Long‐wave plasma radiofrequency ablation for treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum

Treatment of Atrophic Acne Scarring with Fractional Microplasma Radiofrequency: A Multicentric Experience

Background

Atrophic scarring is a severe form-disfiguring sequela of acne, which can lead to negative effect on patients' life. Fractional microplasma radiofrequency (RF) has emerged as a promising modality, leveraging dermal fibroblast remodeling to enhance aesthetic results for scars and hyperpigmentation. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of high-power fractional microplasma RF for atrophic acne scars, considering patient tolerance to procedural discomfort.

Methods

In this prospective study, 95 Chinese patients with atrophic facial acne scars underwent three sessions of fractional microplasma RF treatment, with assessments at 1, 3, and 6 months post-treatment. Patients were categorized based on treatment power: Group A (50-70 W) and Group B (70-85 W). Efficacy was determined by three independent dermatologists using digital photographs and Echelle d'Evaluation Clinique des Cicatrices d'Acné (ECCA) scores, and patient-reported outcomes gauged satisfaction levels.

Results

Eighty-six patients completed the study. Significant improvements were observed, with a reduction in ECCA scores from 107.21 to 42.27 (P<0.05), demonstrating notable scar amelioration across both groups, albeit with a superior outcome in Group B. All patients experienced transient side effects such as pain, erythema, and edema, deemed tolerable with no long-term adverse effects reported. The treatment was well-received, with high satisfaction rates, underscoring its efficacy and acceptable safety profile.

Conclusion

Fractional microplasma RF therapy, particularly at higher power settings, is an effective and safe option for treating atrophic acne scars, offering significant aesthetic improvement with manageable discomfort. This modality presents a valuable addition to acne scar management strategies, especially for patients with darker skin tones seeking minimal downtime and reduced risk of hyperpigmentation.

Development and characterization of a spark plasma device designed for medical and aesthetic applications

Cold atmospheric plasma devices have shown high potential to be useful for different medical applications. In this study, it has been tried to develop and characterize a cold atmospheric spark plasma device that can be used safely as a tool for medical and aesthetic applications. The schematic of the device is presented in the paper, and the signals of each block are also tested. A special handpiece for this device is designed to make the device as safe as possible. The device's properties that can impose a risk to users' health have been under consideration. The device's electrical properties have been tested, and results show that the electrical current of the device is below the safety thresholds and can be used safely. The radiation power of the device also has been tested. It is shown that the time needed for the radiation power to reach the danger threshold is much longer than the treatment time. The device will not impose any risk regarding radiation from the UV spectrum. Optical emission spectroscopy is also used to investigate the neutral and charged species that are the by-products of electrical discharge. The presence of NOx and OH locally in the discharge can be helpful for various medical applications. This paper presents one of the first studies conducted to investigate the engineering aspect and the immunometry of the spark plasma that can be used in medicine and other purposes.

Examining treatment strategies for xanthelasma palpebrarum: a comprehensive literature review of contemporary modalities

Xanthelasma palpebrarum (XP) is the predominant form of cutaneous xanthoma, as it accounts for greater than 95% of cases. It is characterized by the presence of foam cell clusters containing a large amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which are located in the connective tissue of skin, tendons, and fascia. XP lesions commonly present as distinctive yellow-orange macules, papules, or nodules, and are primarily on the upper eyelids as well as the inner canthus. Women are affected twice as often as men, with lesions typically emerging between the ages of 35 and 55. The pathophysiology of XP involves abnormal lipid metabolism and is often associated with hyperlipidemic states like Type II and IV hyperlipidemia, hypothyroidism, weight gain, and fatty diet. Despite the availability of various treatment methods, current XP management lacks standardization, particularly due to limited comparative research. To address this gap, we conducted an extensive literature review of 45 studies published between 2012 to 2023, which provides an updated overview of current XP treatment modalities. This comprehensive analysis will inform researchers and clinicians on the evolving landscape of XP management.

Lower Eyelid Ectropion Secondary to Over-the-Counter Treatment of Xanthelasma

Xanthelasmas are localized accumulations of lipids, mainly cholesterol, that can occur in the epidermis, dermis, and muscle of the eyelids. They are the most common cutaneous presentation of xanthoma and occur most commonly on the upper eyelid near the inner canthus. Despite their benign presence, xanthelasmas can be cosmetically concerning. With this in mind, several treatment modalities have been described to eliminate the appearance. We report the first case to describe a cicatricial ectropion from the topical treatment, "Glycolic acid, Lactic acid, Mandelic acid, Salicylic acid, Resorcinol, Jessners peel" (XanthelR, 483 Green Lanes, London, N13 4BS).

