Assessment of the safety and efficacy of a bipolar multi-frequency radiofrequency device in the treatment of skin laxity

Recent advances in the treatment of acne using radiofrequency techniques

Acne is a long-lasting inflammatory skin condition that impacts the sebaceous units of the hair follicles, affecting around 85-90% of the population. Due to the potential for permanent facial scarring and negative social consequences, as well as the limitations of conventional medications like drug resistance and difficulties following treatment plans, it's crucial to investigate non-pharmacological options for treating acne, among which radiofrequency(RF) shows distinct superiority. To assess the impact of RF in the management of acne vulgaris, we conducted a thorough examination of scientific literature (including clinical trials and scientific reviews) through electronic databases like MEDLINE and PubMed. Our analysis indicates that RF could be a viable substitute for acne treatment due to its notable effectiveness and minimal adverse effects.

Radiofrequency and Radiofrequency Microneedling in Skin of Color: A Review of Usage, Safety, and Efficacy

BACKGROUND

Radiofrequency (RF) and radiofrequency microneedling (RFM) for rhytides, scarring, and skin rejuvenation are believed to have a lower risk of postprocedural dyspigmentation in darker skin types.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the safety and efficacy of RF and RFM in Fitzpatrick skin Types III to VI.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A systematic review of PubMed/MEDLINE databases from 2000 to 2021 using combinations of the terms radiofrequency, microneedling, skin of color, and Fitzpatrick was performed. Exclusion criteria included non-Fitzpatrick skin Types III-VI patient population, nonprimary articles, nonskin radiofrequency, and nonhuman studies.

RESULTS

Thirty-five articles addressing the use of RF or RFM in skin of color were identified-22 for skin rejuvenation, 7 for acne scars, 4 for nonacne scars, 1 for hyperpigmentation, and 1 for acne treatment. Seven studies noted transient postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, 1 observed mild prolonged hyperpigmentation, and only 1 study reported permanent scarring.

CONCLUSION

Radiofrequency and RFM seem to have a low risk of scarring or hyperpigmentation in skin of color. This review demonstrates that these procedures have been successfully used primarily for rhytides, acne scarring, and skin rejuvenation. However, a large proportion of the studies lack strong quality evidence.

Evaluation of Skin Biophysical Parameters and Angiogenesis Using CD34 as a Biomarker in Older Diabetic Women Treated with Radiofrequency

Background

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (t2DM) has been steadily increasing. Patients with t2DM need to slow down the skin ageing processes and to obtain a rejuvenating effect. Treatments that do not damage the superficial layers of the epidermis could be a promising solution for those patients.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of radiofrequency therapy on the biophysical parameters and angiogenesis of facial skin, using CD34 as a biomarker in older diabetic women treated with metformin.

Patients and Methods

A total of 45 subjects with phototype 2 or 3 (Fitzpatrick scale) were investigated (25 t2DM – study group, 20 – healthy controls). A series of 6 treatments (once a week) with a Radio Frequency Skin Rejuvenation System device was used on facial skin. Measurements of skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), melanin and erythema index, temperature, and pH, at baseline and after radiofrequency therapy were performed with the Courage + Khazaka MPA-9 device. Immunohistochemistry on paraffin-embedded sections was used to evaluate the intensity of CD34 expression.

Results

Radiofrequency treatment significantly improved facial skin hydration (p < 0.0001). Enhancement of the epidermal barrier observed, by reduced TEWL as a result of a series of treatments with radiofrequency on the facial skin (p < 0.0001), was observed. CD34 was more abundantly expressed after radiofrequency treatment. No side effects were observed.

Conclusion

Treatment with radiofrequency is an effective and non-invasive method of facial skin rejuvenation in older women with t2DM, with a relatively short post-procedure recovery time and low potential for severe adverse effects.

Radiofrequency and skin rejuvenation: a systematic review

Increasingly, there is an attempt to minimize expression lines through esthetic procedures, and radiofrequency (RF) is one of the therapeutic modalities. This article aims to systematically review the literature on the different types of RF treatment in clinical trials and in variables related to the aging process. This systematic review included 21 articles that treated 354 people with different physical characteristics. The most used RF was the fractional followed by the non-ablative RF. There was a large discrepancy in relation to the types and parameters. A parameter that did not show so much divergence was the temperature, which was between 38°C and 44°C. The main temporary adverse reactions reported by the authors were as follows: discomfort, pain, erythema, hyperpigmentation, crusting, swelling, edema, and purple and acneic appearance of the skin. Finally, our study concluded that non-ablative and ablative RF was reported to rejuvenate and improve the features of skin in all skin types.

Evaluation of the evidence level for the use of radiofrequency in aesthetic treatments: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Radiofrequency (RF) is a non-invasive or minimally invasive procedure with a low risk of complications. It has been employed for several aesthetic purposes.

AIM

This study aimed to conduct a systematic literature review on the use of RF for aesthetic applications and assess the level of accumulated evidence for each condition.

METHODS

Using the MEDLINE/PubMed and EMBASE databases, we searched for articles published from 2009 to 2019 describing the use of RF treatment for aesthetic purposes.

RESULTS

Our search approach identified 25 randomized clinical trials investigating the efficacy of RF in the following clinical situations: body contour improvement, facial rejuvenation, acne scar treatment, alopecia, and rosacea. There were problems with the quality of the studies, especially regarding selection, performance, and detection bias.

CONCLUSION

Our study revealed that RF treatment is potentially promising in all of the evaluated clinical situations; however, we were not able to identify a level of evidence that justifies its use over other therapeutic options currently available on the market.