title: A Study Comparing the Efficacy of Monopolar Radiofrequency and Glycolic Acid Peels in Facial Rejuvenation of Aging Skin Using Histopathology and Ultrabiomicroscopic Sonography (UBM) - An Evidence Based Study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Radio frequency (RF) and chemical peels have been used for nonablative skin rejuvenation. Both of these cause collagen remodeling in the dermis and neo-collagen formation resulting in facial rejuvenation. There is limited literature on the evaluation of collagen remodeling by objective methods.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To compare the benefits of monopolar radiofrequency and glycolic acid peels in facial rejuvenation with regards to histopathology and Ultrabiomicroscopic sonography (UBM).
  
  
  METHODS
  In this study, forty patients with mild to moderate photoaging received four treatments with 3 weeks interval of monopolar radiofrequency on one side of face and glycolic acid peels in increasing concentrations (NeostrataR) on the other side. Pre and post treatment, 2 mm biopsies were taken from both preauricular areas and Ultrasonography using a 35 MHz probe was done from outer canthus of eye and nasolabial folds from both sides of face. A blinded assessment was done to measure the increase in the grenz zone and dermal thickness.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In 35/40 patients there was a significant increase in the grenz zone on histopathology and decrease in subepidermal low-echogenic band (SLEB) on UBM of the nasolabial folds on both sides of the face (p < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Radiofrequency and chemical peels showed equal efficacy in the treatment of facial rejuvenation.
authors.affiliation: Topiwala National Medical College, Dr. A. L. Nair Road, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Deepal V
authors.initials: DV
authors.lastname: Wakade
authors.affiliation: BYL Nair Charitable Hospital, Dr. A. L. Nair Road, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. chitra1202@yahoo.co.in.
authors.forename: Chitra S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Nayak
authors.affiliation: UBM Institute, Ganesh Baug, Behind Ruia College, Dadar, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Kalpana D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Bhatt
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002615:Chemexfoliation / Q000379:methods; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005145:Face / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006016:Glycolates / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007641:Keratolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011846:Radio Waves; D012060:Rejuvenation; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D006016:Glycolates; D007641:Keratolytic Agents; C031149:glycolic acid
keywords: Chemical peels; Grenz zone; Radiofrequency; SLEB