Micro-plasma Radiofrequency Research Articles

Efficacy of Fractional Micro-plasma Radio Frequency Technology in Treating Hypertrophic Burn Scars in Asian Patients Under General Anesthesia: A Retrospective Study of 104 Cases.

Laser and other energy devices have been widely used in the minimally invasive treatment of scars. Among various technologies, Fractional Micro-Plasma Radio Frequency Technology (FMRT) has gained extensive consensus in the treatment of various types of scars and skin disorders, such as wrinkles, skin laxity, and pigmentation. This study is a retrospective clinical trial aimed at assessing the effectiveness and safety of FMRT for hypertrophic burn scars treatment in the Asian population under different anesthesia methods. A total of 104 patients with hypertrophic burn scars treated in our department from May 2018 to May 2022 were selected. Scar assessment scales were applied to observe changes in scars before and after FMRT treatment. A prospective study of 104 patients found that female patients were more likely to undergo laser treatment under general anesthesia (P < 0.05). Postoperative VSS total score, VSS total score difference, and immediate postoperative pain score were all better with general anesthesia compared to local anesthesia (P < 0.05). There were more significant improvements in scar color, vascular distribution, and flexibility (P < 0.05). When comparing the treatment outcomes between females and males, it was found that general anesthesia patients were superior to local anesthesia patients in terms of color score, vascular distribution score, flexibility score, and postoperative VSS total score 6 months after the final treatment. General anesthesia patients had a shorter hospital stay. Overall treatment evaluation was better for female general anesthesia patients than male patients. General anesthesia combined with FMRT is an effective, safe, and more acceptable treatment method for hypertrophic burn scars in the Asian population. In the Asian population, the combined use of general anesthesia and Fractional Micro-Plasma Radio Frequency Technology (FMRT) is an effective, safe, and accepted method for treating skin scars. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Betamethasone transdermal administration combined with fractional Er:YAG lasers or microplasma radiofrequency technology improved hypertrophic scars: A retrospective study.

This retrospective study aims to compare the efficacy rates in treating hypertrophic scars among four distinct groups of patients who either underwent fractional Erbium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser or microplasma radiofrequency technology as standalone treatments or in combination with compound betamethasone transdermal administration. The study retrospectively examined 208 patients treated at our institution from April 2011 to December 2022 for hypertrophic scars, receiving no less than three treatments (with an interval of 8 weeks between each). The patients were categorized into four groups: the F group (treated with fractional Er:YAG laser), the F + B group (treated with fractional Er:YAG laser combined with compound betamethasone transdermal administration), the P group (treated with microplasma radiofrequency technology), and the P + B group (treated with microplasma radiofrequency technology combined with compound betamethasone transdermal administration). The therapeutic effects were evaluated based on the changes in the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) scores before and after treatment in these groups. There was no statistically significant difference in the VSS scores among the four groups before treatment. After undergoing three sessions of the aforementioned four types of treatment, all groups showed a decrease in VSS scores, with average posttreatment VSS scores for the F group scored 5.15 ± 2.084, F + B group scored 3.7 ± 1.781, P group scored 4.41 ± 1.933, and P + B group scored 3.16 ± 1.775, respectively. With an increasing number of treatments, the total effective rate gradually increased in all four groups, and the combination treatment using compound betamethasone transdermal administration proved more effective than the standalone treatment. All four treatments yielded favorable outcomes, with the combined therapy involving compound betamethasone transdermal administration proving more effective than the standalone treatments, meriting further clinical attention.

Treatment of Atrophic Acne Scarring with Fractional Microplasma Radiofrequency: A Multicentric Experience

