ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Many studies have evaluated radiofrequency microneedling (RFMN) in various dermatologic conditions. However, the efficacy and safety of RFMN, and how it compares with other energy-based devices in a clinician's armamentarium, remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To review higher-quality evidence supporting RFMN and the dermatologic conditions which it can be used in. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A search was conducted in MEDLINE and EMBASE from inception to May 13, 2020, using the terms: "radiofrequency microneedling" OR "fractional radiofrequency" OR "radiofrequency needling" OR "radiofrequency percutaneous collagen induction." Only randomized, split body or blinded studies with original data on humans were included. Non-English or non-dermatology-related studies were excluded. RESULTS: Forty-two higher-quality studies were included after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. There were 14 studies for skin rejuvenation, 7 for acne scars, 6 for acne vulgaris, 5 each for striae and axillary hyperhidrosis, 2 for melasma, and 1 each for rosacea, cellulite, and androgenetic alopecia. CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency microneedling is an effective intervention that can be used repeatedly and safely in combination with other treatment modalities and in individuals with darker skin phototypes. Radiofrequency microneedling-induced dermal remodeling and neocollagenesis are slow and progressive but continue to improve even 6 months after treatment.
Subject(s)
Cosmetic Techniques , Dry Needling/methods , Radiofrequency Therapy/methods , Acne Vulgaris/therapy , Cicatrix/therapy , Collagen/biosynthesis , Dry Needling/adverse effects , Dry Needling/instrumentation , Humans , Hyperhidrosis/therapy , Needles/adverse effects , Radiofrequency Therapy/adverse effects , Radiofrequency Therapy/instrumentation , Rejuvenation , Skin/metabolism , Skin/radiation effects , Skin Aging/radiation effects , Skin Pigmentation , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
The realm of scar management is constantly changing. Many factors need to be considered when developing a comprehensive treatment plan, including the nature of the scar and the patient. Scar characteristics can be divided by color, scar type and thickness, and body location. Topical and intralesional agents and light- and laserbased treatments can be used to revitalize and restore damaged skin in atrophic and hypertrophic scars. The most commonly used lasers are the pulsed-dye laser (PDL) and fractional lasers. Ideally, a combination approach using topical and intralesional medications along with pulsed-dye laser and a fractional laser should be considered in all patients wishing to undergo treatment of their hypertrophic and atrophic scars. Keloidal scars tend to be resistant to standard therapy so other modalities should be considered.