Non‐insulated smooth motion, micro‐needles RF fractional treatment for wrinkle reduction and lifting of the lower face: International study

Introduction Skin aging occurs through both intrinsic and extrinsic processes. Fractional radiofrequency (RF) with a microneedling array is the newest form of fractional therapy to be useful in treating aging skin. The current study utilized a noninsulated fractional RF microneedling system. Methods This multicenter clinical trial saw 49 patients complete 3 monthly treatments with the new fractional RF microneedling treatments and be followed for 3 months following their last treatment. Pain during treatment was recorded as well as overall improvement using a GAIS scale. Adverse events were also noted. Results Forty‐nine patients completed all of the treatments and follow‐ups. Mild to moderate erythema were reported immediately after treatment which lasted up to 12 hours after the treatment. Pain, as measured on a 1–10 VAS, was noted to 4, on average. The average Fitzpatrick's wrinkle scale score at baseline was 5.04 ± 1.22, 1 month after 3 treatments 3.829 ± 1.69 and 3 months after 3 treatments 3.5 ± 1.66. These results are statistically highly significant (correlated T ‐test, P < 0.001). Improvement was shown in 100% of patients while 65% of patients had significant improvement (GAIS levels 3–5). Significant skin tightening and skin lifting were also observed. No unusual adverse events were noted throughout the course of the study. Conclusion This multicenter study showed significant wrinkle reduction, skin tightening, and lifting of the mid and lower face with the noninsulated fractional RF microneedling system. Lasers Surg. Med. 48:727–733, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.