Currently, there are not many publications related to the safety of thermomechanical ablation (TMA) devices. Those that are published also have very small numbers of subjects. However, this treatment is gaining popularity in Europe and Asia, and therefore should be looked at for the safety of this treatment.

The objective of this retrospective study was to assess the safety of the clinical use of the novel TMA system for facial rejuvenation and acne scars treatment. A retrospective review of the first 150 patients treated with the TMA device was done.

150 consecutive patients who were aged between 20 to 82 years with Fitzpatrick skin types I to V were treated with the TMA device and were included in the study. The total number of treatment sessions was 327 and the total number of pulses that were delivered to these patients was 1 48 856. The criteria for the treatment were photodamaged skin (n=145) as well as acne scarring (n=5). All the patients were capable to use makeup soon after the treatment at lower settings, consequently no real recovery time is required. Patients who were treated at advanced settings were permitted to use makeup after 2 days. Four reported complications such post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (n=2), impetigo (n=1), and dermatitis (n=1) were reported.

The study concluded that using TMA device in the photodamage treatment and acne scarring is safe in skin types I to V and also has a low occurrence of temporary side effects with no permanent side effects.

Source: Judodihardjo H, Rajpar S. Retrospective study on the safety and tolerability of clinical treatments with a novel Thermomechanical Ablation device on 150 patients. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021 May 22. doi: 10.1111/jocd.14243. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 34021955.