Introduction: Skin aging occurs through both intrinsic and extrinsic processes. Fractional radiofrequency (RF) with a microneedling array is the newest form of fractional therapy to be useful in treating aging skin. The current study utilized a noninsulated fractional RF microneedling system.

Methods: This multicenter clinical trial saw 49 patients complete 3 monthly treatments with the new fractional RF microneedling treatments and be followed for 3 months following their last treatment. Pain during treatment was recorded as well as overall improvement using a GAIS scale. Adverse events were also noted.

Results: Forty-nine patients completed all of the treatments and follow-ups. Mild to moderate erythema were reported immediately after treatment which lasted up to 12 hours after the treatment. Pain, as measured on a 1-10 VAS, was noted to 4, on average. The average Fitzpatrick’s wrinkle scale score at baseline was 5.04 ± 1.22, 1 month after 3 treatments 3.829 ± 1.69 and 3 months after 3 treatments 3.5 ± 1.66. These results are statistically highly significant (correlated T-test, P < 0.001). Improvement was shown in 100% of patients while 65% of patients had significant improvement (GAIS levels 3-5). Significant skin tightening and skin lifting were also observed. No unusual adverse events were noted throughout the course of the study.

Conclusion: This multicenter study showed significant wrinkle reduction, skin tightening, and lifting of the mid and lower face with the noninsulated fractional RF microneedling system. Lasers Surg. Med. 48:727-733, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.