Abstract
Objective: A study was established to objectively assess the effects of low-intensity electromagnetic and electric stimulation plus negative pressure on mature scars. Background: Radiofrequency plus negative pressure therapy demonstrated a favorable reorganization and regeneration of the collagen and elastic fibers and was proposed for the treatment of cellulitis and skin stretch marks. Methods: Twenty-six mature scars in 20 Caucasian patients (15 females and 5 males) were enrolled in the study. The treatments were carried out with a Class I, BF-type electromedical device equipped with a radiofrequency generator, an electric pulse generator, and a vacuum pump twice a week for 3 months. Corneometry, transepidermal water loss, elastometry, colorimetry, and three-dimensional skin surface pattern were objectively assessed with Multi Probe Adapter System MPA and PRIMOS pico. A subjective assessment was carried out with the VAS and PSAS scales. Each scar was compared before and after the treatment and with the skin in the corresponding healthy contralateral anatomical area at the same times. Results: Reduction of the scar surface wrinkling and overall scar flattening were demonstrated after the treatment. The scar slightly tended to approach the color and elasticity of healthy skin too. Conclusions: The combined local treatment of mature scars with low-intensity electromagnetic and electric stimulation in association with negative pressure might suggest a favorable synergic effect on the scar collagen and elastic fiber remodeling.
Highlights
Scar formation is the ultimate outcome of wound repair in humans that takes place as a cascade consisting of overlapping inflammatory, proliferative, and remodeling phases
The treatments were carried out with a Class I, BF-type electromedical device equipped with a radiofrequency generator, an electric pulse generator, and a vacuum pump twice a week for 3 months
Corneometry, transepidermal water loss, elastometry, colorimetry, and three-dimensional skin surface pattern were objectively assessed with Multi Probe Adapter System MPA and PRIMOS pico
Summary
Scar formation is the ultimate outcome of wound repair in humans that takes place as a cascade consisting of overlapping inflammatory, proliferative, and remodeling phases. When the process of wound healing is uneventful after completion of the remodeling phase, the scar enters the so-called mature state according to the scheme proposed by the International Advisory Panel on Scar Management.[1] Scar has no epidermal appendages and displays a collagen pattern of densely packed fibers. The tensile strength of wounded skin at best reaches only approximately that of unwounded skin.[2] In addition, scar is brittle and less elastic than normal skin, the regeneration of elastic fibers in the scar is still debated.[3] In addition, scars are usually hypopigmented after full maturation even if they can become hyperpigmented in dark pigmented individuals or in lighter pigmented ones after exposure to UV radiation. The scar itself does not reproduce the features of normal skin, and it is still an unsolved functional and cosmetic issue despite the large number of treatment proposals: surgery, silicone gel sheeting, injected corticosteroids,
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