Med Lasers.  2023 Sep;12(3):168-173. 10.25289/ML.23.028.

Benefits of the concomitant use of radiofrequency microneedling and a 1,927 nm fractional thulium laser for treating aging skin and acne scars in Algeria: a retrospective chart review

• Rahali YM

• KMID: 2551150
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.25289/ML.23.028

Abstract

Background
Skin aging is a naturally occurring process. However, patients are often unhappy with the agerelated changes in skin appearance such as wrinkles, pigmentation, and laxity. Radiofrequency microneedling and the 1927 thulium laser have both been independently explored extensively for these conditions. However, while the combined use of the two is believed to be both safe and efficacious, the efficacy of the combination remains largely unexplored in clinical trials.
Methods
A series of 22 patient cases was reviewed. All patients were treated with a radiofrequency microneedling device followed immediately by a full-face 1927 thulium laser treatment. Treatment cycles were performed every 2 to 3 months and the relevant clinical parameters, side effects, and patient responses were evaluated after each cycle. Patients were asked to return up to 3 months following their final treatment to collect end-of-treatment photographs, which were reviewed as part of this evaluation.
Results
All patients reported that they were either satisfied or very satisfied with the treatment. The physician reviews were similar, with a mean satisfaction score of 3.5 out of 4. Blinded evaluators correctly identified the posttreatment image 88.8% of the time. No adverse events other than the expected erythema, edema, and pinpoint bleeding following the radiofrequency microneedle treatment were reported by the patients. Clinically significant improvement was seen in the overall appearance of the tissue, and skin tightening and overall brightening of the treated areas was noted in most patients.
Conclusion
Combined use of a radiofrequency microneedling device with a 1927 thulium laser is not only safe but extremely efficacious in the treatment of age-related skin changes. Patients presented with significant clinical benefits in three treatment cycles with minimal impact on their daily activities.

Keyword

Radiofrequency microneedling; Thulium; Rejuvenation; Acne scars; Skin wrinkling