A prospective study of safety and efficacy of combination therapy with bipolar radiofrequency-based intense pulsed light, infrared light, and diode laser in Chinese subjects with photoaged skin.

OBJECTIVE: To further evaluate the safety and effectiveness of bipolar RF-based optical therapy combining intense pulsed light (IPL), infrared light, and diode laser in the treatment of photoaged skin in Chinese subjects.

METHODS: Twenty-seven subjects received five treatments at 3-week intervals. Triple therapy was applied in one session to the face. Images and data were obtained 30 and 180 days after the last treatment. Objective measurements (including photometric analysis of skin pigmentation, texture and wrinkles, ultrasonic measurement of dermal thickness and dermal echo intensity, and public and self-assessment of apparent age), clinical assessment, and safety were evaluated.

RESULTS: Objective measurements of pigmentation, texture, wrinkles, and dermal echo intensity improved significantly, regardless of age. Self-assessment of apparent age at 30 and 180 days was reduced by an average of 2.7 and 2.2 years, respectively, and public assessment of apparent age was reduced by an average of 3.14 years and 2.95 years, respectively. Global scores for photoaging were improved in all patients. Adverse events were generally transient and mild.

CONCLUSION: Sequential combination treatment reported here could significantly reduce skin pigmentation, texture and wrinkles, improve dermal intensity, and reduce the self and publicly perceived age. This therapy is safe and well tolerated.