BackgroundAtrophic scarring is a severe form-disfiguring sequela of acne, which can lead to negative effect on patients’ life. Fractional microplasma radiofrequency (RF) has emerged as a promising modality, leveraging dermal fibroblast remodeling to enhance aesthetic results for scars and hyperpigmentation. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of high-power fractional microplasma RF for atrophic acne scars, considering patient tolerance to procedural discomfort. MethodsIn this prospective study, 95 Chinese patients with atrophic facial acne scars underwent three sessions of fractional microplasma RF treatment, with assessments at 1, 3, and 6 months post-treatment. Patients were categorized based on treatment power: Group A (50-70 W) and Group B (70-85 W). Efficacy was determined by three independent dermatologists using digital photographs and Echelle d'Evaluation Clinique des Cicatrices d'Acné (ECCA) scores, and patient-reported outcomes gauged satisfaction levels. ResultsEighty-six patients completed the study. Significant improvements were observed, with a reduction in ECCA scores from 107.21 to 42.27 (P<0.05), demonstrating notable scar amelioration across both groups, albeit with a superior outcome in Group B. All patients experienced transient side effects such as pain, erythema, and edema, deemed tolerable with no long-term adverse effects reported. The treatment was well-received, with high satisfaction rates, underscoring its efficacy and acceptable safety profile. ConclusionFractional microplasma RF therapy, particularly at higher power settings, is an effective and safe option for treating atrophic acne scars, offering significant aesthetic improvement with manageable discomfort. This modality presents a valuable addition to acne scar management strategies, especially for patients with darker skin tones seeking minimal downtime and reduced risk of hyperpigmentation.

Microplasma radio frequency technology using stationary tips on pig skin: A histological study.

To investigate the histological properties of microplasma radiofrequency (MPRF) using a stationary tip in different treatment strategies on porcine skin. Two Bama miniature pigs received MPRF treatment with two types of stationary tips in eight groups of parameters (power, duration, and pass) on dorsal skin. Skin samples were collected from each treatment zone immediately, at 1 week and 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson staining were performed to assess histologic changes as well as neocollagenesis. The dynamic changes of heat shock protein 47 (HSP47) and heat shock protein 72 (HSP72) were also detected by immunohistochemistry. Skin damage increased with pulse energy, duration, and pass. Longer durations or repeated treatments may cause particularly severe skin damage. During the wound healing process, the newborn collagen of the dermis is rearranged. The distribution of HSP47 and HSP72 was consistent with the extent of collagen remodeling. It peaked 1 month after treatment. MPRF can effectively cause epidermal ablation, dermal collagen hyperplasia, and remodeling. Increasing power should be the first choice when increasing treatment intensity. For longer durations or repeated treatments, caution should be taken to avoid excessive skin trauma.

The Comparison of Efficacy and Safety Between General and Topical Anesthesia on Micro-Plasma Radiofrequency Treatment for Hypertrophic Scar: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

While micro-plasma radiofrequency (MPR) treatment has a significant impact on hypertrophic scars, patients often require anesthesia to alleviate substantial discomfort. Currently, patients with similar degrees of scarring may choose surface anesthesia or general anesthesia based on their personal preferences. Nevertheless, the effectiveness and safety of different anesthesia modalities remain uncertain. To assess the effectiveness and safety of both general and surface anesthesia in MPR treatment for hypertrophic scars. We conducted a retrospective cohort study involving 101 patients diagnosed with hypertrophic scars who underwent MPR with different anesthesia methods. The primary measures of efficacy included the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) scores assessed before the first treatment and six months after the final treatment. Pain relief was evaluated using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores. Safety was assessed by comparing the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups. Patients in the general anesthesia group showed a significant difference in scar pigmentation 6months after the treatment and lower pain level than those in the surface anesthesia group in the treatment of MPR. The difference in safety was not statistically significant. After adjusting for confounding factors and propensity score matching, the outcome of VSS and VAS scores was stable. General anesthesia, as opposed to surface anesthesia, appears to enhance both the effectiveness and safety of MPR while reducing postoperative pain in the treatment of hypertrophic scars. For patients with heightened pain sensitivity, general anesthesia may be the preferred treatment option. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors http://www.springer.com/00266 .

