Effectiveness of Combining High-Intensity Focused Radiofrequency and Non-Ablative Fractional Laser for Improving the Appearance of the Aging Face and Neck

Background: The safety and effectiveness of high-intensity precision radiofrequency (RF) for rejuvenating the aging neck and face, and of fractional laser therapy for treating photodamaged skin have each been previously demonstrated. Objective: To assess the effects of combining high-intensity precision RF and fractional laser therapy for treating the aging face and neck. Methods and Materials: Subjects (N=19) with Fitzpatrick skin types I to VI and mild-to-moderate solar elastosis and sun or age-related pigmentation on the face and/or neck were sequentially treated with high-intensity precision RF and fractionated laser devices during the same session. Three sessions were completed 30 days apart. Assessments were made 90 days after the last treatment. Results: Both Clinician and Subject Global Assessment of Improvement scores indicated clinical improvement (n=16, 84%) or no change (n=3, 16%) in skin quality. Clinical improvement was also observed in 16 subjects (68%) in masked assessment. Most subjects (90%) noted improved skin quality and 74% expressed at least some satisfaction with their treatment results. The most common adverse events were erythema (n=57, 45%) and edema (n=45, 35%). Conclusion: The results of this study establish the safety and effectiveness of combined treatment with a 1927 nm thulium laser and a high-intensity precision RF device. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03409965. J Drugs Dermatol. 2019;18(1):59-64.

Primary Axillary Hyperhidrosis Treatment Using High Intensity Focused Fractional Radiofrequency Microneedling.

Primary axillary hyperhidrosis (PAH), or excessive sweating limited to the axillary area, is a debilitating disease that severely and negatively impacts social and psychological well-being. Several treatment options are available for PAH; however, these options have been shown to provide varying effectiveness. Recent studies have suggested another treatment alternative offering an effective PAH treatment option with reported long-term results. High intensity focused fractional radiofrequency (HIFRF) microneedling is FDA cleared for the treatment of facial wrinkles. The system is designed with a unique technology that is safe for use on patients presenting with all skin types. Based on its unique design and the clinical trial experience reported in the literature by Kim, et al1 and others,2,5 we offer it to our patients as a beneficial treatment option for primary axillary hyperhidrosis (PAH). We present here a clinical experience summary from three US centers providing hyperhidrosis treatments using the high-intensity radio-frequency device, including treatment parameters, clinical outcomes, and pre- and post-treatment images. J Drugs Dermatol. 2018;17(7):745-748.

Multi-Center Pilot Study to Evaluate the Safety Profile of High Energy Fractionated Radiofrequency With Insulated Microneedles to Multiple Levels of the Dermis.

In this multi-center pilot study, the safety pro le of high intensity focused radiofrequency (RF) delivered to the dermis was evaluated for safety in the treatment of the aging neck and face. A newly designed insulated microneedle system delivers a signi cant coagulative thermal injury into the dermis while sparing the epidermis from RF injury. Thirty- ve healthy subjects from seven aesthetic practices were evaluated, and data from each were incorporated in this case report. The subjects received a single treatment using settings that delivered the highest RF energies suggested from the new recommended protocols. The depth of thermal delivery was adjusted before each pass and all subjects received a minimum of two to three passes to the treated areas. Before and after photographs along with adverse effects were recorded. This case report demonstrates the ability to deliver significant RF thermal injury to several layers of the dermis with insulated microneedles safely with little injury to the epidermis and minimum downtime.

Evaluation of the Hydrophilic, Cohesive, and Physical Properties of Eight Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: Clinical Implications of Gel Differentiation.

Background: Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are used to treat an array of aesthetic indications. Proper filler selection is paramount for successful patient outcomes. However, many important physiochemical and physical properties that impact HA gel behavior remain undefined. Purpose: To evaluate the hydrophilicity, cohesivity and particle size of eight commercial HA fillers manufactured by either Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid (NASHA) or Optimal Balance Technology (OBT) techniques. Methods and Materials: Three individual in vitro experiments were performed to assess HA swelling capacity, cohesion, and particle size. Image analyses, blinded evaluation using the Gavard-Sundaram Cohesivity Scale, and laser diffraction technology were utilized, respectively. Results: Compared to fillers manufactured with NASHA technology, OBT products demonstrated greater swelling capacity, cohesion, and wider particle size distributions. Strong positive correlations between swelling factor, degree of cohesivity, and increasing widths of the particle size distributions were observed. Conclusions: The hydrophilicity, cohesivity and particle size distributions vary among HA fillers manufactured with different techniques. The creation of new labels identifying products based on their unique combination of physiochemical and physical characteristics may help guide appropriate selection of HA fillers to optimize patient outcomes.

Ultrasound for the Aesthetic Injector.

The use of ultrasound has become ubiquitous in the health care industry. Several ultrasound applications may be beneficial for aesthetic injectors. Aesthetic injectors can use ultrasound to visualize needles or cannulas and confirm the exact location of the tip. Using ultrasound guidance can improve nodule management. Perhaps, the most beneficial aspect of ultrasound guidance is its ability to identify and assist with vascular occlusions. The available ultrasound systems appropriate for aesthetic injectors are handheld or cart systems. When purchasing ultrasound systems, practitioners must weigh the advantages and disadvantages of a cart system (i.e., better resolution, higher cost, greater space requirements) compared with the advantages and disadvantages of a handheld system (i.e., increased portability, lower costs, less resolution). High-frequency ultrasound is rapidly being adopted by aesthetic injectors. It is time to consider adding an ultrasound system to your practice to increase safety and provide better outcomes for your patients.

Radiofrequency Microneedling: Overview of Technology, Advantages, Differences in Devices, Studies, and Indications.

Radiofrequency (RF) skin rejuvenation is improved using RF microneedling (RFM) devices. More aggressive treatments are performed safely with minimal downtime than previous RF devices. Optimizing treatment parameters is essential for safety and efficacy. Multiple RFM studies support minimal risks even in dark skin types. RFM has been used to treat acne scarring successfully as well as skin laxity and hyperhidrosis.