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A New Approach with Combined Microneedle and Sublative Fractional Radiofrequency for Photoaging Management: A
Moetaz El-Domyati1, Osama Moawad2, Hossam Abdel-Wahab3
1Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt. moetazeldomyati@gmail.com.
Background:
Fractional radiofrequency (FRF) has been reported to be effective in improving wrinkles. A combination of microneedle and sublative fractional radiofrequency (SFRF) may have the potential synergy to improve photoaged skin.
Objectives:
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined microneedle and SFRF in photoaging management.
Methods:
This prospective study included 12 subjects with moderate photoaging (skin phototype III-IV). The subjects received three consecutive combined microneedle and sublative FRF at 1-month intervals. Punch biopsies were obtained before and after three months of treatment. Routine H&E, Masson-trichrome, Orcein staining, histometric measurements, as well as Collagen type I and Elastin immunohistochemical staining were performed.
Results:
Significant improvement was noticed regarding skin tightening and texture (p < 0.05), rhytides, and volunteers' satisfaction (p < 0.001). Collagen fibers appeared better organized, with a significant increase in collagen type I (p = 0.001). Meanwhile, normal-appearing elastic fibers were restored, and a significant reduction in abnormal elastin was achieved (p = 0.0005).
Conclusion:
Combined microneedle and sublative FRF may provide a new therapeutic approach for photoaged skin.
Level Of Evidence Ii:
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 .