Micro-plasma radiofrequency and silicone gel dressings for treating early post-traumatic facial scars: A retrospective study

Although different options are available for treating post-traumatic facial scars, they remain a therapeutic challenge. To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of combined therapy using micro-plasma radiofrequency (MPRF) technology and silicone gel (SG) dressings for treating post-traumatic facial scars. This retrospective study was conducted at a single center. Patients with facial injuries in the outpatient and emergency units of the Department of Plastic Surgery at our hospital underwent debridement and cosmetic sutures performed by the same surgeon from October 2020 to October 2021. In the first arm, patients with facial injuries were treated with MPRF technology and SG, and in the second arm, they were treated with SG dressings alone. We observed the safety and effectiveness of these treatments in both arms. A total of 32 patients with facial injuries were treated with MPRF technology and SG dressings (combined treatment group), and 28 patients were treated with SG dressings alone (SG group). After 6 months of treatment, the Vancouver Scar Scale scores of the combined treatment and SG groups were 1.38±0.71 and 4.39±0.50, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). After 6 months of treatment, the effectiveness rate in the combined treatment group was 93.8%, which was significantly higher than that in the SG group (67.9%), and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). No obvious adverse reactions occurred in the two arms. Treating early post-traumatic facial scars with combined MPRF technology and SG is significantly better than treating them with SG alone; moreover, the combined therapy is safe and effective.

Comparative efficacy and safety of six photoelectric therapies for the atrophic acne scars: A network meta-analysis

Objectives This network meta-analysis assessed the relative efficacy and safety of six common photoelectric therapies including 1064-nm neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd: YAG), fractional carbon dioxide laser(FSCO2), fractional micro-plasma radiofrequency(Plasma), micro-needling fractional radiofrequency (MRF), 1550nm or 1540nm erbium-glass non-ablative fractional laser (NAFL) fractional erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er: YAG). Methods A comprehensive search to identify relevant studies was conducted using four electronic databases. Outcome measures were extracted based on subjective and objective indexes, including the dermatologists' evaluation(DE), the patients' overall satisfaction(PS), VAS score, and Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Results Eleven published clinical research studies, involving 405 patients were included in this study. Ranking of DE from large to small is as follows: Nd: YAG, FSCO2, Er: YAG, Plasma, NAFL, MRF. In terms of PS, the rand from high to low can be described as follows: Er: YAG, Nd: YAG, FSCO2, Plasma, NAFL, MRF. In connection with the sequencing of adverse events, pain severity from slight to severe as follows: Er:YAG, Nd:YAG, FSCO2, NAFL, MRF, Plasma. The probability of having PIH are presented in order from lowest to highest as follows: MRF, Plasma, Nd: YAG, NAFL, Er: YAG, FSCO2. Conclusion FSCO2 remains the mainstream of potentially curative treatment, then again Nd: YAG and Er: YAG require greater efforts to prove their superior effectiveness. NAFL might be appropriate for mild and moderate improvement with its strengths of good tolerance while Plasma fits into patients with higher pain thresholds but an expectation of higher results. MRF has not given expression on absolute predominance for the present. Registration PROSPERO CRD42021242160 (available from https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero).

"Clinical Observation of Microplasma Radiofrequency Technology Combined With Glucocorticoid Injection in the Treatment of Hundreds of Cases of Hypertrophic Scar After Early Deep Burn and Scald".

To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of microplasma radiofrequency technology combined with glucocorticoid injection in the treatment of hypertrophic scarring after early deep burns and scalding. A total of 150 patients with hypertrophic scars after early deep burns from June 2018 to June 2021 were randomly divided into 3 groups, with 50 cases in each group. The patients were treated with compound betamethasone injection (Group A), microplasma radiofrequency technique (Group B), and compound betamethasone injection combined with microplasma radiofrequency technology (Group C). Each course of treatment included 5 standard treatments, and they were performed 6 weeks apart. Each patient was analyzed using the Vancouver scar scale and visual analogy scale after each treatment. The results were compared over time and across groups using repeated measurement analysis of variance. A total of 138 patients in these 3 groups completed this study. As treatment continued, the Vancouver scar scale value of Group C decreased more rapidly than that of Group A and Group B, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). In the improvement of scar pain and itching, there was little difference between Group C and Group A (P>0.05), but both were better than Group B, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Regarding the incidence of adverse reactions, there was little difference between Group C and Group B (P>0.05), but the incidence of adverse reactions was lower than that of Group A, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Microplasma radiofrequency combined with glucocorticoid injection in the treatment of hypertrophic scarring after early deep burns is effective, safe, and has a low incidence of adverse reactions, and it merits clinical promotion.

