The efficacy of radiofrequency, intense pulsed light and carboxytherapy in facial rejuvenation

Skin aging may be divided into intrinsic and extrinsic aging or photoaging. The first is a natural, slow and gradual process. The second is exacerbated by environmental factors such as improper exposure to sunlight. There are a myriad of therapeutic modalities that can improve photoaging. Intense pulsed light, radiofrequency and carboxytherapy are good procedural modalities to improve skin aging. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of IPL, RF, and carboxytherapy in facial rejuvenation. This study included 60 patients with facial wrinkles. Patients were divided into three groups. Group 1 was treated with IPL, group 2 was treated with radiofrequency while group 3 was treated with carboxytherapy. All patients received four sessions with 3–4 week interval and followed up after 3 months after the end of treatment. Patients were assessed by digital photographing and skin biopsies before and after treatment. There was a significant difference in the percentage of improvement and patients' satisfaction with more significance in group 1, followed by group 3 then group 2. IPL was the more effective, followed by carboxytherapy then RF at the end in facial rejuvenation. These results were confirmed by immunohistochemical expression of MMP1.