TITLE:
Comparative Study of Collagen Stimulation Using Semi-Ablative and Non-Ablative Radiofrequency
AUTHORS:
Patrícia Froes Meyer, Rodrigo Marcel Valentim da Silva, Eneida De Morais Carreiro, Rafaella Rêgo Maia, Stephany Luanna Queiroga Farias, Ciro Dantas Soares, Yuri Alexander Afonso, Gustavo Felipe Pasqual, Silene Bazi Ribeiro, Roberto Tiago Alves Pinheiro
KEYWORDS:
Collagen, Flaccidity, Radiofrequency, Drug Delivery
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.10 No.6,
June
16,
2022
ABSTRACT: Objective: Comparison between semi-ablative and non-ablative radiofrequency for collagen stimulation. Method: Three volunteers with scheduled surgical procedures of abdominoplasty were selected. After the evaluation, the abdominal area was divided into three quadrants, with the right region receiving monopolar non-ablative radiofrequency (RF) application. In contrast, the left region received fractionated radiofrequency (FRF) application, using three different needle sizes (0.5, 1.5, and 3.0 mm), and the intermediate area was kept as a control. After 24 hours, surgery was performed, and the skin flaps were collected for histological and immunohistochemical analyses. Results: An increase in total collagen and type I collagen was observed in the treated groups. There was also an increase in the expression of COX-2, CD68 positive cells (macrophages), and lymphocyte markers (CD3, CD20, and NK-CD57). Furthermore, it was seen that only the use of 3.0-mm needles kept the channels open in the superficial tissue after 24 hours. There were no significant differences between the modalities. Conclusion: Non-ablative and sub-ablative radiofrequency have positive and effective results for flaccidity, demonstrating the success in collagen production. Furthermore, this study is the first to present channel opening and permanence time, which are important to optimize the action of drug delivery.