SCAR REMODELLING WITH THE ASSOCIATION OF MONOPOLAR CAPACITE RADIOFREQUENCY, ELECTRIC STIMULATION AN NEGATIVE PRESSURE

Giovanni Nicoletti, MD (1-3), Paola Perugini PhD (4), Sara Bellino MD (1), Priscilla Capra PhD (4), Alberto Malovini PhD (5), Omar Jaber MD (6), Marco Tresoldi MD (1,3), Angela Faga MD (3)

Photomedicine and Laser Surgery Volume 35, Number 5, 2017 Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. Pp. 246–258

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.
4 Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
5 Laboratory of Informatics and Systems Engineering for Clinical Research, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, Pavia, Italy.
6 Freelance Plastic Surgeon, San Martino Siccomario, Pavia, Italy.

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.