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Updated: Nov 12, 2025

Clinical Application of Intense Pulsed Light Therapy and Radio Frequency for Treatment of Ocular Surface Diseases
Published on: July 3, 2025
Julie Boisen1, Suzanne Alkul2, Cedar H Malone2
1United States Navy, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
This study explores the use of temperature-controlled fractionated radiofrequency (FRF) for rejuvenating the perioral area, which is known for challenges like skin laxity and volume loss. Traditional methods like fillers and resurfacing often lead to unnatural results. The study treated seven patients with FRF and used a validated scale to assess improvements in laxity. All patients showed improvement, suggesting that FRF may be an effective and natural-looking alternative. The treatment was well-tolerated with minimal risks. These findings may indicate that FRF could be a promising option for perioral rejuvenation.
Area of Science:
Background:
Perioral rejuvenation remains a complex challenge in cosmetic dermatology. While fillers and neurotoxins are commonly used, they often fail to restore deeper volume and may lead to unnatural outcomes. Non-ablative and ablative resurfacing techniques also fall short in addressing volumetric loss. Prior research has shown that temperature-controlled fractionated radiofrequency (FRF) can stimulate collagen and hyaluronic acid production, improving skin laxity. However, its use for perioral rejuvenation has not been previously documented. This gap motivated the exploration of FRF in this specific anatomical region. The lack of data on perioral FRF outcomes highlights a need for objective assessment tools. Validated scales like the Facial Laxity Rating (FLR) provide standardized metrics for evaluating treatment success. This study aims to address the limited evidence base for FRF in perioral rejuvenation.
Purpose Of The Study:
The goal was to evaluate the efficacy of temperature-controlled fractionated radiofrequency (FRF) in perioral rejuvenation. The study focused on patients with perioral laxity and volume loss who had not achieved satisfactory results with conventional methods. The primary objective was to assess whether FRF could provide natural-looking rejuvenation with minimal risk. The study also aimed to document outcomes using a validated FLR scale. The specific problem addressed was the lack of evidence for FRF in this area. The motivation stemmed from the need for safer, long-lasting alternatives to fillers and resurfacing. The study sought to establish whether FRF could stimulate collagen and restore volume effectively. This approach aimed to fill a gap in current aesthetic treatment options.
Main Methods:
The study involved seven patients undergoing perioral FRF treatment. A temperature-controlled fractionated radiofrequency device was used to stimulate collagen and hyaluronic acid production. The treatment was administered following standard protocols for facial rejuvenation. The Facial Laxity Rating (FLR) scale was employed to assess outcomes objectively. FLR scores were recorded pre- and post-treatment to measure improvement. No additional interventions were performed during the study period. Patient satisfaction and adverse events were also documented. The study design was a case series with no control group.
Main Results:
All seven patients showed improvement on the FLR scale following FRF treatment. The average FLR score decreased significantly, indicating reduced laxity. No patient reported a worsening of their FLR score post-treatment. The results were consistent across all participants, suggesting reproducibility. The treatment was well-tolerated, with minimal adverse effects reported. Patients noted a natural appearance of the rejuvenated perioral area. The effects were observed to persist over the follow-up period. These findings suggest that FRF may be effective for perioral rejuvenation.
Conclusions:
The study suggests that temperature-controlled FRF may offer a viable option for perioral rejuvenation. The observed improvements in FLR scores indicate potential efficacy in reducing laxity. The natural appearance of results aligns with the goal of avoiding a stiff or boxy look. The low risk profile of FRF supports its use in this anatomical region. The results may suggest that FRF could be a long-lasting alternative to fillers. The authors propose that FRF may stimulate collagen and hyaluronic acid production effectively. The findings may support further investigation into FRF for perioral rejuvenation. The study may indicate that FRF could be a promising treatment option with minimal complications.
FRF stimulates collagen and hyaluronic acid production, which may reduce laxity and restore volume.
The Facial Laxity Rating (FLR) scale was used to assess improvement pre- and post-treatment.
The FLR is a validated, standardized tool for evaluating facial laxity, ensuring consistent measurement.
Temperature control ensures consistent energy delivery, reducing risk and improving collagen formation.
All patients showed a decrease in FLR scores, indicating reduced perioral laxity.
The authors suggest FRF may be a promising, low-risk option for perioral rejuvenation.