Anni Wong, MD, Likun Tian, MD, Enrique Gorbea, MD, Eleni A Varelas, BA, Anisha R Kumar, MD, Manoj Abraham, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (Wong, Tian, Gorbea, Varelas, Kumar), Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Facial Plastic Surgery, Westchester Medical Center (Abraham)
Background: There has been a recent paradigm shift in skin resurfacing techniques from the use of the carbon dioxide laser to fractional photothermolysis. Fractional ablative therapy causes coagulative injury to the dermis without epidermal damage, significantly improving outcomes. However, side effects include edema, crusting, and pinpoint bleeding. The use of radiofrequency therapy via Morpheus 8 device may reduce the side effect profile and longer downtime seen with fractionated laser resurfacing.
Learning Objectives: Explore efficacy and outcomes of the Morpheus 8 device
Study Objective: Examine the efficacy and outcomes of radiofrequency treatment with the Morpheus 8 device compared to fractionated laser therapy.
Study Design: A randomized, prospective split-face study will be performed.
Methods: Participants will receive microneedling and radiofrequency therapy (Morpheus 8, In Mode Aesthetics) on one side of the perioral region and ablative laser (Icon 2940, Cynosure) on the other side. Participants will return for six postoperative visits. Results will be captured via digital photography, Modified Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale and Fitzpatrick Wrinkle and Elastosis Scale. Punch biopsies will be obtained for histopathologic examination. Ethical approval obtained from New York Medical College Institutional Review Board.
Results: 10 subjects will be recruited from the clinical office of the PI. Results to follow in update.
Conclusions: Potential benefits of radiofrequency therapy with microneedling include minimizing fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, and overall tone of the perioral region. If results are equivocal, future use of Morpheus 8 will contribute to a more youthful appearance and improved satisfaction with one’s appearance in addition to benefits of reduced side effects and downtime.