Background: The cosmetic appearance of skin is substantially influenced by the organization of connective fibers and underlying subcutaneous tissue. It has been previously documented that radiofrequency and pressure energies alone are able to improve skin appearance; however, detailed histological evaluation should be done to determine their synergistic effect.
Aims: This histological study investigates the difference between simultaneous and consecutive application of monopolar radiofrequency with targeted pressure energy on porcine skin.
Methods: In a total of four weekly abdominal treatments, simultaneous emission of the energies was applied to two pigs (12 minutes per session); additionally, two pigs were treated consecutively (12 + 12 minutes per session). The 5th pig served as a control subject. Biopsies were obtained at baseline, after the 4th treatment, and at 1-month follow-up. Primary outcomes were to document changes of dermal and hypodermal tissues.
Results: In the treated subjects, the amount of collagen and elastin fibers increased significantly (P < .001). At follow-up, simultaneous application showed a significantly higher increase in collagen and elastin fibers (by 59% and 64%, respectively), when compared to consecutive. Thickness of the dermis increased more in the pigs treated simultaneously (+848.8 µm/50.17%; P < .001). Treated tissue also showed the upper part of dermis to be rich in blood vessels and better organized interlobular septa in hypodermis. No significant change was observed in the control subject.
Conclusion: Simultaneous application produces significantly more profound changes, when compared to consecutive treatment. Further research is needed but our findings represent a new potential treatment of various skin conditions like cellulite or laxity.
Keywords: collagen; dermis; elastin; radiofrequency; targeted pressure energy.
© 2019 The Authors. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.