Analysis of histologic and clinical changes associated with Polaris WR treatment of facial wrinkles.
BACKGROUND
The Polaris WR is a device that combines laser energy with radiofrequency (RF) treatment to provide more focused RF energy on the skin to reduce wrinkles and/or tighten skin. Clinical results have varied from highly visible to no obvious reduction in wrinkles.


OBJECTIVE
This prospective study investigated whether there was any corollary between clinical results, standardized VISIA (Canfield Imaging Systems, Fairfield, NJ) and digital photographs, and skin biopsy analysis after the treatment of facial wrinkles with the Polaris WR device.


METHODS
Fifteen patients received four full-face treatments. Biopsy of the treated skin was performed before and 1 and 3 months after their last treatment. A VISIA computer analysis of facial wrinkle density and depth was performed before any treatment and then 3 months after the last treatment. Digital photographs were reviewed by four surgeons to evaluate wrinkle reduction at 3 and 6 months after the four treatments.


RESULTS
Physicians' ratings of these digital images revealed that 58% of the patients were improved at 3 months after treatment, and 42% were still improved at 6 months. The patient questionnaire responses revealed that 75% of patients felt that they looked better at 3 months, and 67% felt that they remained improved 6 months after their last treatment. VISIA photographic analysis demonstrated that 67% of the patients had fewer and/or shallower wrinkles at their 3-month visit. The average degree of improvement with VISIA analysis was 30%. Biopsy specimens in the group of patients that were defined as improved by VISIA assessment showed a greater dermal thickness and interfibrillar spacing P < .024). Two patients received superficial second-degree burns that did not require corrective treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Improvement in skin wrinkling after Polaris WR therapy was confirmed in patients at 3 months after treatment by physician assessment, VISIA analysis, and patient assessment, with a lower rate of improvement at 6 months after treatment. VISIA analysis tended to confirm patient assessments. Physician assessments of improvement tended to be lower.
Kulick
Michael I
MI
Gajjar
Nupoor A
NA