Sponsored by ENDYMED
Acne vulgaris affects about 9% of the global population and about 85% of people ages 12 to 24 years. Even when it is gone, acne can leave permanent physical scarring, which negatively affects quality of life and self-image. This scarring has been linked with increased rates of anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation, as reported in a review published in November 2021 in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).1
Acne scars can be difficult to treat with a single modality. Clinicians might turn to chemical peels, dermabrasion, surgical excision, subcision and laser treatments only to find that while these treatments have their advantages, they also have disadvantages, including causing pigmentary changes especially in darker skin types.
Another option that has been shown in studies to safely and effectively treat acne scars without causing the adverse events associated with other treatments is fractional radiofrequency (RF) microneedling, available via ENDYMED’s (Freehold, N.J.) Intensif RF microneedling device featuring 3DEEP technology. Intensif offers an adjustable needle depth of 0.5 mm to 5.0 mm and non-insulated needles.
In a study, 19 patients with acne scars received two to six treatments of ENDYMED 3DEEP Intensif fractional RF microneedling. Researchers concluded the Intensif, “provides a highly effective minimally invasive treatment for acne scars, skin texture improvement and pore size reduction, with a short downtime and high subjective satisfaction rates.”2
Haleh Bakshandeh, MD, a dermatologist in Beverly Hills, Calif., uses ENDYMED Intensif for acne scarring and textural skin issues. “Small divots and pits caused by moderate to severe acne is such a source of psychosocial distress for people,” she said. “The microneedling combined with radiofrequency offers a great modality to stimulate collagen in this kind of scarring.”
According to Dr. Bakshandeh, ENDYMED’s technology has improved microneedling in several ways. “For starters, the depth of penetration is greater than most microneedling devices. More importantly, the timing of the RF energy pulse emitted is such that deeper tissues are targeted, thus avoiding surface damage. This is evident in the minimal downtime experienced after the procedure,” she shared. “The computerized panel allows the physician to target areas of the face and neck with various depths of penetration and strengths of energy.
“That same collagen stimulation that improves the appearance of acne scars is key for anti-aging and rejuvenation,” Dr. Bakshandeh continued. For this reason, she feels the Intensif is a great modality for skin tightening.
“ENDYMED Intensif has been a game changer because there are so many people seeking improvement in skin texture and tightening,” Dr. Bakshandeh stated. “It is important to emphasize that performing repeated treatments is the best way to achieve superior results. I am a firm believer that repeated micro-injury and collagen stimulation is the best way to optimize overall treatment outcomes.”
Clinicians also can rejuvenate skin using ENDYMED in combination with other treatments. In a study published recently in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, authors conducted a retrospective analysis that looked at using ENDYMED RF in combination with fractional skin resurfacing (FSR) for periocular skin aging. They reported the combination safely and effectively improved skin moisture, elasticity, wrinkles, pore size and texture.3
References:
1. Eichenfield DZ, Sprague J, Eichenfield LF. (2021). Management of Acne Vulgaris: A Review. JAMA. 326(20), 2055–2067.
2. Elawar, A., & Dahan, S. (2018). Non-insulated Fractional Microneedle Radiofrequency Treatment with Smooth Motor Insertion for Reduction of Depressed Acne Scars, Pore Size, and Skin Texture Improvement: A Preliminary Study. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 11(8), 41–44.
3. Gao, L., Kang, H., Li, Y., Lu, M., Song, W., Wang, Y., Li, K., Wang, L., & Wang, G. (2020). Clinical Efficacy and Safety of 3DEEP Multisource Radiofrequency Therapy Combined with Fractional Skin Resurfacing for Periocular Skin Aging. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 13(3), 41–44.
