Radiofrequency treatments: what can we expect?

Among non-ablative procedures in aesthetic medicine, the radiofrequency (RF) is one of the most popular for the treatment of face and body skin laxity. It can be classified as a physical bio-stimulation that produces a temperature increase on biological structures, using electromagnetic waves. The term encompasses devices having substantial differences in energy, wavelengths, handpieces dimension and structure. Moreover, for some of these, the protocols are only partially defined. The aim of this short review is to clarify some aspecst of the RF therapy starting from the physics, passing through the mechanism of action and finally, with the most suitable protocols. Contrary to mechanic waves, electromagnetic waves, physics are always transversal to the impulse and this leads to the different energy distribution in capacitive (monopolar) or resistive (bi- or multi-polar) applications. The thermal damage as therapeutic effect is a postulate that needs to be discussed and the same is true for the terms “non-surgical” and “non-ablative”, often recurrent in the scientific literature. Protocols must be optimized according to the machine and the patient, keeping in mind the possibilities of biostimulation in terms of immediate improvement and of long lasting investment in skin rejuvenation. It is mandatory to understand the possibilities and limitations of each device to perform useful, safe and correct medical treatments.

Role of antioxidants in dermal aging: an in vitro study by q-RT-PCR.

BACKGROUND: Reactive oxygen species production is the final step in skin aging. These unstable molecules can damage and destroy DNA, proteins, and membrane phospholipids. The aim of this study was to test the in vitro effect of an antioxidant precursor, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), on human dermal fibroblasts. NAC alone and a solution of NAC and amino acids together, used in aesthetic medicine as intradermal injection treatment, were tested. METHODS: The expression levels of some connective related genes (HAS1, HYAL1, ELN, ELANE, DSP, GDF6, and IGF1) were analyzed on cultures of dermal fibroblasts using real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (real time RT-PCR). RESULTS: All genes were upregulated after 24 h of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: An interesting effect of gene induction by administration of NAC and amino acids in vitro was demonstrated. Upregulation of elastin-, hyaluronic acid-, and GDF6-encoding genes supports the evidence of clinical improvement induced by NAC biostimulation in the prevention and correction of skin aging.