Clinical evaluation of the efficacy and safety of combined bipolar radiofrequency and optical energies vs. optical energy alone for the treatment of pigmented lesions and photo-damage in aging hands

Abstract

photo-aged skin ranging from the injection of neurotoxins and a multitude of filler products of varying compositions, chemical peels, to the use of energy-based modalities, such as focused ultrasound, RF, laser and light-based technologies. However, many of the modalities, particularly peels or ablative devices that are currently used to improve the typical signs of photoaging are limited by unwanted side effects that include post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), prolonged downtime, low treatment tolerability and a risk for scarring [1][2][3][4]. Moreover rejuvenation of the hands has been associated with a higher risk for side effects than facial rejuvenation. Hand skin is thin and has few pilosebaceous units leading to a slow wound healing process and a higher risk for scarring. Thus, only low peel agent concentrations and low energies of energy-based devices can be used in this area.Ever since their inception, RF-based devices have become very popular in skin rejuvenation therapy due to the excellent treatment outcomes achievable coupled with minimal downtime, a favorable IntroductionNoninvasive skin rejuvenation therapy is becoming increasingly popular in aesthetic medicine, with innovative treatment modalities now also targeting the aging hands, a cosmetic indication that reaches beyond the more traditional aging face and décolletage indications. With noninvasive facial rejuvenation becoming very efficacious in recent years, a patient's true age is becoming apparent on the hands leading to the demand and need for efficacious treatment modalities for this area. Continued research has led to the steady development of ablative and nonablative energy-based devices that are being increasingly used for the cosmetic improvement of aging hands, which can be typically characterized by the development of dyschromias, solar lentigines, solar keratoses, fine telangiectasias, as well as a progressive loss of skin texture and skin atrophy resulting in varying degrees of wrinkling, fine lines and skin laxity that occur as a result of both intrinsic and extrinsic aging processes [1,2]. Topical agents, such as hydroquinone-based preparations and others, have long been employed to lighten and improve the cosmesis of pigmented lesions seen in aging skin; however, these topically applied preparations are not sufficiently effective in the treatment of solar lentigines (a very common complaint) and, moreover, they do not address other aspects photoaging, such as wrinkles, fine lines and skin laxity. AbstractBackground: Different treatment modalities are used for the treatment and aesthetic improvement of aging hands. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a novel technology, which combines bipolar radiofrequency (RF) and optical energies for the cosmetic treatment of aging hands.