A dermal micro-coring device improved the appearance of moderate-to-severe rhytids on the cheek and lower face after two treatments, according to data from a new study presented at the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery 43^rd Annual Conference on Energy-based Medicine and Science in Baltimore.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved dermal micro-coring device, provides a non-surgical alternative to traditional surgical lifting procedures, but without the prolonged recovery and the risk of scarring, researchers wrote in their study. To explore this, Nicole Salame, MD, of SkinCare Physicians, in Brookline, Mass., and colleagues conducted a study of 12 female patients aged 22 years and older with perioral Lemperle Wrinkle Assessment Scale (LWSS) scores of 2, 3, or 4 indicating shallow, moderately deep, or deep wrinkles, respectively. All participants received three treatments 30 to 45 days apart.

The results indicated that two or more treatments at 5% density with average core depths of 2.5mm-3.5mm were sufficient to achieve overall aesthetic improvement in perioral and buccal cheek lines. Improvement was based on standardized photographs taken at baseline and 30 to 45 days post-treatment. Primary endpoints included changes in unblinded investigator ratings using a 7-point Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). After one treatment, the mean GAIS scores on both right and left perioral skin and check were 0.83, indicating improvement compared to baseline.

The mean GAIS scores increased to 1.42 on the left and 1.58 on the right after the second treatment, indicating “improved” or “much improved,” from baseline, the researchers wrote.

All participants, as expected, experienced some immediate post-treatment redness and swelling, but these effects were trace, slight, or moderate, and all were self-limiting. At the 30-45 day follow up visit after the initial treatment, 5 participants had trace erythema and 1 had slight erythema; 1 had trace edema and 1 had trace hyperpigmentation. No incidents of erosions, ulcerations, or hypopigmentation appeared at post-treatment follow-up visits.

"This study demonstrated the safety and efficacy of the dermal micro-coring device for improving the appearance of moderate to severe rhytids of the lower face," the authors concluded. "Two or more treatments at 5% density with average 2.5-3.5mm core depths were sufficient to achieve overall aesthetic improvement in perioral and buccal cheek lines."

Source: Salame N, et al. DERMAL MICRO-CORING DEVICE FOR THE TREATMENT OF MODERATE TO SEVERE PERIORAL AND MEDIAL CHEEK RHYTIDS. Presented at: American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery 43^rd Annual Conference on Energy-based Medicine and Science. April 11-14, 2024; Baltimore.