Presidential Greeting - American Society for Laser Medicine and ...

the skin over weakened connective tissue. 95% of women are affected by this phenomenon either during puberty or
pregnancy. Although being not considered as a disease, striae can affect psychologically. In this study, we are
looking at the efficiency of a new ablative fractionated bipolar radiofrequency, in terms of improvement of the global
aspect of striae, not only in depth but also in width. Study: Eight patients received one treatment per month over 4
to 6 months in the areas where the striae were more prominent (abdomen, buttocks, thighs). This new device has
the ability to place the heat energy within the dermis, with a minimal epidermal impact. All patients were treated with
the 144 pin tip at energies varying between 30 to 36 mJ/pin, with one or two passes. Results were evaluated by
clinical pictures and patient self evaluation at 1 month post last treatment. Three patients have been assessed
prior and after treatment with the Antera 3D, a novel 3D camera system, capable of objectively measuring the
global improvement of the depth of striae. Results: All patients have seen a visible improvement after the first or
second treatment. As the study is still ongoing, the final results will be given at the meeting. Treatments were
performed without any anesthesia and post operative care consisted in the application of a moisturizing cream,
twice a day, for 3 days. Conclusion: The application of this new ablative fractionated bipolar radiofrequency for
improvement of striae seems promising. This preliminary study performed with this device suggests a similar
mechanism of action on collagen as in facial treatments for acne scar improvement and wrinkle reduction.
REJUVENATION OF THE NECK WITH THE E-MATRIX FRACTIONAL RADIOFREQUENCY DEVICE
Sylvie Angel, Jean-Michel Mazer, Paris, France
Background: Rejuvenation of the neck is a challenge. Lasers procedures proved disappointing in their efficacy with
remodelling lasers or in their safety, especially for the risk of scarring, with fractional CO2 lasers. The E-Matrix is a
radiofrequency system by which fractional RF energy is delivered to the skin with low epidermal disruption and high
dermal impact. Study: 20 female patients were treated for rejuvenation of the neck (age 57.00±6.94, phototype II
to IV). 3 treatments were performed at 1 month interval, using a 64 electrode tip and energy levels from 40 to 44 mJ
per electrode. A topical anesthesia was applied 1 hour before each session. Standardized photographs were taken
before and 1 month after each treatment. The evaluation of wrinkles and elastosis was rated according to the
Fitzpatrick-Goldmann classification (average of 2 investigators’s judgment). The pain level during treatment as well
as the patient's and the practitioner's satisfaction were evaluated on visual analogical scales from 0 to 10.
Results: The percentage of patients who gained at least one class in the Fitzpatrick-Goldmann classification was
the following, 1 month after treatment 1, 2 and 3 respectively: Wrinkles: 15% (NS); 74% (p