A Retrospective Study of Patient Satisfaction Following a Trial of Nano-fractional RF Treatment

November 2015 | Volume 14 | Issue 11 | Original Article | 1268 | Copyright © November 2015


Martin Ray MDa and Michael Gold MDb

aView Laser Skin Rejuvenation, Delta British Columbia, Canada
bGold Skin Care Center and Tennessee Clinical Research Center, Nashville, TN

Abstract
Traditional techniques used to treat dermatological conditions have typically involved surgery or full ablation of tissue. With the emergence of fractional radiofrequency (RF) technology, treatment for various skin conditions no longer requires surgery or full ablation. Instead, these treatment techniques deliver thermal energy, derived from fractional RF energy, in a highly targeted manner through multiple micro-needles, referred to as pins. This technique hastens recovery time and leads to less reported side effects associated with traditional methods of tissue augmentation. While the efficacy of this treatment has been demonstrated, patient satisfaction has not been assessed and documented thoroughly. The current study examined patient-reported satisfaction following treatment with the Venus VivaTM as assessed across five separate domains of self-reported satisfaction; degree of comfort during treatment procedures, recovery time following treatment, convenience and efficiency of treatment appointments, treatment results, and whether the patient would recommend the treatment to a friend. Participants included 43 healthy adult volunteers who reported varying degrees of facial dermatological conditions, such as rhytides, hyperpigmentation, or the redness associated with acne vulgaris. Participants received between one and three treatments with the Venus VivaTM device. Patient satisfaction was assessed three months following the last treatment. Results indicated that patients are highly satisfied with treatments received from the Venus VivaTM device and are highly likely to recommend the procedure to a friend.

J Drugs Dermatol. 2015;14(11):1268-1271.

INTRODUCTION

As individuals age, collagen, which comprises the majority of dermal proteins, can become disorganized leading to atrophy of the epidermis.1 Evidence of this degeneration includes flattening of the dermal-epidermal junction; loss of rete processes; reduced number of fibroblasts; and decreased levels of overall collagen. Regardless of the underlying etiology, most aesthetic skin complaints related to aging have traditionally been treated with plastic surgery.2
Within the last decade, interest in minimally invasive or non-invasive techniques for cosmetic facial rejuvenation, with little to no down time for recovery, has grown substantially. Historically, dermatological concerns of the face, such as rhytides, striae, skin laxity or texture irregularities, have been treated with either surgical intervention or ablative dermal resurfacing techniques.3 The majority of these procedures work by destroying the epidermis and inducing dermal injury. As the skin heals, dermal collagen is then reorganized, leading to several desired secondary effects, such as skin tightening and improvement in rhytides.4 Examples of these techniques include chemical peels, dermabrasion, char-free pulsed carbon dioxide (CO2), and erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er: YAG) lasers.5,6
More recently, efforts have increased to develop a technique that provides effective treatment for dermatological conditions affecting the face, while also minimizing both post-treatment recovery time and the potential risk for infection, scarring, and hyperpigmentation. As such, attention has been given to the use of thermal energy for inducing dermal injury while preserving the integrity of the epidermal layer. Several techniques have been developed that utilize thermal energy, including both light-based systems and noninvasive lasers. Evidence from clinical evaluations of these procedures has provided support for their effectiveness in treating facial rhytides.7,8
Unlike techniques developed from light-based non-ablative resurfacing, treatment using radiofrequency (RF) energy causes thermal energy in the skin, initiating dermal injury. The thermal energy generated from RF is created by an oscillating electrical current, which causes charged molecules and ions to collide against one another to generate heat energy in the tissue. Depending on the intensity, this thermal energy can be used to stimulate or ablate targeted tissue within the body.9
The potential clinical applications of RF energy are widely varied and depend on the depth of the targeted tissue, the specific frequency used during treatment and the method which the energy is delivered to the tissue,10 though RF energy is most