BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: A variety of laser or light-based devices have been developed for skin rejuvenation. This study evaluates the efficacy (at the microscopic level) of a combination of pneumatic energy, broadband light, and profusion tip-delivered epidermal growth factor (EGF). METHODS: Healthy adult Japanese volunteers were recruited for this study. The posterior parts of the left and right arms were treated with a device that combines pneumatic energy and broadband light (Isolaz device). The left arms were also treated with EGF through a tip. Each subject received four treatments at 10-day intervals. Biopsy specimens obtained 3 weeks after the second treatment and 3 weeks after the fourth treatment were examined for histological study. RESULTS: After two treatments, elastin fibers and fibroblasts in the dermal papillary layers of the left arms were increased compared to the right arms. A mean of 173.9 cells positive for proliferating cell nuclear antibody (PCNA) were observed on the left arm compared to 101.0 on the right arm. After the fourth treatment, angiogenesis and increased collagen fibers were observed in the dermal papillary layers of both arms. CONCLUSION: Four treatments with the addition of the profusion tip appear to hasten new collagen and elastin fiber formation, and the increase of PCNA positive cells so that dermal remodeling begins at an earlier stage than with the Isolaz alone.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: A variety of laser or light-based devices have been developed for skin rejuvenation. This study evaluates the efficacy (at the microscopic level) of a combination of pneumatic energy, broadband light, and profusion tip-delivered epidermal growth factor (EGF). METHODS: Healthy adult Japanese volunteers were recruited for this study. The posterior parts of the left and right arms were treated with a device that combines pneumatic energy and broadband light (Isolaz device). The left arms were also treated with EGF through a tip. Each subject received four treatments at 10-day intervals. Biopsy specimens obtained 3 weeks after the second treatment and 3 weeks after the fourth treatment were examined for histological study. RESULTS: After two treatments, elastin fibers and fibroblasts in the dermal papillary layers of the left arms were increased compared to the right arms. A mean of 173.9 cells positive for proliferating cell nuclear antibody (PCNA) were observed on the left arm compared to 101.0 on the right arm. After the fourth treatment, angiogenesis and increased collagen fibers were observed in the dermal papillary layers of both arms. CONCLUSION: Four treatments with the addition of the profusion tip appear to hasten new collagen and elastin fiber formation, and the increase of PCNA positive cells so that dermal remodeling begins at an earlier stage than with the Isolaz alone.