Micro-mechanical fractional skin rejuvenation.
BACKGROUND
The most commonly performed skin rejuvenation procedure, laser resurfacing, is associated with adverse events and significant expense. The authors have developed a novel device that uses micro-coring needles to remove tissue in a fractional pattern and avoid the side effects of laser therapy. The authors compare the efficacy of these needles to standard needles in a pig model.


METHODS
One swine was treated with three needle types: standard hypodermic, solid hypodermic, and the authors' novel coring needles. Thirty-two 1 × 1-inch sites per flank received either 20 or 40 percent treatment coverage. Photographs were taken and punch biopsies were performed at days 0, 7, 28, 56, and 84. Biopsy specimens were evaluated for histology and collagen content.


RESULTS
All treatment sites healed quickly, with no evidence of scarring or infection. Coring sites were easily identified and contained increased fibroblast activity and newly synthesized collagen. At 1 month, the papillary dermis and epidermis of the coring sites were up to 196 percent thicker compared with controls (p < 0.001). The coring sites had enhanced undulating rete ridges-consistent with regeneration. At 3 months, a pronounced increase in collagen fibers and newly organized and augmented elastic fibers was seen. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay confirmed an 89 percent increase in collagen content in these coring sites (p < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
This novel approach to skin rejuvenation was found to effectively induce the microscopic and biological endpoints of skin rejuvenation. This may provide a new modality for the safe and cost-effective treatment of age-related rhytides, skin laxity, photodamage, scarring, and striae.
Boston, Mass. From the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital.
Justin R
JR
Fernandes
Juan C
JC
Samayoa
G Felix
GF
Broelsch
Michael C
MC
McCormack
Alexa M
AM
Nicholls
Mark A
MA
Randolph
Martin C
MC
Mihm
William G
WG
Austen
D000818:Animals; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D009339:Needles; D012060:Rejuvenation; D012867:Skin; D013552:Swine