Clinical Evaluation of Safety and Efficacy of Fractional Radiofrequency Facial Treatment of Skin Type VI Patients

INTRODUCTION: It has been well established that patients with darker skin types (Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI) have an increased incidence of thermal induced side effects from laser and radio frequency (RF) treatments. Complications include a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, and scarring, leading to unsatisfactory clinical outcomes. Fractional technologies improve the safety when treating patients with skin of color by treating only fractions of the skin while leaving a healing reservoir of untreated skin that improves the healing process. Fractional RF tips with coated pins may offer a more advantageous safety profile, particularly in the skin-of-color population (Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI) by increasing the protection of the epidermal layer by minimizing epidermal heating The current study was intended to evaluate the safety and efficacy of fractional RF technology for the treatment of patients with Fitzpatrick skin type VI. METHODS: 35 subjects with skin type VI received 3 sessions of facial treatments, 4 weeks apart using a fractional RF device with 24 pin coated tip. The treatment's safety and efficacy were evaluated at 2 follow-up visits, 6 and 12 weeks after the last treatment. RESULTS: Skin characteristics evaluations, including Fitzpatrick Wrinkles Classification, acne scars, and overall facial appearance demonstrated improvement in follow-up visits comparing to baseline. No significant unexpected adverse events were detected. CONCLUSION: The current study proves the safety and efficacy of the fractional RF treatment modality with coated pins tips for skin rejuvenation treatments resulting in improved wrinkles, acne scars, and overall skin appearance, in patients with skin type VI. J Drugs Dermatol. 2018;17(11):1169-1172.