Plasma Radiofrequency Ablation for Scar Treatment

Scars are a common disfiguring sequela of various events such as acne, hidradenitis suppurativa, surgery, trauma, and burns, which can lead to serious psychosocial problems with a negative effect on the quality of life. Many conventional approaches have been proposed for the treatment of scars, including surgical techniques, dermabrasion, chemical peels, topical silicone gel, 5-fluorouracile and dermal fillers injection or autologous fat transfer for atrophic scars, and corticosteroids injection for hypertrophic and keloid scars; however, they have sporadic effects. Ablative lasers, such as carbon dioxide laser or Erbium Yag laser, are associated with many collateral effects limiting their application. Non-ablative laser treatments have been shown to be safer and to have fewer side effects, but they have a reduction of clinical efficacy compared to ablative lasers and a minimal improvement of scars. The demand for minimal invasive and safe technology for the treatment of a scars has stimulated the search for more effective novel therapy with fewer collateral effects. Plasma radiofrequency ablation is a new technique consisting of the generation of plasma energy through the production of ionized energy, which thermally heats tissue in a uniform and controlled manner, through a plasma radiofrequency device, inducing a sublimation of the tissue. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of P-RF ablation in the treatment of scars performed with D.A.S. Medical device (Technolux, Italia), which is a tool working with the long-wave plasma radiofrequency principle.

Facial skin esthetic treatments with plasma radiofrequency ablation

BACKGROUND

The field of esthetic dermatology continues to evolve rapidly, and esthetic procedures for facial skin play a key role in it. During recent years, patients have been demanding more non-invasive and safe technology characterized by satisfactory results and minimal downtime as compared to traditional surgical procedures. In the panorama of facial skin treatments, many options have different indications and limitations.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to report the effectiveness of plasma radiofrequency (PRF) ablation in facial skin esthetic treatments, performed with D.A.S. Medical device (Technolux, Italia).

METHODS

Once the dermatologist has diagnosed the unsightly facial skin disorder and ascertained that PRF ablation could be an appropriate approach, contraindications to treatment must be excluded. After the patient has signed the informed consent for treatment, it will be possible to proceed with the PRF ablation sessions. According to the esthetic disorder and the area of the face to be treated, PRF ablation is performed at energy and frequency values chosen depending on the case.

RESULTS

Treatments are generally well tolerated by patients, and excellent esthetic results and no side effects are observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Even today, plasma radiofrequency ablation is perhaps one of the most versatile minimal invasive techniques, regarding both for variety of indications as well as effectiveness and fast downtime. Its applications are many, ranging from the removal of unsightly skin lesions, to the correction of scars, treatment of blepharochalasis, periocular, and perioral wrinkles, active acne, that distort the homogeneity and the youthful appearance of the face. PRF ablation has shown to be an effective option demonstrating its value in this field.

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty using plasma exeresis: Evaluation of outcomes, satisfaction, and symptoms after procedure

BACKGROUND

Facial care treatments have grown a remarkable demand for effective and minimally invasive techniques with fast recovery time. Plasma technology is a nonsurgical alternative technique for skin rejuvenation.

AIMS

We assessed patient satisfaction and symptoms after upper eyelid blepharoplasty with plasma technology.

PATIENTS/METHODS

Observational study including 16 patients submitted to upper eyelid blepharoplasty using plasma technology to treat dermatochalasis. Patient satisfaction, symptoms, and quality of life were assessed using 2 questionnaires at follow-up days 7 and 30. Also, the answers were correlated with age, Fitzpatrick skin type, and quantity of eyelid skin treated with plasma.

RESULTS

All 16 patients were treated and completed the survey. Fourteen (87.5%) were female, and the mean age was 50.5 years. Physical appearance was the most relevant factor impacting on quality of life at first week postoperative. Regarding satisfaction with results, most patients stated higher level of satisfaction at day 7 follow-up analysis (P = .038). Less impact on quality of life and higher satisfaction was associated with eyelid-treated area (P = .044 and P = .036) and Fitzpatrick skin type (P = .043) at 7 and 30 days after procedure, respectively. Eyelid edema and itching were the symptoms most reported at 7 and 30 days, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Upper blepharoplasty with plasma is a minimally invasive treatment with low impact on quality of life. However, overall patient satisfaction is questionable when considering less willing of undergoing procedure again and decreased expectation with results over postoperative period. Symptoms are reported mainly at the first week after procedure.

Hyperpigmentation after nonsurgical blepharoplasty using plasma technology

Nitrogen plasma is considered nowadays one of the efficient treatment options for nonsurgical blepharoplasty. Although it is an overall safe treatment, it has some side effects. This short paper addresses the risk of hyperpigmentation following the use of plasma and list few suggestions on how to prevent it.