First Evidence of Cutaneous Remodelling Induced by Synchronized Radiofrequency Aided by High-Intensity Facial Muscle Stimulation: Porcine Animal Model

Abstract

BACKGROUND The quality of one's facial appearance diminishes with aging as skin and underlying soft tissues deteriorate. Connective tissue and musculofascial degeneration leads to skin laxity and wrinkles developing. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of synchronized radiofrequency with high intensity facial stimulation technology on dermal collagen and elastin fibers in a porcine model. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eight sows were divided into Active (N = 6) and Control (N = 2) groups. Synchronized radiofrequency and high intensity facial stimulation were delivered to the ventrolateral abdomen. The Active group received four 20-minute treatments, once a week. Control group was untreated. Skin biopsy sample were histologically analyzed for connective tissue changes pre- and post-treatment. Data were analyzed statistically (α = 0.05). RESULTS In the Active group: the collagen-occupied area at baseline was 1.12 ± 0.09 × 106 μm2 and increased by +19.6% (p < .001) at 1-month and by +26.3% (p < .001) 2 months post-treatment; elastin-occupied area at baseline was 0.11 ± 0.03 × 106 μm2 and increased by +75.9% (p < .001) at 1-month and +110.8% (p < .001) at 2-months follow-up. No significant changes (p > .05) found in the Control samples. CONCLUSION Collagen and elastin fiber content increased significantly after treatments. Connective tissue in the treatment area was denser up to 2-months post-treatment.