Clinical applications

Rejuvenation

The INTRAcel single-use microneedle treatment tip has 2000 pulses and one can select between bipolar and monopolar RF treatment mode. For the best results, multiple treatment passes with a 50% overlap at different depths and vector directions are used. According to the preliminary biopsy studies reported by Jeisys8, lower energy delivery in FRM-monopolar mode seems to achieve the thickening of the collagen fibres, while higher energies seem to up-regulate fibroblast production in FRM-bipolar mode.

The bipolar and monopolar microneedling can be combined with the minimally-ablative superficial RF (SSR) treatment option for a more superficial effect. The superficial RF treatment option has 6000 pulses, and improves skin tone and reduces wrinkles through mild fractional RF resurfacing. It is useful for treating the upper and lower eyelids and in combination treatments for wrinkles in the periorbital, perioral and neck areas. It can also used as an individual treatment mode.

Acne and acne scar treatment

INTRAcel FRM-bipolar and monopolar modes can be used for the treatment of mild acne. As most of the sebaceous glands can be found at a 1 mm depth, the treatment depth of 0.8–1.5 mm will result in decreased sebum production and the tightening of enlarged pores. The heat may also reduce the growth of bacteria. The treatment is performed on a monthly basis for between three and five treatment sessions. The improvement in skin condition can usually be seen from the second treatment session. INTRAcel has been widely used for acne treatment in Asian countries; however, the European experience for this indication is still limited and requires further study.

[pull_quote align=”right” ]RF has been shown to stimulate the restructuring of collagen and elastin, resulting in better skin quality and the reduction of wrinkles. [/pull_quote] In acne scars, both FRM-bipolar and FRM‑monopolar, as well as superficial RF, can be used. The final clinical result will be visible within 3 months. In the study conducted by Cho et al6, bipolar FRM resulted in improvement of acne scars in 22 patients, and a reduction of large pores in 21 out of 30 patients7. The patient satisfaction profile was favourable, with 26 patients being very satisfied or satisfied with the treatment results. The mean duration of erythema was 7.8 days and mild folliculitis was observed in two patients. With regular topical anaesthesia, with 5% Emla cream, the pain was mostly mild (n=18; 60%), but severe in two patients (n=6; 7%) and moderate in four patients (n=13; 3%). It is possible that the discomfort can effect compliance to serial treatments9.