Use of Optical Coherence Tomography to Assess Properties of Cutaneous Defects Following Radiofrequency Microneedling and Laser Treatment

• Published in: Lasers in surgery and medicine 2024-11, Vol.56 (9), p.762-769
• Main Authors: Seiger, Kira, Driscoll, William, Messele, Feben, Golbari, Nicole M., Fan, Xiying, Holmes, Jon, Zachary, Christopher B.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Defects; device‐assisted drug delivery; Drug delivery; Energy levels; Fiber lasers; fractional non‐ablative laser; In vivo methods and tests; Lasers; Optical Coherence Tomography; Optical properties; Radio frequency; radiofrequency microneedling; Thulium; Time measurement; Tomography
• ISSN: 0196-8092; 1096-9101; 1096-9101
• DOI: 10.1002/lsm.23840

ABSTRACT Objectives To characterize the properties of cutaneous defects created by energy‐based devices using optical coherence tomography. Materials and Methods Radiofrequency (RF) microneedling and non‐ablative fractional laser (NAFL) treatment were performed in vivo with various parameters. Following treatment, optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to image and measure cutaneous defects at multiple time points over a 24 h period. Results Channel‐like cutaneous defects were visible with OCT following bipolar RF microneedling and NAFL treatment. Using a double pulse technique with RF microneedling yielded a greater number of defects visible with OCT, as well as defects that were deeper and more durable over time. Following treatment with 1927 nm thulium fiber laser, the average diameter of the defects was greater when the energy level was 20 mJ as compared to 10 mJ (0.33 mm vs. 0.27 mm, p