Selective electrothermolysis of the sebaceous glands: treatment of facial seborrhea.
BACKGROUND
There are few publications on facial seborrhea treatment. A focused therapy is needed.


OBJECTIVE
Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of electrothermolysis of the sebaceous glands.


METHODS
In the preliminary studies, histologic changes in the cheek skin by electrothermolysis were examined by light microscopy. In the clinical studies, 15 adult women subjects with facial seborrhea were treated four times by the same procedure. A 1.50-mm-long needle with a 0.45-mm base insulation was inserted into pores in the forehead and cheeks, and a high-frequency electrical current was applied for 0.25 to 0.50 seconds with an output of 40 W. Each treatment took 60 to 90 minutes. The subjects returned for 6-months follow-up after their fourth treatment.


RESULTS
Histology 1 and 6 months later showed fewer sebaceous glands and the development of fibrosis. All 12 subjects who completed the 6-month follow-up gave a subjective assessment of continuous reduction of facial seborrhea. On a scale of 0.0 to 3.0, the mean improvement score was 1.67+/-0.75. The mean reduction rate of skin surface lipids was 31.5% by sebumeter (p< .01).


CONCLUSIONS
Even though this is a pilot, uncontrolled clinical assessment study, electrothermolysis of sebaceous glands may be an effective and safe approach for facial seborrhea treatment.
Kobayashi
Toshio
T
Aoyama Kobayashi Clinic, Tokyo, Japan. kobayashi@clinic.ac
Tamada
Shinji
S
D000328:Adult; D012628:Dermatitis, Seborrheic / Q000628:therapy*; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced; D012627:Sebaceous Glands / Q000528:radiation effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome