Skinxpert Science Library
The Science Behind Our Treatments
TECAR Therapy
TECAR therapy delivers high-frequency radiofrequency energy into the tissues, producing deep therapeutic warming and stimulating cellular metabolism. This process enhances circulation, lymphatic drainage, collagen activity, and tissue repair while promoting lifting, firming, and improved skin quality.
Scientific Effects:
- Increased microcirculation
- Enhanced fibroblast activity
- Improved lymphatic drainage
- Collagen and elastin stimulation
- Accelerated tissue repair
Pico Laser
Pico laser technology delivers ultra-short pulses measured in picoseconds (trillionths of a second). The extremely brief energy pulses create a photoacoustic effect that shatters pigment particles while stimulating collagen production with minimal thermal injury.
Scientific Effects:
- Photoacoustic fragmentation of pigment
- Collagen induction
- Reduction of pigmentation and acne scarring
- Skin rejuvenation
- Improved texture and tone
Tattoo Removal
Q-Switched and Pico lasers selectively target tattoo pigments using the principle of Selective Photothermolysis, first described by Anderson and Parrish. The laser energy breaks pigment particles into microscopic fragments which are gradually removed by the body's lymphatic and immune systems.
Scientific Effects:
- Pigment fragmentation
- Progressive clearance by macrophages
- Minimal injury to surrounding tissue
- Gradual fading over multiple treatments
HIFU
HIFU concentrates ultrasound energy beneath the skin, producing precise thermal coagulation points at selected depths. These microthermal zones stimulate neocollagenesis and tissue contraction.
Scientific Effects:
- Collagen remodelling
- SMAS tightening
- Tissue contraction
- Progressive lifting and firming
Plasma Fibroblast
Plasma energy creates controlled superficial micro-trauma, triggering the body's natural wound-healing cascade. Fibroblast activity increases, resulting in collagen remodelling and skin tightening.
Scientific Effects:
- Controlled epidermal stimulation
- Fibroblast activation
- Collagen and elastin production
- Tissue contraction
Fractional Radiofrequency (RF)
Fractional RF combines thermal energy with controlled tissue stimulation to remodel collagen and improve skin texture. Microthermal zones initiate healing responses while preserving surrounding tissue.
Scientific Effects:
- Collagen remodelling
- Skin tightening
- Scar improvement
- Reduced wrinkles and enlarged pores
CO₂ Fractional Resurfacing
Fractional CO₂ laser creates microscopic treatment zones within the skin while leaving surrounding tissue intact to promote faster healing. This controlled injury stimulates neocollagenesis and tissue regeneration.
Scientific Effects:
- Epidermal renewal
- Collagen synthesis
- Scar remodelling
- Improved wrinkles and texture
- Skin rejuvenation
Cryolipolysis
Cryolipolysis selectively exposes fat cells to controlled cooling temperatures. Adipocytes are more sensitive to cold than surrounding tissues and undergo apoptosis (programmed cell death).
Scientific Effects:
- Selective adipocyte destruction
- Gradual fat reduction
- Natural lymphatic elimination
- Body contour improvement
Exosomes
Exosomes are extracellular vesicles containing signalling molecules, proteins, growth factors and messenger RNA. They facilitate intercellular communication and support regenerative processes.
Scientific Effects:
- Cellular signalling
- Collagen stimulation
- Tissue repair support
- Reduced inflammation
- Enhanced healing
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion provides controlled mechanical exfoliation of the stratum corneum, promoting epidermal renewal and improving the penetration of active ingredients.
Scientific Effects:
- Increased epidermal turnover
- Smoother skin texture
- Improved luminosity
- Enhanced absorption of skincare ingredients
Laser Hair Reduction
Laser energy targets melanin within the hair follicle according to the principle of selective photothermolysis. Thermal injury inhibits future hair growth while preserving surrounding tissue.
Scientific Effects:
- Follicular destruction
- Reduction in hair density
- Progressive long-term hair reduction
Scar Therapy
Scar treatments stimulate controlled wound healing and collagen remodelling to improve texture, thickness and pliability.
Scientific Effects:
- Collagen reorganisation
- Improved tissue elasticity
- Reduced scar thickness
- Enhanced skin appearance
Exilis Elite®
Exilis Elite combines monopolar radiofrequency and targeted ultrasound energy to safely heat tissues at multiple depths. This thermal stimulation activates fibroblasts and promotes collagen remodelling while supporting body contouring.
Scientific Effects:
- Collagen and elastin synthesis
- Skin tightening
- Tissue contraction
- Body contour enhancement
- Improved skin laxity
Key Scientific Principles
Neocollagenesis
The formation of new collagen fibres responsible for firmness and structural support.
Elastogenesis
The production of elastin fibres which contribute to skin elasticity.
Angiogenesis
The development of new blood vessels, improving oxygen and nutrient delivery.
Fibroblast Activation
Stimulation of the cells responsible for collagen and extracellular matrix production.
Selective Photo-thermolysis
The selective destruction of target structures using laser energy while preserving surrounding tissues.
Apoptosis
Programmed cell death—a natural biological process used in fat reduction and tissue renewal.
Lymphatic Drainage
The removal of waste products and cellular debris through the body's lymphatic system.
Clinical References & Landmark Papers
Pico Laser & Tattoo Removal
Anderson RR, Parrish JA. (1983)
Selective Photothermolysis: Precise Microsurgery by Selective Absorption of Pulsed Radiation | Science. 1983;220(4596):524-527.
This paper established the principle of Selective Photothermolysis, which remains the foundation of laser hair reduction, vascular lasers, pigmentation treatments, and tattoo removal.
Brauer JA et al. (2015)
Successful and Rapid Treatment of Blue and Green Tattoo Pigment With a Novel Picosecond Laser | Archives of Dermatology.
Demonstrated the superior pigment fragmentation achieved by picosecond technology.
HIFU
White WM et al. (2008)
Selective Creation of Thermal Injury Zones in the Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System Using Focused Ultrasound | Lasers in Surgery and Medicine.
Showed HIFU-induced collagen contraction and tissue lifting.
Fractional CO₂ Resurfacing
Manstein D et al. (2004)
Fractional Photothermolysis: A New Concept for Cutaneous Remodeling | Lasers in Surgery and Medicine.
One of the most important laser papers ever published. Introduced the concept of fractional photothermolysis.
Fractional Radiofrequency
Hantash BM et al. (2009)
In Vivo Histological Evaluation of Fractional Radiofrequency Resurfacing | Lasers in Surgery and Medicine.
Demonstrated collagen remodeling and dermal renewal.
Cryolipolysis
Manstein D et al. (2008)
Selective Cryolysis: A Novel Method of Non-Invasive Fat Removal | Lasers in Surgery and Medicine.
The original paper behind CoolSculpting and modern cryolipolysis.
Laser Hair Reduction
Grossman MC et al. (1996)
Damage to Hair Follicles by Normal-Mode Ruby Laser Pulses | Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
A foundational paper demonstrating selective photo-thermolysis in hair follicles.
Microdermabrasion
Karimipour DJ et al. (2005)
Microdermabrasion: An Evidence-Based Review | Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Reviewed epidermal renewal and barrier effects.
Plasma Fibroblast
Because plasma fibroblast technology evolved from plasma medicine and electrosurgery, there are fewer landmark aesthetic studies. However:
Heinlin J et al. (2011)
Plasma Applications in Medicine | Journal of the German Society of Dermatology.
Provides a scientific basis for plasma energy and tissue interactions.
Exosomes
This is an exciting and rapidly expanding field.
Kalluri R, LeBleu VS. (2020)
The Biology, Function, and Biomedical Applications of Exosomes | Science.
One of the most influential exosome papers.
Hu S et al. (2022)
Exosome-Based Therapies in Skin Regeneration | Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology.
Discusses wound healing and regenerative medicine applications.
Radiofrequency & Skin Tightening
Elsaie ML. (2009)
Cutaneous Remodelling and Photo-rejuvenation Using Radiofrequency Devices | Indian Journal of Dermatology.
Excellent review paper on RF technologies.
Collagen & Skin Ageing
Fisher GJ et al. (2002)
Mechanisms of Photoaging and Chronological Skin Aging | Archives of Dermatology.
One of the classic papers on collagen degradation and aging.
TECAR Therapy
TECAR has fewer English-language publications because much of the work originated in Italy and Europe.
Kumaran B, Watson T. (2015)
Therapeutic Modalities: Radiofrequency Treatment in Physiotherapy
Reviews the biological effects of capacitive and resistive radiofrequency.