A prospective, split face, single-blinded study looking at the use of an infrared device with contact cooling in the treatment of skin laxity in Asians

Background: Although monopolar radiofrequency treatment is effective in the improvement of skin laxity, the pain and cost that are associated with this method suggest the need for alternative treatment options. Recently, an infrared device with contact cooling has been shown to be effective in the treatment of skin laxity, with ultrastructural changes observed that are similar to those that are observed following treatment with a monopolar radiofrequency device. However, no control was included in previous studies. Objective: To conduct a prospective, split-face, single-blinded study to look at the efficacy and complications among Asians of treatment for skin tightening with an infrared device with contact cooling. Method: Thirteen Chinese women were treated. An infrared device with contact cooling (Titan, Cutera, Brisbane, CA) was used to treat one side of the face and the untreated side served as the control. The treatment was performed twice with a 4-week interval between the treatments and the patients were followed up by subjective assessment using a structured questionnaire I and 3 months after the second (and last) treatment. In all cases, pre- and post-treatment clinical photographs were taken. Two independent observers assessed the photographs. Results: Twenty-three percentage of patients reported mild improvement, 15% reported moderate improvement, and 54% reported significant improvement 3 months after their second (and last) treatment. In terms of objective assessment, 41% of patients were identified to have some degree of improvement of the treated side 3 months after their second treatment. Compared with the untreated side, the treated side improved significantly (P = 0.031) at 1 and 3 months after the second treatment. Blistering occurred in one patient, which had resolved completely by the 3-month follow-up visit. Conclusion: An infrared device with contact cooling can be used effectively and safely for the treatment of skin laxity, especially in smaller anatomical areas.