Association of Trichloroacetic Acid Peeling with Photobiomodulation in the Treatment of Photoaging of the Hands: A Randomized, Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial
Marcos Momolli
Post Graduate Program in Medicine-Biophotonic, Universidade Nove de Julho, UNINOVE, São Paulo, Brazil.
Kelly Gomes Santana
*
Post Graduate Program in Medicine-Biophotonic, Universidade Nove de Julho, UNINOVE, São Paulo, Brazil.
Marina Bertoni Guerra
Post Graduate Program in Medicine-Biophotonic, Universidade Nove de Julho, UNINOVE, São Paulo, Brazil.
Silmara Brasileiro Quaresma
Post Graduate Program in Medicine-Biophotonic, Universidade Nove de Julho, UNINOVE, São Paulo, Brazil.
Tawany Gonçalves Santos
Post Graduate Program in Medicine-Biophotonic, Universidade Nove de Julho, UNINOVE, São Paulo, Brazil.
Cíntia Estefano Alves
Post Graduate Program in Medicine-Biophotonic, Universidade Nove de Julho, UNINOVE, São Paulo, Brazil.
Cinthya Cosme Gutierrez Duran
Post Graduate Program in Medicine-Biophotonic, Universidade Nove de Julho, UNINOVE, São Paulo, Brazil.
Maria Cristina Chavantes
Post Graduate Program in Medicine-Biophotonic, Universidade Nove de Julho, UNINOVE, São Paulo, Brazil and Postgraduate Program in Medicine, Universidade Nove de Julho, UNINOVE, São Paulo, Brazil.
Rodrigo Labat Marcos
Post Graduate Program in Medicine-Biophotonic, Universidade Nove de Julho, UNINOVE, São Paulo, Brazil.
Stella Regina Zamuner
Post Graduate Program in Medicine-Biophotonic, Universidade Nove de Julho, UNINOVE, São Paulo, Brazil and Postgraduate Program in Medicine, Universidade Nove de Julho, UNINOVE, São Paulo, Brazil.
Jose Antonio Silva Junior
Post Graduate Program in Medicine-Biophotonic, Universidade Nove de Julho, UNINOVE, São Paulo, Brazil and Postgraduate Program in Medicine, Universidade Nove de Julho, UNINOVE, São Paulo, Brazil.
Flavio Aimbire
Translational Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo-UNIFESP, São José dos Campos, Brazil.
Renata Kelly da Palma
Faculty of Health Sciences at Manresa, University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Manresa, Spain and University Center of Anápolis, Anápolis, Brazil.
Ana Paula Ligeiro de Oliveira
Post Graduate Program in Medicine-Biophotonic, Universidade Nove de Julho, UNINOVE, São Paulo, Brazil.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: To compare the photorejuvenating effects of 20% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peeling applied alone and the effects of associating 20% TCA peeling with red LED photobiomodulation (PBM) on the treatment of the back of the hands (660 nm; 100 mW; 5 J/cm²)
Study Design: Randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Medicine-Biophotonic, Universidade Nove de Julho, Campus Vergueiro, São Paulo, Brazil, between July 2020 and September 2021.
Methodology: Forty-four participants were randomized into two groups. The experimental group underwent three sessions of 20% TCA peeling combined with PBM, while the control group received three sessions of 20% TCA peeling with simulated PBM. Treatments were administered monthly, with evaluations conducted biweekly. Assessment of photoaging characteristics, including fine and deep wrinkles, dyschromia, and global appearance, was performed using standardized photographs analyzed by two independent plastic surgeons. Pain and participant satisfaction were assessed using a visual analog scale and a 5-point Likert scale.
Results: After three sessions, the experimental group demonstrated significant improvement in fine wrinkles, deep wrinkles, and pain levels, as well as in dyschromia and global assessment after two sessions. Both groups showed high satisfaction.
Conclusion: This study supports the beneficial role of PBM as an adjunct to 20% TCA peeling in hand photoaging treatment.
Keywords: Photoaging, photodamage, chemical peeling, photobiomodulation, phototherapy, skin rejuvenation, hand rejuvenation, low-level laser therapy (LLLT), light emitting diode (LED)