Correction of age-related skin changes on face by the method of exposure to high-frequency currents of the radio wave range and autologous platelet-rich plasma: randomized study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In the literature, there are no scientifically based studies on the use of combination therapy using radio wave lifting and autologous platelet-rich plasma for the correction of involutional changes in the skin of the lower third of the face.
 AIMS: To determine the effect of complex therapy of involutional changes in the skin of the lower third of the face with minimally invasive radio wave lifting using a cannula electrode and platelet-rich autoplasma using non-invasive diagnostic methods.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: Examination and treatment of 55 healthy women of Slavic appearance with involutional changes in the skin of the lower third of the face were carried out. Group № 1 patients received radio wave lifting therapy (n=28) and group № 2 patients received combined therapy with radio wave lifting and autologous platelet-rich plasma (n=27). The study was conducted from January 2020 to December 2020. To assess the condition of the skin, laser Doppler flowmetry, ultrasound sonography, and elastometry were used before and after the study. Clinical manifestations were assessed by an anthropometric method.
 RESULTS: The most pronounced changes were observed in the group where the combined method of radio wave lifting therapy with autologous platelet-rich plasma was used. The change in microcirculation was of a multidirectional nature, however, the average values were in the range of 8.8668.89 pf units, which is the normalization of trophic processes in tissues (p 0.05). When analyzing the conduct of ultrasound sonography, statistically significant thickening of the epidermis and dermis was noted, however, in patients of the second group, the thickening was more pronounced (p 0.0005). The change in the echogenicity of the dermis was of a multidirectional nature; by the end of treatment, the mean values were in the range of 10.511.3 units, which, apparently, indicates a more homogeneous structure of the dermis (p 0.05). Anthropometric indices (measurement of ptosis of the lower cheeks) decreased in both groups, which is related to skin lifting as a result of treatment (p 0.0005). The amplitude of tissue upward mobility decreased in both groups (p 0.0005). The amplitude of downward movement of tissues after therapy was of a multidirectional nature in both groups, which is possibly associated with the density of the dermis and indicates the normalization of collagen and elastin fibers (p 0.05). Elastometry indices (F0, R4, R6, R8) decreased, R2 increased in both groups, however, the dynamics was more pronounced in the second group (p 0.0005).
 CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive radio wave lifting in combination using a channel electrode with autologous platelet-rich plasma is an effective and safe method of treating age-related changes in the skin of the lower third of the face.