Application of fractional radiofrequency in cosmetic dermatology / 中华皮肤科杂志

ABSTRACT

Fractional radiofrequency(FRF)is an aesthetic technique that utilizes electric current emanating from electrode or microneedle arrays to heat the dermis in a fractional pattern, with only little damage to the epidermis. The recovery process following the heat damage involves multiple heat shock proteins, matrix metalloproteinases, cytokines, etc, which can stimulate the proliferation of collagen and elastic fibers in the dermis. It has been applied to treat wrinkles, skin laxity, acne scars and other aesthetic skin problems, and has proved to be a safe and effective cosmetic method for the improvement of atrophic acne scars, inflammatory acnes and postinflammatory erythema. It has few adverse effects, including tolerable pain, transient erythema, edema and mild crusting, so the downtime is short. FRF is more suitable for populations with dark complexions because of low risks of postinflammatory hyper?pigmentation. Recently, it has been used in combination with other devices such as lasers, or been used to assist transdermal drug delivery, and has shown remarkable therapeutic effects and favorable application prospects.