Microneedle fractional radiofrequency treatment of facial photoageing as assessed in a split‐face model

Abstract

Summary Background A new therapeutic device passes radiofrequency energy through microneedles to targeted tissue. Three‐dimensional photography may be useful for evaluating the clinical efficacy of microneedle fractional radiofrequency (MFR) used on the appearance of rhytids and to improve facial laxity. Aim To evaluate the efficacy and safety of MFR in the treatment of facial photoageing. Methods In total, participants with facial photoageing were enrolled in the study. All volunteers were randomized to receive split‐face treatments with MFR 2 months apart. The participants self‐evaluated at baseline, Days 1–7, and Months 1 and 3 after the final treatment. Objective evaluation was provided by a three‐dimensional in vivo imaging system. In addition, skin melanin index, erythema index, immediate reactions, healing times and other adverse effects were evaluated. Results Compared with the untreated side, the treated side of most participants improved, based on clinical assessments at the 1‐ and 3‐month follow‐up visits after treatment. Both objective and participative assessments were satisfactory. The participants demonstrated a decrease of roughness parameter (Sa) value at each follow‐up visit. Compared with pretreatment value, Sa decreased significantly at Months 1 and 3 on the treated side (P < 0.05). Minimal and reversible adverse effects and rapid healing were recorded. Conclusions MFR appears to be an excellent treatment for photodamaged facial skin in Chinese patients.

Radiofrequency Microneedling: A Comprehensive and Critical Review

“…Five studies [8][9][10][11][12] involving 223 participants with facial rhytides, skin laxity, and textural roughness reported a 20% to 62% mean improvement after 1 to 3 sessions of RFMN. The earliest and greatest clinical improvements were observed at 1 month and 3 months, respectively, with the skin rejuvenating effects of RFMN remaining clinically visible at 7 months.…”

“…The earliest and greatest clinical improvements were observed at 1 month and 3 months, respectively, with the skin rejuvenating effects of RFMN remaining clinically visible at 7 months. 11 A separate study 13 involving 15 participants found that the addition of human embryonic stem cell derivatives to RFMN could result in further, modest improvements in skin roughness and increased thickness.…”

Extending the “Reach” of the Short-Scar Facelift with Energy Devices—An Early Report

“…These technologies include a variety of ultrasonic devices and RF devices. [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15] In this author's clinical practice several categories of devices are available, so in many instances a skin tightening device and a resurfacing device may be used at the time of a facelift. It has been found that both transcutaneous RF microneedling devices and percutaneous RF devices are helpful.…”

Microneedling versus microcoring: A review of percutaneous collagen induction for the face and neck

“…[6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19] Twelve out of 14 studies investigated MN with or without RF. [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19] Two investigated MCT (Table 1). 6,7 3.2 | Microneedling protocol…”

“…12,14 Most studies used two passes. [9][10][11]14,16 Zhang et al performed a first pass with unipolar RF, and second pass with bipolar RF. 9…”