Research has shown that Americans spend upwards of $10 billion a year on cosmetic products and surgical procedures in a bid to remain looking youthful for as long as possible – although most treatments performed are not able to provide permanent end results. However, a team of researchers at Tel Aviv University have devised a non-invasive technique that makes use of pulsed electrical fields to stimulate and generate new skin growth.
All-New Pulse Technology
According to the research performed at the Tel Aviv University, the new Pulse Technology device makes use of a range of microsecond-pulsed, high voltage, non-thermal electrical fields or frequencies to help the skin rejuvenate by stimulating the production of collagen. Absolutely no scarring is caused when this device is used, making it an ideal option for renewing the skin around the face and neck areas. Information pertaining to the study was recently published in Scientific Reports, and it was led by Dr. Alexander Golberg from TAU’s Porter School of Environmental Studies and the Center for Engineering in Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Other important contributors in this study included Harvard Medical School, Shriners Burns Hospital in Boston, and Dr. William J. Austen Jr. from the Department of Plastic Surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital and Dr. Martin L. Yarmush from the Center for Engineering in Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital.
A Far Better Solution for Skin Rejuvenation
Although there are other therapies that are currently being used to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles or even scars, these have resulted in patients being subjected to even more permanent scarring than ever before. The Pulse Technology system is completely different in this regard in that the electrical fields it creates will only affect the cell membranes themselves. This will help preserve the original architecture of the extracellular matrix and in turn, release a number of multiple growth factors to help promote the growth of new tissue and cells.
Increase Metabolism of Remaining Cells
The research also showed that by inducing minor – or nanoscale level – defects on the affected cell membranes, the electrical fields resulted in the death of a small amount of cells in the affected areas. This then causes the released growth factors to increase the metabolism rates of the rest of the cells, resulting in new tissue growth. Dr. Golberg said, “We have identified in rats the specific pulsed electric field parameters that lead to prominent proliferation of the epidermis, formation of microvasculature, and secretion of new collagen at treated areas without scarring. Our results suggest that pulsed electrical fields can improve skin function and potentially serve as a novel non-invasive skin therapy for multiple degenerative skin diseases.”
At present, the Pulse technology is a little expensive, and as a result, the above mentioned researchers are in the process of developing a more affordable device that can be used in clinical trials. This will help test the efficacy and safety of the treatment overall in humans. It is unsure when the trials will take place.
