title: Scar Remodeling with the Association of Monopolar Capacitive Radiofrequency, Electric Stimulation, and Negative Pressure.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  A study was established to objectively assess the effects of low-intensity electromagnetic and electric stimulation plus negative pressure on mature scars.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Radiofrequency plus negative pressure therapy demonstrated a favorable reorganization and regeneration of the collagen and elastic fibers and was proposed for the treatment of cellulitis and skin stretch marks.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-six mature scars in 20 Caucasian patients (15 females and 5 males) were enrolled in the study. The treatments were carried out with a Class I, BF-type electromedical device equipped with a radiofrequency generator, an electric pulse generator, and a vacuum pump twice a week for 3 months. Corneometry, transepidermal water loss, elastometry, colorimetry, and three-dimensional skin surface pattern were objectively assessed with Multi Probe Adapter System MPA and PRIMOS pico. A subjective assessment was carried out with the VAS and PSAS scales. Each scar was compared before and after the treatment and with the skin in the corresponding healthy contralateral anatomical area at the same times.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Reduction of the scar surface wrinkling and overall scar flattening were demonstrated after the treatment. The scar slightly tended to approach the color and elasticity of healthy skin too.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The combined local treatment of mature scars with low-intensity electromagnetic and electric stimulation in association with negative pressure might suggest a favorable synergic effect on the scar collagen and elastic fiber remodeling.
authors.affiliation: 1 Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Clinical Surgical Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia , Pavia, Italy .|2 Advanced Technologies for Regenerative Medicine and Inductive Surgery Research Center, University of Pavia , Pavia, Italy .|3 Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri , Pavia, Italy .
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Nicoletti
authors.affiliation: 4 Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia , Pavia, Italy .
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Perugini
authors.affiliation: 1 Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Clinical Surgical Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia , Pavia, Italy .
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bellino
authors.affiliation: 4 Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia , Pavia, Italy .
authors.forename: Priscilla
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Capra
authors.affiliation: 5 Laboratory of Informatics and Systems Engineering for Clinical Research, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri , Pavia, Italy .
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Malovini
authors.affiliation: 6 Freelance Plastic Surgeon, San Martino Siccomario , Pavia, Italy .
authors.forename: Omar
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Jaber
authors.affiliation: 1 Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Clinical Surgical Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia , Pavia, Italy .|3 Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri , Pavia, Italy .
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tresoldi
authors.affiliation: 1 Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Clinical Surgical Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia , Pavia, Italy .|2 Advanced Technologies for Regenerative Medicine and Inductive Surgery Research Center, University of Pavia , Pavia, Italy .|3 Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri , Pavia, Italy .
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Faga
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D017439:Cicatrix, Hypertrophic / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003124:Colorimetry; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004548:Elasticity; D054459:Elasticity Imaging Techniques / Q000379:methods; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D055909:Magnetic Field Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D054843:Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy; D011379:Prognosis; D012038:Regeneration / Q000502:physiology*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: electrical stimulation therapy; negative pressure; radiofrequency; scar