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Targeting of sebaceous glands to treat acne by micro‐insulated needles with radio frequency in a rabbit ear model
Author(s) -
Kwon TaeRin,
Choi Eun Ja,
Oh Chang Taek,
Bak DongHo,
Im SongI,
Ko Eun Jung,
Hong Hyuck Ki,
Choi Yeon Shik,
Seok Joon,
Choi Sun Young,
Ahn Gun Young,
Kim Beom Joon
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
lasers in surgery and medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1096-9101
pISSN - 0196-8092
DOI - 10.1002/lsm.22599
Subject(s) - acne , sebaceous gland , high frequency ultrasound , radio frequency , biomedical engineering , medicine , rabbit (cipher) , animal model , surgery , ultrasound , pathology , dermatology , radiology , computer science , telecommunications , computer security
Background and Objectives Many studies have investigated the application of micro‐insulated needles with radio frequency (RF) to treat acne in humans; however, the use of a micro‐insulated needle RF applicator has not yet been studied in an animal model. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a micro‐insulated needle RF applicator in a rabbit ear acne (REA) model. Study Design/Materials and Methods In this study, we investigated the effect of selectively destroying the sebaceous glands using a micro‐insulated needle RF applicator on the formation of comedones induced by application of 50% oleic acid and intradermal injection of P. acnes in the orifices of the external auditory canals of rabbits. The effects of the micro‐insulated needle RF applicator treatment were evaluated using regular digital photography in addition to 3D Primos imaging evaluation, Skin Visio Meter microscopic photography, and histologic analyses. Results Use of the micro‐insulated needle RF applicator resulted in successful selective destruction of the sebaceous glands and attenuated TNF‐alpha release in an REA model. The mechanisms by which micro‐insulated needles with RF using 1 MHz exerts its effects may involve inhibition of comedone formation, triggering of the wound healing process, and destruction of the sebaceous glands and papules. Conclusion The use of micro‐insulated needles with RF applicators provides a safe and effective method for improving the appearance of symptoms in an REA model. The current in vivo study confirms that the micro‐insulated needle RF applicator is selectively destroying the sebaceous glands. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:395–401, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.