Efficacy and Safety of Using Noninsulated Microneedle Radiofrequency Alone Versus in Combination with Polynucleotides for the Treatment of Melasma: A Pilot Study
Issued Date
2022-06-01
Resource Type
ISSN
21938210
eISSN
21909172
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85129757403
Journal Title
Dermatology and Therapy
Volume
12
Issue
6
Start Page
1325
End Page
1336
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Dermatology and Therapy Vol.12 No.6 (2022) , 1325-1336
Suggested Citation
Gulfan M.C.B., Wanitphakdeedecha R., Wongdama S., Jantanapornchai N., Yan C., Rakchart S. Efficacy and Safety of Using Noninsulated Microneedle Radiofrequency Alone Versus in Combination with Polynucleotides for the Treatment of Melasma: A Pilot Study. Dermatology and Therapy Vol.12 No.6 (2022) , 1325-1336. 1336. doi:10.1007/s13555-022-00728-8 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/85832
Title
Efficacy and Safety of Using Noninsulated Microneedle Radiofrequency Alone Versus in Combination with Polynucleotides for the Treatment of Melasma: A Pilot Study
Author's Affiliation
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Introduction: This split-face, double-blind, randomized controlled study investigated the efficacy and safety of using a microneedling radiofrequency (RF) device with polynucleotides (PN) versus RF alone for the treatment of melasma. Methods: Thirty adult participants with melasma (Fitzpatrick skin types III–V) received three treatments with an invasive, bipolar, pulsed-type microneedling RF device on both sides of the face. The treatment sessions occurred once every 2 weeks. The hemifaces of each participant were designated for treatment and control with PN and normal saline solution (NSS), applied after treatment with RF. Measurements were made of melanin index (MI), erythema index (EI), skin roughness (by the Antera 3D system), modified melasma area severity index (mMASI) for each hemiface, and patients’ self-assessed improvement. These occurred at baseline and again following the final treatment (2 weeks and 1, 2, 3, and 6 months after). Mean values were obtained for MI, EI, skin roughness, and mMASI. A generalized estimating equation (GEE) was used to compare the obtained values for the outcome measures across all assessment points. Results: All patients were women (mean age, 43.2 ± 7.0 years). Mixed melasma predominated (61.5%; n = 16), and the mean duration of melasma was 8.9 ± 6.5 years. Twenty-six participants were followed up to the 6-month assessment point. Significant improvements were observed from baseline in MI, skin roughness, and mMASI scores for both the PN and control sides at 6 months, with no statistically significant differences between sides. Patients’ self-assessed improvement scores also showed a positive trend. Melasma recurrence was observed in three patients at 2, 3, and 4 months after the last treatment session (10% recurrence rate). Conclusions: The combination of an invasive, bipolar, pulsed-type microneedling RF with PN is not superior compared with microneedling RF alone in the treatment of melasma. Microneedling RF may be considered as safe and efficacious for the improvement of skin roughness, and as an adjunctive treatment option for melasma. Clinical Trial Registration: This study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov and assigned NCT number TCTR20210804002.