33213 Nonsurgical facelift: Clinical and histologic evaluation of fractional radiofrequency treatment on fine lines and skin laxity

Abstract

Background: Fractional radiofrequency (FRF) microneedling technology has shown effectiveness in improving skin laxity and wrinkles. We report our nonsurgical face-lift experience using 5 pairs of electrically isolated 32-gauge microneedles. The device uses insulated needles which are inserted at a 25° angle to the skin surface. This allows selective thermal impact to the dermis while sparing the epidermis. Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a temperature controlled FRF microneedling device on fine lines and skin laxity. Methods: 15 patients with skin laxity and fine lines were treated with a single session of FRF with microneedling. All subjects were treated with local tumescent anesthesia prior to treatment. FRF treatment was administered through five 32 g needle electrode pairs at a preselected real-time fixed temperature of 62°C to 70°C, and an energy duration of 3 to 4 seconds. A punch biopsy was performed before and after treatment in 9 patients. Clinical photographs were obtained before treatment and at follow-up. Two blinded dermatologists assessed the clinical improvement in terms of skin laxity and fine lines using a quartile grading scale. Any adverse effects were assessed during the entire study period. Results: All patients experienced both subjective and objective improvement. No serious adverse effects were reported. Transient adverse events were transient edema, and erythema. Histologic evaluation revealed increased dermal collagen and straightening of elastic fibers in the reticular dermis after treatment. Conclusion: Fractional radiofrequency (FRF) microneedling technology may be successfully used for a nonsurgical facelift.