An Open-label Study Assessing the Efficacy and Tolerability of a Post-treatment Skincare Protocol Following Radiofrequency Microneedling for Facial Rejuvenation.

BACKGROUND

A post-treatment skincare protocol (Finishing Touch™ Protocol; Colorescience®, Inc.) comprising several commercial products was developed for use after minimally invasive facial procedures.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to assess the effect of this post-treatment protocol on subject experiences following radiofrequency microneedling including confidence to resume normal activities, treatment satisfaction and likelihood for retreatment.

METHODS

Healthy female subjects, aged 21 to 65 years with Fitzpatrick Skin Types I to IV seeking facial rejuvenation with radiofrequency microneedling were enrolled (N=29). The microneedling procedure was performed during the baseline visit. Digital images were obtained before and immediately following microneedling, and after post-procedure application of the skincare protocol. A nonmedicated barrier ointment was also applied prior to the skincare protocol immediately following treatment in a third group of subjects. Subsequently, the skincare protocol was applied each morning after regular skincare routines. Subjects returned after four weeks for a final assessment, a self-assessment questionnaire, and treatment satisfaction ratings.

RESULTS

Following skincare protocol application, most subjects (97%) observed improvements in skin redness and/or treatment site marks, felt more confident (90%) and were very or extremely comfortable resuming normal activities (86%). Mild-to-moderate adverse events (n=4) resolved and were consistent with adverse events reported in the literature with no bleeding immediately following the microneedling with radiofrequency treatment.

LIMITATIONS

Primary limitations were the small number of subjects and self-reported outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Based on our results, the studied post-treatment skincare protocol appeared to improve subject confidence, comfort, satisfaction, and the likelihood of a repeat radiofrequency microneedling procedure among the included patients. No reported adverse events incremental to standard microneedling were observed.