Comparative histometric analysis of the effects of high-intensity focused ultrasound and radiofrequency on skin |
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Authors: | Dong Hye Suh Jeong Hwee Choi Sang Jun Lee Ki-Heon Jeong Kye Yong Song |
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Institution: | 1. Department of Dermatology, Arumdaun Nara Dermatologic Clinic, Seoul, Korea;2. Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea;3. Department of Pathology, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea |
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Abstract: | Introduction: High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and radiofrequency (RF) are used for non-invasive skin tightening. Neocollagenesis and neoelastogenesis have been reported to have a mechanism of controlled thermal injury. Objective: To compare neocollagenesis and neoelastogenesis in each layer of the dermis after each session of HIFU and monopolar RF. Methods: We analyzed the area fraction of collagen and elastic fibers using the Masson's Trichrome and Victoria blue special stains, respectively, before and after 2 months of treatments. Histometric analyses were performed in each layer of the dermis, including the papillary dermis, and upper, mid, and deep reticular dermis. Results: Monopolar RF led to neocollagenesis in the papillary dermis, and upper, mid, and deep reticular dermis, and neoelastogenesis in the papillary dermis, and upper and mid reticular dermis. HIFU led to neocollagenesis in the mid and deep reticular dermis and neoelastogenesis in the deep reticular dermis. Among these treatment methods, HIFU showed the highest level of neocollagenesis and neoelastogenesis in the deep reticular dermis. Conclusions: HIFU affects deep tissues and impacts focal regions. Monopolar RF also affects deep tissues, but impacts diffuse regions. We believe these data provide further insight into effective skin tightening. |
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Keywords: | high-intensity focused ultrasound monopolar radiofrequency neocollagenesis neoelastogenesis |
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