Comparison of microneedle fractional radiofrequency therapy with intradermal botulinum toxin a injection for periorbital rejuvenation.

Background: For periorbital rejuvenation, injection of botulinum toxin A (BoNT/A) is known to improve both static as well as dynamic wrinkles. A microneedle fractional radiofrequency (MFR) device was recently developed and is a novel and promising tool.

Objective: This study compares the effects of these two treatment modalities on periorbital static wrinkles and lines.

Methods: Twelve healthy women aged 20-59 years with periorbital wrinkles participated in this study. Each patient received one session of intradermal injection of BoNT/A on the left periorbital area and three sessions of MFR on the right. Clinical improvement, skin elasticity and subjective satisfaction were evaluated at every visit (baseline, 3, 6 and 18 weeks).

Results: BoNT/A injection showed superior effects at 3 and 6 weeks. However, the MFR device showed better improvement at 18 weeks. In skin biopsies, the expression of procollagen 3 and elastin was increased on the MFR side compared to the untreated skin and the BoNT/A injection side. The patient satisfaction surveys at 3 weeks showed better satisfaction on the BoNT/A treatment side compared to the MFR treatment side. At 18 weeks, there were no significant differences in patient satisfaction between the two sides.

Conclusion: BoNT/A injection rapidly improved periorbital wrinkles, but the effect decreased up to week 18. Compared to BoNT/A injection, MFR therapy showed gradual and long-term improvement in periorbital rejuvenation.