Prospective, preclinical comparison of the performance between radiofrequency microneedling and microneedling alone in reversing photoaged skin

Background There is a tremendous demand for dermal rejuvenation with minimal invasiveness and patient downtime. Aims In this study, we evaluated the performance of nonfractional monopolar radiofrequency for the improvement of photoaged skin texture and wrinkles. Methods In total, 32 6-week-old female hairless mice were randomized into four groups of eight mice each: (a) healthy control, (b) UVB-exposed, (c) UVB + microneedling, and (d) UVB + microneedle RF. After applying each treatment modality, skin surface was globally investigated and histologically evaluated senile skin change. Immunohistochemistry was tested with the primary antibody to collagen type I and III. Results After UVB exposure, the Ra value was significantly increased, leading to clinical development of wrinkles with xerotic scales. Depth and number of wrinkles showed gradual improvement in RF-treated mice. The mean Ra value of the RF-treated group decreased significantly. The RF-treated group showed decreased epidermal thickness, suppression of dermal inflammatory cell infiltration, and increased density of collagen fibers and amount of elastic fibers. Conclusions Microneedle RF treatment alleviates photoaged skin texture and wrinkles in this mouse model. To the best of our knowledge, our results provide the first evidence that a nonfractional monopolar microneedle radiofrequency device may contribute to the treatment of UV-damaged skin.