BACKGROUND: Fractional photothermolysis (FP) constitutes an effective modality of skin resurfacing by delivering thermal energy into multiple arrays of microscopic treatment zones. Radiofrequency (RF) can induce volumetric heating of dermis depending on electrical properties of target tissue. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel bipolar RF-based fractional device for the treatment of photoaged Asian faces. METHODS: Twenty-six Korean women (mean age 56, skin phototype III-IV) received three consecutive fractional RF treatments at 4- to 6-week intervals. Outcome assessments included standardized photography physician evaluation of fine lines, pores, smoothness and tightness, brightness, and overall appearance; degree of elastosis; subjective improvement scale; and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Fractional RF treatments produced moderate (26-50%) and incremental improvements in each category of physician evaluation. In particular, degree of smoothness and tightness, brightness, and overall appearance improved significantly 6 weeks after the third session from before the third session. The degree of elastosis was 5.46 at baseline, which decreased significantly to 4.05 at 6-week follow-up. Patient self-assessment paralleled the physician assessment. Adverse events were limited to mild erythema, swelling, and scabs, which usually shed 3.9 days after treatment. CONCLUSION: Fractional bipolar RF treatment is an effective treatment for facial photodamage in Asians, with a favorable safety profile.
BACKGROUND: Fractional photothermolysis (FP) constitutes an effective modality of skin resurfacing by delivering thermal energy into multiple arrays of microscopic treatment zones. Radiofrequency (RF) can induce volumetric heating of dermis depending on electrical properties of target tissue. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel bipolar RF-based fractional device for the treatment of photoaged Asian faces. METHODS: Twenty-six Korean women (mean age 56, skin phototype III-IV) received three consecutive fractional RF treatments at 4- to 6-week intervals. Outcome assessments included standardized photography physician evaluation of fine lines, pores, smoothness and tightness, brightness, and overall appearance; degree of elastosis; subjective improvement scale; and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Fractional RF treatments produced moderate (26-50%) and incremental improvements in each category of physician evaluation. In particular, degree of smoothness and tightness, brightness, and overall appearance improved significantly 6 weeks after the third session from before the third session. The degree of elastosis was 5.46 at baseline, which decreased significantly to 4.05 at 6-week follow-up. Patient self-assessment paralleled the physician assessment. Adverse events were limited to mild erythema, swelling, and scabs, which usually shed 3.9 days after treatment. CONCLUSION: Fractional bipolar RF treatment is an effective treatment for facial photodamage in Asians, with a favorable safety profile.