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A Novel Technology to Boost Natural Production of Hyaluronic Acid in the Skin Tissue: Human Histology Study
David J Goldberg1,2,3
1Skin Laser and Surgery Specialists, Hackensack, New Jersey, USA.
Introduction:
Combining monopolar radiofrequency (RF) with targeted ultrasound (TUS), this study investigated whether these modalities promote facial rejuvenation through the production of hyaluronic acid (HA) in human skin.
Methods:
Seven subjects (51-64 years, BMI 21.1-29.8 kg/m2) were enrolled and divided into three treatment groups in this single-center study; Group A (n = 3, simultaneous RF + TUS), Group B (n = 3, stand-alone RF), and control (n = 1, no treatment). Both treated groups underwent four (4) 60-min treatments on the face delivered 7-14 days apart. Punch biopsies (3 mm in diameter) were collected from the infra-auricular area at baseline and both follow-up visits and stained for HA by using hyaluronic acid binding protein. Digital photographs were taken to document changes in visual appearance. Finally, the subjects' comfort and satisfaction were assessed.
Results:
There was a statistically significant (p < 0.05) average increase at 1 month in the HA-stained area of +112 358.7 μm2 in group A (RF + TUS) representing an increase of 48.65%. The treatment effect peaked at 3 months with an increase of +156 345.2 μm2, corresponding to a 67.69% increase in the HA-stained area. In Group B, there was no significant difference in the average increase of the HA-stained area between 1 month (+14 830 μm2) and 3 months (+20 995 μm2) corresponding to a 6.76% and 9.56% increase, respectively. The control samples did not indicate any changes throughout the study. Digital photographs of the RF + TUS group showed both a decrease in rhytids and tighter skin. Therapies were comfortable with no adverse events.
Conclusion:
Overall, this study has shown that the combination treatment of RF + TUS has a more pronounced and sustained effect on facial rejuvenation compared to RF alone. The measurable increase in the production of HA with simultaneous use of RF + TUS peaked at a 3-month follow-up, suggesting the gradual advancement of the treatment effect and overall improvement in facial appearance.
Trial Registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05987917.
