The efficacy and safety of microneedle monopolar radiofrequency for the treatment of periorbital wrinkles

Quantitative methods were developed to assess the interrelation between age and sunlight on the facial skin of healthy women living in the same sunny area. The women were grouped into the following categories: young versus old and low versus high solar exposure. The features evaluated were perceived age, amount of facial wrinkling, skin color, and skin elasticity. A punch biopsy specimen of cheek skin was obtained and prepared histologically for evaluation of solar elastosis. The histologic examination was complemented by quantification of collagen and elastin by computer-assessed image analysis. Perceived age was estimated by untrained women viewing high quality photographs. As expected, those with greater sun exposure looked older and had more wrinkles, more severe elastosis, increased elastin, and decreased collagen. Show more

Acne is a common condition seen in up to 80% of people between 11 and 30 years of age and in up to 5% of older adults. In some patients, it can result in permanent scars that are surprisingly difficult to treat. A relatively new treatment, termed skin needling (needle dermabrasion), seems to be appropriate for the treatment of rolling scars in acne. To confirm the usefulness of skin needling in acne scarring treatment. The present study was conducted from September 2007 to March 2008 at the Department of Systemic Pathology, University of Naples Federico II and the UOC Dermatology Unit, University of Rome La Sapienza. In total, 32 patients (20 female, 12 male patients; age range 17-45) with acne rolling scars were enrolled. Each patient was treated with a specific tool in two sessions. Using digital cameras, photos of all patients were taken to evaluate scar depth and, in five patients, silicone rubber was used to make a microrelief impression of the scars. The photographic data were analysed by using the sign test statistic (alpha < 0.05) and the data from the cutaneous casts were analysed by fast Fourier transformation (FFT). Analysis of the patient photographs, supported by the sign test and of the degree of irregularity of the surface microrelief, supported by FFT, showed that, after only two sessions, the severity grade of rolling scars in all patients was greatly reduced and there was an overall aesthetic improvement. No patient showed any visible signs of the procedure or hyperpigmentation. The present study confirms that skin needling has an immediate effect in improving acne rolling scars and has advantages over other procedures. Show more

This 6-month study evaluated the efficacy and safety of treatment with a nonablative radiofrequency (RF) device. Eighty-six subjects received a single treatment with the ThermaCool TC System (Thermage, Inc., Hayward, CA) and were evaluated for 6 months after treatment. Independent scoring of blinded photographs resulted in Fitzpatrick wrinkle score improvements of at least 1 point in 83.2% (99/119) of treated periorbital areas. Treating physicians, without reference to pre-treatment photographs, noted improvements in 28.9% (48/166) of treatment areas. Fifty percent (41/82) of subjects reported being satisfied or very satisfied with periorbital wrinkle reductions. Objective photographic analysis showed that 61.5% (40/65) of eyebrows were lifted by at least 0.5 mm. Rates and duration of edema/erythema were very low (e.g., vs. ablative procedures). Overall 2nd-degree burn incidence was 0.36% (21 per 5,858 RF applications). Three patients had small areas of residual scarring at 6 months. A single treatment with this RF tissue tightening (RFTT) device produces objective and subjective reductions in periorbital wrinkles, measurable changes in brow position, and acceptable epidermal safety. These changes were indicative of a thermally induced early tissue-tightening effect followed by additional tightening over a time course consistent with a thermal wound healing response. Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Show more