A rare complication of radiofrequency treatment for cellulite of the lower leg

Radiofrequency (RF) is increasingly used as an aesthetic treatment for a variety of purposes ranging from the treatment of acne scarring, cellulite correction and skin and soft tissue rejuvenation. The majority of patients experience no complications, and the treatment is therefore also frequently administered by non-medically trained staff. We present a patient, who developed severe 3rd degree burn after RF treatment requiring reconstructive surgery with a split thickness skin graft. (c) 2022 Centre hospitalier universitaire vaudois. Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons.

Automated summary

Radiofrequency (RF) is commonly used for aesthetic treatments, but it can lead to severe complications requiring reconstructive surgery.