Radiofrequency and targeted ultrasound enhance natural hyaluronic production: a pilot porcine study.

Background: Loss of skin elasticity and youthful appearance is closely linked to reduced hyaluronic acid (HA) levels in the dermis. While topical HA products offer temporary effects, they do not address the root cause of HA depletion.

Objective: The present study aims to describe how to induce HA synthesis through fibroblast stimulation.

Materials and methods: Twelve sows were divided into two groups. One group (n = 9) received four consecutive Radiofrequency (RF) and Targeted Ultrasound (TUS) treatments, the other group (n = 3) received four RF treatments only. Samples were collected via punch biopsy from the treated area of each animal at the baseline, 1-month, and 2-month follow-up. Samples were then processed and prepared for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay as well as hyaluronic acid binding protein with diaminobenzidine (HABP-DAP) staining, which allows for visualization of HA within tissue.

Findings: The group receiving RF + TUS treatment has demonstrated an increase from an average of 83.0 µg/g at the baseline to 163.0 µg/g at the 2-month follow-up of HA concentration in the skin. Histology samples clearly demonstrate higher tissue density with an increase of brown pigment due to the HABP-DAP stain, representing HA in the skin. In comparison, the RF standalone treatment group has shown no significant increase in HA concentrations.

Conclusion: Study results show no significant increase in HA production following the RF stand alone treatment. Whereas the RF + TUS treatment group induced a significant HA production response as well as histophysiological changes in the dermis.