**7. RF waveform**

The RF energy can be delivered in continuous wave (CW) mode, burst mode and pulsed mode (**Figure 10**).

**Figure 10.** *Typical RF waveforms.*

*The Basic Science of Radiofrequency-Based Devices DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.96652*

For gradual treatment of large areas, the CW mode is most useful, allowing for the slow increase in temperature in large tissue volume. It is used for treatment of cellulite, subcutaneous fat and skin tightening. CW mode typically delivered in device intended for moving over the treatment area.

The burst mode delivers RF energy with repetitive pulses of RF energy. It is used in applications where peak power is important while average power should be limited. Such an example would be blood coagulation. Also, it is used in hands free devices where energy is added by small portions maintaining the required temperature.

Pulsed mode is optimal when small tissue volume should be affected without heat spreading to the surrounding tissue. Pulsed mode is used in micro-needling devices.
