Radiofrequency in Clinical Dermatology

Radiofrequency Treatment Attenuates Age-Related Changes in Dermal-Epidermal Junctions of Animal Skin

The dermal-epidermal junction (DEJ) is essential for maintaining skin structural integrity and regulating cell survival and proliferation. Thus, DEJ rejuvenation is key for skin revitalization, particularly in age-related DEJ deterioration. Radiofrequency (RF) treatment, known for its ability to enhance collagen fiber production through thermal mechanisms and increase heat shock protein (HSP) expression, has emerged as a promising method for skin rejuvenation. Additionally, RF activates Piezo1, an ion channel implicated in macrophage polarization toward an M2 phenotype and enhanced TGF-β production. This study investigated the impact of RF treatment on HSP47 and HSP90 expression, known stimulators of DEJ protein expression. Furthermore, using in vitro and aged animal skin models, we assessed whether RF-induced Piezo1 activation and the subsequent M2 polarization could counter age-related DEJ changes. The RF treatment of H2O2-induced senescent keratinocytes upregulated the expression of HSP47, HSP90, TGF-β, and DEJ proteins, including collagen XVII. Similarly, the RF treatment of senescent macrophages increased Piezo1 and CD206 (M2 marker) expression. Conditioned media from RF-treated senescent macrophages enhanced the expression of TGF-β and DEJ proteins, such as nidogen and collagen IV, in senescent fibroblasts. In aged animal skin, RF treatment increased the expression of HSP47, HSP90, Piezo1, markers associated with M2 polarization, IL-10, and TGF-β. Additionally, RF treatment enhanced DEJ protein expression. Moreover, RF reduced lamina densa replication, disrupted lesions, promoted hemidesmosome formation, and increased epidermal thickness. Overall, RF treatment effectively enhanced DEJ protein expression and mitigated age-related DEJ structural changes by increasing HSP levels and activating Piezo1.

Evaluation of short-term face rejuvenation effects of non-ablative bipolar radiofrequency treatment performed by Med-RF© device

OBJECTIVE

Skin laxity and wrinkling are common signs of the aging process. This physiological condition of the skin is often accompanied by psychological and social concerns, especially for females, entailing considerable expenses for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals to cease or slow down its advancement. The objective of this study was to evaluate the short-term impact of a new non-ablative radiofrequency device available in the skin face cosmetic field.

METHODS

A randomized study was run on 62 healthy subjects with normal-age related-grade skin laxity, subdivided into two groups. Group 1 received one treatment with Modula RF device (Wavemed, San Cesareo RM, Italy) over the whole face surface. Group 2 received three monthly treatments.

RESULTS

Clinical improvements of the exposed areas were detected by measuring skin parameters, such as total water content, elasticity, and sebum levels at baseline and 1 h after the treatment. Data showed significant effects of Med-RF treatment on skin hydration (p < 0.001), skin elasticity (p < 0.0001), and sebum (p = 0.0009). Moreover, a negative linear correlation was obtained between women's age and hydration.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that radiofrequency significantly improves the subjective and objective judgment of patients and doctors, supported by the positive results obtained on the skin quality parameters evaluated. These results confirm that Med-RF technology represents an important tool to achieve face rejuvenation in the field of non-invasive procedures.

Efficacy and Safety of Using Noninsulated Microneedle Radiofrequency Alone versus in Combination with Polynucleotides for Treatment of Periorbital Wrinkles

Introduction

A few studies have evaluated the efficacy and safety of noninsulated radiofrequency microneedling (RFMN) to treat periorbital wrinkles in Asian patients. Recently, wound healing accelerators, polynucleotides (PNs), have received attention in wound management. However, their efficacy and safety have not been fully elucidated following RFNM. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of noninsulated RFMN for periorbital wrinkles and the synergistic effect of PNs after RFMN.

Methods

Thirty subjects with Fitzpatrick skin types III to V and facial wrinkles (Fitzpatrick grades I and II) were enrolled. All volunteers were treated over the entire face with noninsulated RFMN for three sessions at 2-week intervals. The left and right sides of each patient’s face were randomly assigned to receive PNs (treatment group) or normal saline solution (control group). The indentation and maximum depth of wrinkles were objectively measured using Antera 3D. Subjective self-evaluations were obtained at baseline, 2 weeks after the third treatment, and at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months after the final treatment. In addition, pain scores, immediate reactions, and other adverse effects were evaluated.

Results

Twenty-nine subjects completed the treatment protocol. Most presented with grade II wrinkling (69%). At 2-month follow-up, Antera 3D image analysis revealed faster improvement for the treatment group. At 6-month follow-up, the majority of subjects reported an improvement of 25–75% in their periorbital wrinkles. The average pain score was 2.2 out of 10. No serious adverse events (infection, pigmentary alteration, persistent erythema, or scarring) were observed.

Conclusions

Noninsulated RFMN is safe and effective for treating periorbital wrinkles and can be used as a modality for transdermal drug delivery. Topical polynucleotides as an adjunctive treatment provide additional benefits for periorbital wrinkle treatment.

Trial Registration Number

TCTR20201105007.

Subject satisfaction following treatment with nanofractional radiofrequency for the treatment and reduction of acne scarring and rhytids: A prospective study

Background

Skin‐related changes, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scarring, are a source of distress to both men and women. Nanofractional radiofrequency delivers thermal energy to skin layers leading to dermal remodeling that can address skin conditions related to aging. The objective of this study was to evaluate the subject satisfaction of nanofractional radiofrequency for the treatment of facial wrinkles and acne scarring in both lighter and darker skin tones.

Materials and methods

30 subjects (skin types II‐VI) were enrolled in this prospective, evaluator‐blind study. The average age of subjects was 51.9 ± 13.5 years. Subjects received three treatments at 3‐ to 5‐week intervals on both sides of the face using the 80‐ or the 160‐pin tip disposables. Follow‐up visits were conducted at 6‐ and 12 weeks after the last treatment. Subject satisfaction was evaluated using a self‐assessment of a reduction of wrinkles or acne scars, and subject satisfaction questionnaire. Pain, tolerability, and safety were monitored throughout.

Results

Subjects treated for acne or wrinkles were satisfied with their treatment at both the 6‐week and 12‐week follow‐up visit (mean score 3.0; range 0 = very unsatisfied to 4 = very satisfied). The treatments were well tolerated at all treatment sessions, averaging a score of 3.5 on the tolerability scale (0 = very intolerable to 4 = very tolerable) with treatment‐associated pain reported to be mild (3.2 out of 10). There were no adverse events or unanticipated side effects.

Conclusions

This clinical study demonstrates subjects are satisfied with nanofractional radiofrequency treatments for improvement of their wrinkles and acne scars.