Objectives: To examine the clinical effects and the safety of radiofrequency microneedling device with repeated short pulses for melasma, which we introduced to improve melasma-related skin tissues and components, such as the basement membrane, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and senescent fibroblasts that are associated with pigmentation production.
Introduction: Controlling the activity of melanocytes is important in melasma treatment, and conservative therapy such as oral or topical administration of tranexamic acid and hydroquinone is commonly used. However, it cannot be used for patients with some medical diseases and there are concerns about adverse events like depigmentation due to long-term use. Low fluence of a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is usually used to treat melasma or in conjunction with conservative therapy, but even it can cause hyperfunction of melanocytes that worsen pigmentation or damage melanocytes that create mottled hypopigmentation.
Materials / method: We investigated the standard protocol, safety, and patient satisfaction of the treatment at our institution. To evaluate the clinical effects, we used a skin analysis imaging system (VISIA® Evolution, Canfield Scientific, U.S.A.) to make records before and after each treatment. The end of our evaluation period was one month after the last treatment. From January to October 2022, we conducted a treatment satisfaction survey on 16 patients who received treatment with this device after five treatments.
Results: We have performed on a cumulative total of 12,738 cases as of October 2022. No severe adverse events including melasma worsening were noted. In the results of the treatment satisfaction survey on 16 patients, 12 patients responded with a score of 3 or higher on a scale of 1 to 5. The average score for surgical pain was 3.75±1.03.
Conclusion: This device has a rejuvenation effect on the skin, helps with vascular disorders, and can be used safely with patients with melasma. Patients with melasma who are worried about enlarged pores or wrinkles can be treated simultaneously with a single device, which ultimately improves the overall skin and appearance desired by patients.
Disclosures
Did you receive any funding to support your research for this TOPIC?
No
Were you provided with any honoraria, payment or other compensation for your work on this study?
No
Do you have any financial relationship with any entity which may closely compete with the medications, materials or instruments covered by your study?
No
Do you own or have you applied for any patents in conjunction with the instruments, medications or materials discussed in your study?
No
This work was not supported by any direct or non direct funding. It is under the author's own responsability