
Monopolar RF heats tissue in the treated area rather deeply (usually up to 20 mm) and thus affects both
the skin and subcutaneous fat. Bipolar RF heats tissue in the treated area less deeply (usually up to 2-
4 mm) and thus primarily affects the skin. The patterns of energy distribution also differ. Whether
simultaneous treatment with both types of RF is additive, synergistic or otherwise in not entirely clear
and needs further research. The manufacturers of monopolar+bipolar devices believe that such
combination is synergistic and allows to reduce the required intensity of each and thus minimize side
effects and possibly increase effectiveness.
While Multipolar combines the electrodes for the monopolar and bipolar RF application in the same hand
piece. It also utilizes sophisticated control algorithms for optimizing the concurrent application of the two
types of RF as well as tailoring the output to a particular patient and treatment goal.