Treatment of nasal depressed scars using micro-plasma radiofrequency technology combined with subcision.

The nose is located in the middle of the face; therefore, nasal scarring will bring a significant psychological impact on patients. Although there are many treatment methods for depressed scars, these methods have varying degrees of efficacy and all carry certain adverse effects. A better treatment method is urgent to be found. In this study, the effect of micro-plasma radiofrequency technology combined with subcision to treat nasal depressed scars is evaluated. 18 Chinese patients with nasal depressed scars participated in this study. All patients received one session of micro-plasma radiofrequency treatment first. 2months later, subcision combined with micro-plasma radiofrequency technology was performed on them at 6-month intervals, and a total of 2sessions of combined treatment were performed. Goodman and Baron Scale was used to evaluate nasal scars before treatment and 6months after the final session. All 18 patients in this study had Grade 4 nasal scars before treatment. 6months after the end of treatment, 13 patients (72.2%) showed excellent or near total improvement, and 5 patients (27.8%) showed marked improvement. No adverse side effects were observed during treatment. Patient self-evaluation indicated that all patients were satisfied with the cosmetic outcomes. In this study, we explored a new treatment method for nasal depressed scars. We used micro-plasma radiofrequency technology combined with subcision to treat nasal depressed scars and obtained relatively satisfactory results with no adverse effects.

Effectiveness and safety of fractional micro-plasma radio-frequency treatment combined with ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser treatment for hypertrophic scar: a retrospective study.

Hypertrophic scars can be caused by various injuries and lead to a decrease in quality of life of those affected. This study was performed retrospectively in our center to investigate the safety and effectiveness of fractional micro-plasma radio-frequency treatment combined with ablative fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser treatment in patients with hypertrophic scar. This was a retrospective study performed in a single center between January 2019 and December 2020. All patients with hypertrophic scars receiving fractional micro-plasma radio-frequency treatment, ablative fractional CO2 laser treatment, or combined therapy of both were recruited to the study. The participants were then divided into a single therapy group or combined therapy group. The Vancouver scar scale was used to score and subsequently assess the effectiveness of scar treatment and the changes of scar thickness. Some adverse complications were also recorded to evaluate the safety of treatments. A subgroup analysis was then performed to investigate the differences of effectiveness and safety of combined therapy in scar patients at the early stage and late stage. A total of 64 patients with hypertrophic scars were enrolled in this study, including 45 receiving combined treatment, and 19 receiving single treatment. There was no significant difference in demographic data between the two groups. Notably, combined therapy could more effectively reduce the score of Vancouver scar scale (P=0.026) without significantly increasing the incidence of adverse complications. However, no significant difference was observed in scar thickness between the two groups. Moreover, multiple treatments could further increase the effectiveness of combined therapy according to either the score of Vancouver scar scale or the thickness of scars. Subgroup analysis revealed that combined therapy could reduce the score of Vancouver scar scale and scar thickness in patients much more at the early stage than at the late stage (P=0.032 and 0.042, respectively). This study revealed that fractional micro-plasma radio-frequency treatment combined with ablative fractional CO2 laser treatment could be more effective in improving hypertrophic scars then single therapy. Also, multiple treatments could enhance the effectiveness of combined treatment, and patients should be encouraged to receive treatment as early as possible.

Comparison of Fractional Micro-Plasma Radiofrequency and Fractional Microneedle Radiofrequency for the Treatment of Atrophic Acne Scars: A Pilot Randomized Split-Face Clinical Study in China.

