivers different RF frequencies capable of reaching different tissue depths with higher energy. Consequently, quickly raising the temperature of the hypodermis and dermis without pain and with no need for epidermal cooling.
High frequencies penetrate tissue more superficially, while low frequencies penetrate deeper. ThermaClinic™ frequencies from 0.9 to 5.4 MHz or ThermaLipo from 0.9 to 2.4 MHz are sufficiently high to avoid muscle stimulation, yet low enough to reach the optimal depths required to act on localised fat accumulation and induce fibroblasts to produce new collagen.
Bi-polar applicator prevents the dispersion of radiofrequency energy, keeping it concentrated on the treatment zone. The applicator generates high current without causing pain which is another AMFLI technology advantage. In a single treatment session the operator can simultaneously treat skin laxity, structure, pore size and fine lines, due to the unique capabilities of the device.
The ThermaClinic’s applicator/hand-piece
Through the applicator bi-polar electrodes, ThermaClinic measures skin impedance and automatically adjusts for optimal RF frequency. Dominant frequencies of the AMFLI technology are from 0.9 MHz to 5.6 MHz.
When starting an application the electrodes detect high impedance of the targeted skin and the system emphasizes a lower frequency. This RF energy affects deeper tissue layers until hyperemia begins. Impedance then reduces, due to the increase of tissue temperature, and consequently the system emphasizes higher frequencies which heat the upper part of the dermis that houses nociceptors. When nociceptors detect the sensation of intense heat it is time to stop the application. We thus reach the optimal point on the hormetic curve (fig. 1).
Fig.I. The hormetic curve: low dose stimulation versus high dose inhibition response
ThermaClinic circuitry, with their very low output impedance enables the application of radiofrequency energy free of a continuous current component thus alleviating pain generated by ionic accumulation under the electrodes.
In addition to its positive effect on lax skin and superficial wrinkles, ThermaClinic™ improves the quality of the skin
ThermaClinic™ is notable for its simple and friendly use with only one selector to choose a treatment program based on the protocol required. All other parameters are automatically processed and set by the system.
SIX TREATMENTS PROGRAMS CAN BE SELECTED.
Each program determines the time interval, or pause, (in milliseconds) between RF energy pulses delivered to the treatment site. This pause, which is related to the skin’s thermal relaxation time, controls the cooling of the skin between each pulse.
From programs 1 to 6
Programs differ in energy, pulse duration and pulse interval in a way that a higher program will heat tissue more rapidly than a lower program. A low program will require more time to heat up the tissue.
Tissue resistance to the passage of radiofrequency energy triggers an increase in tissue temperature. As a result, an increase in blood flow occurs. The net effect is an increase in oxygen contribution and in carbon dioxide and toxin uptake.
Effects on homeostasis
Local hyperthermia reduces the viscosity of organic liquids and colloids that facilitate ion exchange.
In tissue, the response to heat is vasodilation, opening up of capillaries, increased filtration, improved tissue tropism, increased reabsorption of excessive intercellular fluids and an increase in local circulation.
Action on LAX SKIN (flaccidity)
Controlled heating of the dermis produces a local inflammatory reaction. A triggered cascade of reactions favours the migration of fibroblasts towards this affected area. These fibroblasts synthesise new collagen that will restructure and tighten the tissues.
Action on SUPERFICIAL WRINKLES
These newly formed fibres reduce the depth of superficial wrinkles as well as the size of pores and results in a lifting effect.
Action on SKIN QUALITY Improvement
Local heating of the skin by means of ThermaClinic or ThermaLipo bipolar radiofrequency application produces vasodilatation and hyperaemia of tissues leading to improved oxygenation and reduction in CO2 levels. In addition, ion exchange, metabolic reactions and homeostasis are improved.
Radiofrequency alters and reduces the viscosity of liquids thus improving the drainage and elimination of toxins. It therefore causes immediate retraction of the skin’s elastic fibres resulting in more luminous, moisturised and tighter skin for the short and longer-term effect. This effect is not restricted to the treated area solely but also affects the surrounding tissue.
Action mechanism on Cellulite
Action mechanism on localised fat
