Single-treatment skin tightening by radiofrequency and long-pulsed, 1064-nm Nd: YAG laser compared.
OBJECTIVE
To compare single-treatment facial skin tightening achieved with the current radiofrequency (RF) protocol with single-treatment tightening achieved with the long-pulsed, 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser.


METHODS
A total of 12 patients were treated with RF energy on one side of the face and laser energy on the other. Results were evaluated on a numerical scale (0-12 with 12 = greatest enhancement) from pre- and posttreatment photographs by a blinded panel.


RESULTS
Upper face improvement (posttreatment score minus pretreatment score) was essentially the same on both sides (30.2 and 31.3% improvement for laser and RF, respectively, P=0.89). Lower face improvement was greater in the laser-treated side (35.7 and 23.8% improvement for laser and RF, respectively), but the difference was not significant (P=0.074). Overall face improvement was significantly greater on the laser-treated side (47.5 and 29.8% improvement for laser and RF, respectively, P=0.028).


CONCLUSIONS
A single high-fluence treatment with the long-pulse 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser may improve skin laxity more than a single treatment with the RF device. Further controlled split-face or very large non-self controlled studies are needed to conclusively determine the relative efficacies of the two technologies.
Key
Douglas J
DJ
Key Laser Institute for Aesthetic Medicine, Peterkort Centre One, 9555 SW Barnes Road, Ste. 390, Portland, Oregon 97225, USA.
D000535:Aluminum / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D016634:Radiosurgery; D012867:Skin / Q000528:radiation effects*; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000528:radiation effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015019:Yttrium / Q000627:therapeutic use*
C503779:yttrium-aluminum-garnet; D015019:Yttrium; D000535:Aluminum