Both fractional micro-plasma radiofrequency (RF) and fractional microneedle RF are novel devices that can be applied for the treatment of atrophic acne scars, and they have both been proved to be effective. To compare the clinical effectiveness and adverse reactions of fractional micro-plasma RF and fractional microneedle RF for the therapy of facial atrophic acne scars in a randomized split-face study. Sixty patients with facial atrophic acne scars received three applications at 2-month intervals in a randomized split-face study using fractional micro-plasma RF and fractional microneedle RF on different sides of the face. Three independent dermatologists evaluated the improvement in acne scars using the ECCA grading scale (Echelle d'Evaluation Clinique des Cicatrices d'Acné) by comparing the digital images and graded the improvement in the acne scars. Patients were asked to provide a self-evaluation of satisfaction for efficacy and safety. Adverse effects were also recorded after each treatment. In total sixty patients completed the entire study. A significant improvement was observed in the appearance of acne scars, and the mean ECCA scores improved significantly after both modalities. The mean decrease in ECCA scores from the baseline was significantly more pronounced in fractional micro-plasma RF as compared with fractional microneedle RF (41.33 ± 20.19 vs 32.17 ± 17.35; P < 0.05). The degree of clinical improvement was also significantly better for fractional micro-plasma RF. Pain, erythema, and swelling were observed in all patients after both treatments. The pain was more intense during micro-plasma RF treatment (P = 0.000), and the duration of pain and erythema were longer than with fractional microneedle RF (P = 0.000). Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) was observed in one patient on the fractional micro-plasma RF side while no PIH was observed on the fractional microneedle RF side. No infections or worsening of scarring was observed with either treatment. No subject was dissatisfied with the efficacy of either device. Rolling scars tended to respond better to fractional micro-plasma RF treatment compared with fractional microneedle RF (P = 0.000). Both fractional micro-plasma RF and fractional microneedle RF are effective and safe methods for improving atrophic acne scars. Fractional micro-plasma RF is significantly more effective for atrophic acne scars, especially for rolling scars. However, fractional microneedle RF has fewer side effects plus shorter downtime, and patients are more comfortable after the treatment. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Laser and related photoelectric therapies for scar worth expecting

Effects of non-operative therapies for scar are very limited, and operative treatments are also often difficult to get satisfactory results. Safe, effective, simple, and feasible therapy for scar is urgently needed in clinic. Laser has been used for scar treatment for more than 30 years. There are many kinds of lasers, many of which have been reported to be used for scar treatment. Laser and related photoelectric therapies for scar have experienced long period of exploration, from the initial laser of continuous wavelength to the later pulsed laser, from ordinary spot laser in the early period to the present fractional laser. And there are intense pulsed light closely related to laser and non-light energy of micro-plasma radio-frequency technology. In recent years, with in-depth research of related theories, progress of technology and equipment, as well as accumulation of clinical experience, a great progress has been made in laser treatment for scar. In this article, related theories of photothermal interaction on skin tissue of laser, the present lasers and related photoelectric therapies often used for scar are introduced, and the existing problems and further development directions are also discussed.

Advances in the research of techniques for traumatic scars intervention with photoelectric acoustic therapy

Traumatic scar is a common complication of skin injury, such as burn, trauma, and surgery. The mechanism for scar formation still remains unclear. Traumatic scar has a negative impact on the quality of patients' life, due to the appearance of scar always causes physical or/and psychological problems to patients. The treatments for scar include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and pressure, depending on the kind of scar present. Recently, a great progress in treating scar has been achieved by novel techniques with laser, intense pulsed light, micro-plasma radiofrequency, and ultrasound. The aim of this review is introducing the advances of these techniques for traumatic scars intervention.

CORRECTION OF VARIOUS TYPES OF FACIAL HYPERPIGMENTATION USING MICROPLASMA RADIO FREQUENCY TECHNOLOGY

Correction of facial hyperpigmentation is a very common and complex problem faced by dermatologists, cosmetologists and plastic surgeons. Recently developed microplasma radiofrequency technology allows to accurately and rapidly affect the areas with hyperpigmentation and is an effective method of its treatment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of hyperpigmentation treatment using microplasma radiofrequency technology. The study included 35 patients with benign hyperpigmentation with localization on the face. All patients had II - IV skin phototypes according to Fitzpatrick. We used a device with an output power of 60-90 W and performed 2-6 passes (rolling with a roller nozzle) in different directions. Three to five procedures were performed with 8-week intervals. As a result of treatment, all patients had improvement, which is manifested in clarification of hyperpigmentation spots of varying severity. Complications were not observed. Improvement of skin condition with reduction of hyperpigmentation phenomena was assessed by patients and physicians who compared digital images taken before the treatment and 2 months after the last procedure. The results of the study showed that the patients had a positive effect on the treatment of hyperpigmentation using microplasma radio frequency technology. The average index of pain intensity was estimated from 0 to 10 using a visual analog scale, which was 6.7 ± 0.7. After a course of therapy in 32 of 35 patients hyperpigmentation decreased by more than 51%, and 3 patients managed to achieve a clinical cure. The average improvement in the treatment of hyperpigmentation was 4.28. Thus, microplasma radiofrequency technology is a highly effective and safe method of treating facial hyperpigmentation.

