ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Multiple therapies involving ablative and nonablative techniques have been developed for the rejuvenation of photodamaged skin. Radiofrequency (RF) is emerging as a gentler, nonablative skin-tightening device that delivers uniform heat to the dermis at a controlled depth. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of bipolar radiofrequency (Polaris™) and 1,550-nm fractional erbium-glass laser (Mosaic™) for the treatment of photoaging using a randomized, split-face, patient- and evaluator-blind study. METHODS: We evaluated the clinical effects after the treatment of photoaging. Ten Asian women (Fitzpatrick skin type III to IV) underwent 9 weeks of treatment (3 sessions at 3-week intervals) with monotherapy (Polaris™) on one side of the face and combination therapy with non-ablative bipolar radiofrequency (Polaris™) and 1,550-nm fractional erbium-glass laser (Mosaic™) on the other side. RESULTS: Among 10 patients, 4 were male and 6 were female. Subjective and objective assessments showed that the combination therapy was more effective. As the number of the treatment sessions increased, there was an accompanying increase in the satisfaction level and efficacy. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that bipolar radiofrequency combined with 1,550-nm fractional erbium-glass laser could be effective treatment for photoaging.