Plasma radiofrequency ablation for treatment of benign skin lesions: Clinical and reflectance confocal microscopy outcomes

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.

Sublimation of Benign Conjunctival Nevi Using Plasma-Assisted Noninvasive Surgery: A Clinical Case Series

Background

Conjunctival nevi (CN) are common benign ocular tumors. Given their low risk of malignancy, surgical removal of nevi is primarily requested by patients. Herein, we introduce Atmospheric Low-temperature Plasma (ALTP) as a novel noninvasive method for the removal of CN.

Methods

A clinical case series was conducted from 2020 to 2021 at the Vision Health Ophthalmic Center in Tehran, Iran. CN in one of the eyes of seven patients was treated. In all patients, the benignity of CN was confirmed by ocular oncologists. The white handpiece of the Plexr device, which generates plasma with the lowest output, was used to apply plasma spots on the nevi. In addition, the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire was completed by all patients before and six months after the treatment.

Results

In all patients, the nevi outside the limbus area completely disappeared. The mean size of pre- and post-operative nevi was 3.89×11.7 and 0.54×1.69 mm, respectively. Results of the OSDI questionnaire showed significantly lower scores after the surgery in all patients.

Conclusion

The ALTP method is a simple, cost-effective, and office-based surgery to remove CN safely and effectively.

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.