Clinical efficacy of micro-plasma radiofrequency combined with local electron-beam radiation therapy in treatment of keloids

Objective To study the clinical efficacy of micro-plasma radiofrequency with joint electron-beam radiation treatment for keloids. Methods A total of 15 patients with keloids over half a year were treated with single time micro-plasma radiofrequency technology by roller tip at 80-100 watts. The hypofractionated electron-beam was used, with 9 Gy dose per time covering the scar with a 1 cm margin, within 24 hours and 1 week after the micro-plasma treatment. The Vancouver Scar Scales (VSS) were assessed before and 6 months after the treatment. Patients＇ satisfaction and the adverse reactions were evaluated 6 months after the treatment. Results There was astatistically significant difference between the mean VSS of 15 patients pre- and 6 months posttreatment (from 11.73±1.12 to 3.87±2.53, P<0.05). The degree of improvement was: excellent in 1 case, good 10 cases, fair 3 cases, and poor 1 case. Patients＇ assessment was: extremely satisfied in 6 cases, satisfied 6 cases, approximately satisfied 2 cases and dissatisfied 1 case. The adverse reactions included hyperpigmentation within the radiation field on the anterior chest wall in 1 case and delayed healing of 1 patient＇s scar wound. Conclusions Micro-plasma radiofrequency combined with electron-beam radiation therapy is highly effective and safe on keloids with good clinical application value. Key words: Keloid; Micro-plasma; Radio frequency; Radiotherapy; Electron beam

Curative effect of micro-plasma radiofrequency combined with triamcinolone acetonide in the treatment of hypertrophic scar

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of micro-plasma radiofrequency (MPR) combined with triamcinolone acetonide in the treatment of hypertrophic scar. Methods 41 patients with hyperplastic scar were enrolled. The scars were treated by micro-plasma RF combined with triamcinolone acetonide. A total of 5 treatments were performed. The curative effect was evaluated as markedly effective, improved and uneffective. The histological study was performed on 5 patients before and after all the treatments. Results A total of 41 patients were followed up, 28 cases were markedly effective, 11 cases improved and only 2 patient was uneffctive. The overall effective rate was 95.12%. Significant reduction in the thickness and texture of the scar were achieved, and no side effect was observed. Histological studies showed, after all the treatments, that the number of fibroblasts were reduced and collagen fibers arranged more orderly and loosy. Conclusions MPR combined with triamcinolone acetonide is a safe and highly effective treatment for hypertrophic scar. Key words: Micro-plasma radiofrequency; Triamcinolone acetonide; Hypertrophic scar; Therapeutic effect

Microplasma radiofrequency technology combined with triamcinolone improved the therapeutic effect on Chinese patients with hypertrophic scar and reduced the risk of tissue atrophy.

