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Published on: January 19, 2024
A Retrospective Analysis of Radiofrequency Microneedling for Melasma Management in the Japanese Population
Akiko Imaizumi1, Aira Fujimaki1,2, Narendra Kumar3
1Department of Dermatology, Imaizumi Skin Clinic, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
Background:
Melasma is a chronic pigmentary disorder with multifactorial pathogenesis and significant psychosocial impact. Although radiofrequency microneedling has emerged as a dermal-targeting adjunctive therapy, real-world evidence regarding its clinical effects and safety is limited.
Objective:
To evaluate the real-world clinical response and safety of POTENZATM radiofrequency microneedling for melasma treatment.
Methods:
A retrospective observational before-and-after study was conducted at a private dermatology center in Japan. Adult patients with clinically diagnosed melasma who underwent POTENZATM radiofrequency microneedling treatment were included in the analysis. Melasma severity was assessed using the modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI) score. Patient-reported satisfaction, qualitative clinical improvement, and adverse events were analyzed descriptively.
Results:
A total of 29 female patients (mean age, 45.2 ± 7.9 years) were included in the study. The median baseline mMASI score was 6 (IQR 4-12) and remained 6 (IQR 4-8) after treatment, with no statistically significant difference between the time points (p = 0.16). Overall, 26 patients (89.7%) demonstrated stable or improved mMASI scores post procedure. Percentage-based analyses showed substantial interindividual variability: 27.6% of patients achieved≥25% and ≥30% reductions in mMASI, and 10.3% achieved≥50% reduction. Patient satisfaction was reported in 62.1% of the cases. All patients experienced mild, transient erythema that resolved without sequelae, and no serious adverse events were observed.
Conclusion:
In this real-world study involving Japanese patients, POTENZATM radiofrequency microneedling demonstrated a favorable safety profile and provided clinically meaningful improvements in selected patients, supporting its role as a complementary treatment in multimodal melasma management.
Insights
Radiofrequency microneedling with POTENZA™ offers a safe adjunctive treatment for melasma, showing meaningful clinical improvements in many patients. This real-world study supports its use in managing this common pigmentary disorder.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Aesthetic Medicine
- Cosmetic Procedures
Background:
- Melasma is a chronic, multifactorial pigmentary disorder with significant psychosocial effects.
- Radiofrequency microneedling is an emerging adjunctive therapy for melasma, but real-world data on its efficacy and safety are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of POTENZA™ radiofrequency microneedling for melasma treatment in a real-world setting.
- To assess patient satisfaction and adverse events associated with the procedure.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective observational study was conducted on adult female patients with melasma treated with POTENZA™.
- Melasma severity was quantified using the modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI) score.
- Patient-reported outcomes and adverse events were analyzed descriptively.
Main Results:
- Of 29 female patients, 89.7% showed stable or improved mMASI scores post-treatment.
- While the overall median mMASI score did not change significantly, 27.6% of patients achieved ≥25% reduction and 10.3% achieved ≥50% reduction.
- Patient satisfaction was reported in 62.1% of cases, with mild, transient erythema as the only observed side effect.
Conclusions:
- POTENZA™ radiofrequency microneedling demonstrates a favorable safety profile for melasma treatment in Japanese patients.
- The procedure can provide clinically meaningful improvements for selected individuals, supporting its role in multimodal melasma management.
