Plasma radiofrequency ablation for treatment of benign skin lesions: Clinical and reflectance confocal microscopy outcomes

Abstract

Background: In the latest few years, plasma radiofrequency ablation has turned out a good option for treatment of several benign skin lesions. The technique can be easily performed to treat skin lesions with limited tissue invasion and no residual scars or hypo/hyperpigmentation areas.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of plasma radiofrequency ablation in treatment of benign skin lesions, through clinical and reflectance confocal microscopy outcomes.

Methods: Six patients who presented benign skin lesions underwent long-wave plasma radiofrequency ablation treatment with DAS medical device (Technolux, Italia). Reflectance confocal microscopy analysis was performed at baseline and after 1 month.

Results: The treatment was well tolerated; only a slight erythema and a thin crust on the treated area were referred for 3-7 days after treatment. After one month from treatments, we observed the complete disappearance of the lesions and no significant signs of inflammation, redness, hypo/hyperpigmentation, or scars on the site of the treated areas; these clinical data were also confirmed by reflectance confocal microscopy analysis.

Conclusions: Long-wave plasma radiofrequency ablation actually can be considered a well-tolerated, painless, safe, effective, and low-cost procedure for skin treatments.

Keywords: benign skin lesions treatment; biomedical plasma applications; long-wave plasma radiofrequency ablation; plasma energy treatment; plasma medicine; reflectance confocal microscopy.