ObjectiveThe current study aimed to assess the value of microplasma radiofrequency technology combined with triamcinolone for the therapy of Chinese patients with hypertrophic scar.MethodsA total of 120 participants with hypertrophic scars were enrolled in the current study. Participants were divided into two groups based on sex, and then randomly and evenly divided into four groups (Groups A, B, C, and D). Participants in Group A received microplasma radiofrequency technology combined with triamcinolone. Participants in Group B received microplasma radiofrequency technology combined with normal saline. Participants in Groups C and D received triamcinolone (40 and 10 mg/mL) injected directly into scar. Experienced physicians evaluated the condition of scars according to the Vancouver Scar Scale 1 month before and after the therapy.ResultsThere was no difference in age, sex, area, height and location of scars, and Vancouver Scar Scale scores before the therapy between any groups (P>0.05 for all). Vancouver Scar Scale scores after the therapy were significantly lower than those before the therapy in all groups (P<0.05 for all). Vancouver Scar Scale scores after the therapy in Group A were significantly lower than those after the therapy in Groups B and C (P<0.05 for all). Vancouver Scar Scale scores after the therapy in Group B were significantly higher than those after the therapy in Group C (P<0.05 for all) and similar to those after the therapy in Group D (P>0.05 for all). Incidences of tissue atrophy after the therapy were significantly lower in Groups A and B than in Group C (P<0.05 for all) and similar among Groups A, B, and D (P>0.05 for all).ConclusionMicroplasma radiofrequency technology combined with triamcinolone improved the therapeutic effect on Chinese patients with hypertrophic scar and reduced the risk of tissue atrophy compared with the use of either microplasma radiofrequency technology or triamcinolone injection alone.

Clinical effectiveness of micro-plasma combined with radio frequency in treatment of stretch marks

Objective To study the clinical effect and application value of micro-plasma beam joint radiofrequency treatment for the striae of pregnancy. Methods 21 female patients with the striae of pregnancy were included in this study, treated from the July 2012 to March 2014, aged 25-37 years; and time of the striae was from 3 months to 7 years. Micro-plasma radiofrequency technology was used to treat the striae, with interval of 30 days each time for total seven months. The total effective rate, satisfaction, and the adverse reaction were evaluated after the treatment. Results 21 patients included grade 4 in 6 cases, grade 6 in 10 cases, grade 2 in 4 cases and grade 1 in 1 case; the total effective rate was 95.2% (20/21). Satisfactory degree was for the level C in 6 cases, B in 14 cases, and A in 1 case, with total satisfactory rate of 95.2% (20/21). Adverse reactions included mild pigmentation in 2 patients after scab skin falling off, and disappeared at the end of the treatment course. Conclusions Micro-plasma beam combined with radio frequency in treating the striae of pregnancy has clear curative effect and good clinical application value. Key words: Micro-plasma; Stretch marks; Radio frequency

Histologic comparison of microscopic treatment zones induced by fractional lasers and radiofrequency

Introduction: Fractional photothermolysis induces microscopic, localized thermal injury in the skin surrounded by undamaged viable tissue in order to promote wound healing. Objective: This study evaluated acute histologic changes following each single pass of various fractional lasers and radiofrequency (RF). Methods: Three male domestic swine were used. We used fractional Erbium:glass (Er:glass), Erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG), CO2 lasers, and fractional ablative microplasma RF. We analyzed features and average values of the diameter, depth, and vertical sectional areas treated with each kind of laser and RF. Results: The microscopic treatment zone (MTZ) of fractional Er:glass resulted in separation of dermoepidermal junction with no ablative zone. Fractional Er:YAG provided the most superficial and broad MTZ with little thermal collateral damage. Fractional CO2 resulted in a narrow and deep “cone”-like MTZ. Fractional RF resulted in a superficial and broad “crater”-like MTZ. Conclusions: This study provides the first comparison of MTZs induced by various fractional lasers and RF. These data provide basic information on proper laser and RF options. We think that these findings could be a good reference for information about fractional laser-assisted drug delivery.

Micro-plasma radio frequency treatment for facial post-burn hyperpigmentation

To observe the clinical effect of micro-plasma radio frequency treatment of facial post-burn hyperpigmentation. From June 2012 to August 2013, a total of 25 cases with facial post-burn hyperpigmentation were treated with micro-plasma treatment for 3-5 times. The roller tip was used with setting of 60-90 watts and 3-4 passes were performed in different directions. Treatments were repeated at an interval of 8 weeks. All patients tolerated the pain. After treatment, the facial hyperpigmentation improved. Complete recovery was achieved in 4 cases; significant improvement in 11 cases; moderate in 7 cases and no effect in 3 cases. No hyperpigmentation, depigmentation and scar formation was observed. Micro-plasma radio frequency treatment is an ideal treatment for post-burn hyperpigmentation with lower side effect.