Targeting of Sebaceous Glands to Treat Acne by Micro-Insulated Needles With Radio Frequency in a Rabbit Ear Model

Targeting of Sebaceous Glands to Treat Acne by Micro-Insulated Needles With Radio Frequency in a Rabbit Ear Model / Lasers in Surgery and Medicine

Tae-Rin Kwon,1 Eun Ja Choi,1 Chang Taek Oh,1 Dong-Ho Bak,2 Song-I Im,2 Eun Jung Ko,1 Hyuck Ki Hong,3

Yeon Shik Choi,3 Joon Seok,1,2 Sun Young Choi,1,4 Gun Young Ahn,5 and Beom Joon Kim1,2

1Department of Dermatology, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea

2Department of Medicine, Graduate School, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea

3Medical IT Convergence Research Center, Korea Electronics Technology Institute, Gyeonggi-do, Korea

4Department of Dermatology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea

5Gowoonsesang Dermatology Clinic, Seoul, Korea

Intro : High frequency energy depends on the electric properties of the target tissue, and is independent from the chromophore. It is receiving attention as an advanced treatment method. Unlike laser treatment, it can be applied to all skin types. It is an innovation in the field of skin rejuvenation and acne (scars and pimples). The latest RF fine insulated needles transfer heat directly to the target tissue with minimal damage to the epidermis.

Background and Objectives : There has been much research done on using fine needles and RF for acne treatment, however fine insulated needle RF applicators were not used. This study evaluated the effects of RF fine insulated needles on animals and was applied to the Rabbit Ear Acne (REA) model.

Study Design/Materials and Methods : In this study, a fine insulated needle was used to selectively inject RF energy into the sebaceous glands and observe the amount of destruction induced. Acne was formed by applying 50% oleic acid on the rabbit ear, and injecting P.acne. The analysis was made using 3D Primos imaging and photography, and histological analysis.

- Four New Zealand white rabbits (female) were injected with P.acne and post-treated one week later. On the 29th day, treatment using RF fine insulated needles were made.

- A 1.2mm applicator was used, and 2, 3, 5 and 46W were applied (100ms).

Results : The results showed that the RF fine insulated needles were successful at selective destruction of sebaceous glands. The animal test results show the release of sweat glands and TNF-a (critical pathophysiologic factors related to acne formation). 1Mhz RF fine insulated needles were effective at suppressing acne formation and destroying sweat glands and papulation.

Conclusion : The RF fine insulated needle is a safe, effective treatment derived from the Rabbit Ear Acne model. According to current intravital research, RF fine insulated needles selectively destroy sebaceous glands.

Discussion

The benefit of Hironic’s ‘A-fit’ device is that it uses a 1,450nm laser and RF needle to treat acne in a single device. It provides a variety of treatments in a short timeframe to maximize the patient’s satisfaction. Furthermore, the cooling during treatment cools the epidermis resulting in a groundbreaking reduction in downtime. The bi-Polar RF helps regenerate collagen in the treatment area to enhance the satisfaction level of the patient.