Resumo

Objectives: As a growing population seeks to improve skin health and appearance, optimizing clinical outcomes with fewer treatments and minimal downtime is valued. This study evaluates a protocol for combination treatments using selective waveband technology (SWT) intense pulsed light (IPL) and a 3-depths-in-1, short-pulse bipolar radiofrequency microneedling device (RFMN) for targeted skin treatments. Treatments addressed port wine stains, irregular texture, acne scars, dyspigmentation, and rosacea. Clinical and dermoscopy imaging evaluated baseline and follow-up reductions in skin conditions over time.  Introduction: In recent decades, aesthetic medicine has rapidly advanced with new technologies to improve clinical outcomes. Innovations such as selective waveband technology (SWT) and bipolar fractional radiofrequency (RF) microneedling (RFMN) deliver targeted energy to the skin while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue and reducing risks of complications. RFMN uses ultrathin microneedles to deliver thermal energy at up to three depths in a single insertion, whereas SWT IPL emits a narrow wavelength of light targeting the epidermis and superficial dermis. Materials / method: A cohort of fifteen participants underwent at least one combination treatment session with SWT IPL targeting melanin in benign pigmented lesions and hemoglobin in dilated blood vessels and 3 depths-in-1 insertion short-pulse bipolar RFMN to specific facial zones to treat deeper dermal tissue and further enhance skin texture and firmness. Standardized clinical photography and dermoscopy imaging was taken at each study visit for assessment of skin response post-treatment and efficacy comparing baseline to follow-up visit. Results: Following the combination of the SWT IPL and RFMN treatment series, patients experienced significant improvement in targeted indication for treatment and global aesthetic appearance. Furthermore, dermoscopy imaging reveals clinically meaningful reduction in skin texture, acne scarring, dyspigmentation and improvement in vascular conditions such as rosacea and port wine stains. All patients reported satisfaction with clinical results following the treatment series while noting little to no social downtime. Conclusion: Given our clinical experience with combined SWT IPL and RFMN in one session, we propose that this combination energy-based treatment is safe and efficacious for various skin conditions. It better addresses multiple epidermal and dermal layers without compromising safety. Combining these technologies in a single visit offers a comprehensive approach to dermatology and aesthetic medicine, improving clinical results as seen through physical evaluation and dermoscopy. This research underscores the potential of combined laser therapies and supports future studies to optimize therapeutic strategies.