Treatment of superficial benign vascular and pigmented lesions with a combination of pulsed light and radiofrequency energy

Abstract

Background: We investigated the efficacy and safety of a novel device that utilizes optical energy in combination with electrical energy for the treatment of superficial vascular and pigmented lesions. Electrical energy in the form of pulsed radio frequency (RF) energy has been used in blood coagulation, non-surgical tissue removal, and in cosmetic applications while optical energy using pulsed light/laser has been used extensively in a wide range of clinical applications. This novel system uses electrodes on the skin surface to deliver radiofrequency current that selectively heats superficial vascular and pigmented lesions. The simultaneous application of light energy in the spectrum of 580–980 nm induces selective thermolysis of the intended lesions. This device combines both electrical and optical energy in an innovative portable system for the treatment of skin disorders.