A Prospective, Split-Face, Comparative Study of Combined Treatment With Fractional Microneedle Radiofrequency and Nonablative 1927-nm Fractional Thulium Fiber Laser for Wrinkle Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Fractional microneedle radiofrequency (FMR) and nonablative 1927-nm fractional thulium fiber laser (TFL) are widely used for skin rejuvenation treatment. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the efficacy and safety of combined treatment with both devices for wrinkles. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients with wrinkles were enrolled. One side of the face was treated with FMR alone, while the other side was treated with a combination of FMR and TFL. Each treatment consisted of 3 sessions at four-week intervals and patients were followed up 12 weeks after the last treatment. Overall improvement was assessed by patient global assessment (PGA) and investigator global assessment (IGA). Depression scores for the evaluation of wrinkles were objectively assessed by Antera 3D system. RESULTS: Both sides of the face led to clinical improvement in both mean PGA and IGA. Combination treatment demonstrated a greater improvement in both mean PGA and IGA compared with FMR alone. In addition, wrinkle grading scales and depression scores showed greater improvement in the combination group than in FMR alone. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that FMR and TFL comprise a good combination treatment for the treatment of wrinkles because both treatments have a synergistic effect on wrinkle improvement.

Histometric changes and epidermal FGF9 expression in carbon photoenhancer-assisted Nd:YAG laser treatment.

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-9 plays an important role in wound healing. However, the effects of non-ablative laser treatment on the expression of FGF9 have not been fully investigated. Non-ablative 1064-nm quasi-long pulsed and Q-switched Nd:YAG laser treatments were delivered to hairless mice with and without a carbon photoenhancer. For histological and immunohistochemical analyses, sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin as well as FGF9 antibody. Significantly, increased epidermal and dermal thickness was noted in mice treated with carbon photoenhancer-assisted quasi-long pulsed or Q-switched laser treatments compared to those treated without a carbon photoenhancer. Expression of FGF9 was observed in both the epidermis and dermis in all groups of mice during the healing process. Earlier and more pronounced expression of FGF9 was detected in mice treated with carbon photoenhancer-assisted quasi-long pulsed laser therapy. In addition, two peaks of pronounced FGF9 expression were observed, especially in mice that underwent carbon photoenhancer-assisted 1064-nm quasi-long pulsed Nd:YAG laser treatment. A carbon photoenhancer seems to enhance the effect of quasi-long pulsed and Q-switched Nd:YAG laser treatment. In addition, expression of FGF9 may play an important role in the healing process after laser treatments and could contribute to histometric changes.