Can a radiofrequency device reduce the pore size?

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Aesthetic Medicine
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Facial pores, characterized by funnel-shaped structures filled with plugs, can be a cosmetic concern.
• Previous studies indicated positive outcomes with a unipolar radiofrequency (RF) device with vacuum for skin tightening and pore improvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To confirm the efficacy of a new unipolar RF device with vacuum on facial dilated pores.
• To quantitatively measure changes in sebum production and perform histological examinations of pore size.

Main Methods:

• Twelve patients received five successive treatments with the unipolar RF device at 2-week intervals.
• Measurements included sebum production, melanin index, and erythema index before and after treatment.
• Histological examination of pore lesions via H&E, Masson's trichrome, and Victoria blue staining was performed on a subset of patients.

Main Results:

• Significant reductions in sebum production (p=0.011) and melanin index (p=0.004) were observed.
• Patient satisfaction reported moderate to excellent improvement (>50%) in pore size, skin texture, and laxity.
• Histological analysis showed a 41.7% average decrease in pore size, reduced sebaceous glands, and increased dermal collagen and elastic fibers.

Conclusions:

• The nonablative unipolar RF device with vacuum effectively improves dilated facial pores.
• Treatment utilizes a dual mechanism: collagen regeneration and sebum production reduction.
• This device offers a less painful alternative compared to other RF treatments for pore refinement.