title: The safety and efficacy of a combined diode laser and bipolar radiofrequency compared with combined infrared light and bipolar radiofrequency for skin rejuvenation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  As the demand for noninvasive procedures for skin rejuvenation is increasing, combined diode laser and radiofrequency and combined infrared and radiofrequency devices have recently emerged.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To compare Polaris WRA(TM), a combination device of diode light and RF, and ReFirme ST(TM), a combination device of infrared and bipolar RF, in terms of safety and efficacy on skin rejuvenation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fourteen Korean volunteers of skin type II-IV, with facial laxity and periorbital rhytids, received three treatments at 3-week intervals with combined diode laser and bipolar radiofrequency (laser fluence 30 J/cm2, RF fluence 90 J/cm3) on the right half of their faces and combined infrared light and bipolar radiofrequency (RF fluence 120 J/cm3) on the left half of their faces. Clinical photos of front and bilateral sides of the subjects' faces were taken at baseline and at 6, 9, 12 weeks after the treatment initiation. The investigators' and the subjects' global assessments were performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There is no statistically significant difference in the overall outcome between Polaris WRA(TM) and Refirme ST(TM) based on pre- and post-treatment objective measurements. Polaris WRA(TM) was more effective than Refirme ST(TM) at reducing wrinkles when therapeutic results of the two appliances were compared based on the patient satisfaction measurements. After the treatment with both instruments, histological increase in the production and rearrangement of collagen fibers at the dermal layer was observed. The density of the collagen fibers was more increased with the Polaris WRA(TM)-treated facial area than that of Refirme ST(TM). Treatment was generally well tolerated, and there was no serious complication.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In this study, both the lasers appeared to be safe, and effective methods for treating skin laxity and facial wrinkles. Combined diode laser and radiofrequency was more effective than combined infrared and radiofrequency at reducing wrinkles and pores when the therapeutic results of both the appliances were compared.
authors.affiliation: Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Korea.
authors.forename: Yeon Jin
authors.initials: YJ
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.forename: Jung Yeon
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Ji Young
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Ahn
authors.forename: Myeung Nam
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Mi Youn
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Park
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005145:Face / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007259:Infrared Rays / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D054023:Lasers, Semiconductor / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011846:Radio Waves / Q000009:adverse effects; D000078702:Radiofrequency Therapy; D012060:Rejuvenation; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000473:pathology