Your first published study using Alma technology explored RF Plasma with PRP. What led you to investigate that combination?
PRP has recently regained attention under the name “Stem Cell Injection,” but in reality it was already a major trend in the early 2010s. At that time, most approaches relied heavily on injection-based delivery. I wanted to explore a different path. When RF energy is delivered just at the threshold of skin contact, it generates a spark that creates a plasma effect. This forms microscopic ablation channels in the skin. I had the intuition that this mechanism could potentially enable transdermal delivery of PRP without needles, using Alma’s Impact Technology.
That insight became the basis of my first study on stretch marks. Clinically, we observed meaningful improvement in more than 71% of patients, which reinforced the potential of this approach.
More importantly, the concept of **needle-free regenerative therapy—RF Plasma–based drug delivery—**emerged as an attractive alternative for both patients
and physicians.
For the full clinical study click here:
Treatment of striae distensae combined enhanced penetration platelet-rich plasma and ultrasound after plasma fractional radiofrequency — Journal of
Cosmetic and Laser Therapy
You have also applied RF Plasma to scar treatment. Compared to lasers, what clinical advantages do you see with this technology?
The core principle in treating both stretch marks and scars is the ability to safely induce
a controlled thermal wound, sometimes combined with micro-ablation. Achieving this
requires precise control over penetration depth and fractional patterns so that healthy tissue is preserved while the balance between thermal injury and ablation is carefully managed.
One of the key advantages of RF Plasma is that it is color-blind, meaning it does not rely on chromophores like lasers do. This significantly reduces the risk of post- inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), particularly in patients with melanin-rich Asian skin.
In pigment-sensitive conditions such as melasma, carefully balancing thermal effect and micro-ablation becomes essential for treatment safety.
From my clinical perspective, instead of the high-energy protocols that are sometimes favored in Western practices, a moderate-energy, repetitive treatment
strategy—gradually building controlled skin responses—has proven to be safer and more predictable in Asian patients.
This treatment philosophy has contributed to highly reproducible improvements in both scar and wrinkle management.
You have also worked with monopolar RF, bipolar RF, and HIFU technologies. What makes Non-Invasive Fractional Unipolar RF (TuneFace) particularly distinctive?
The most distinctive strength of TuneFace lies in its ability to reduce treatment discomfort while delivering stable and predictable results.
With Contact Cooling protecting the epidermis, thermal energy can be concentrated precisely within the 1–3 mm dermal layer, where the optimal 44–50°C collagen
activation zone exists. The system uses a Vacuum + Contact Cooling–based stationary mode, which stabilizes energy delivery in the target tissue. A 2-second pulse duration prolongs thermal retention, while a 1-second off time minimizes unnecessary heat dissipation.
This design allows for controlled and efficient dermal remodeling while maintaining patient comfort.
Clinical reference:
Clinical efficacy and safety evaluation of a novel fractional unipolar radiofrequency device on facial tightening — Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology
In another publication you reported improvements in enlarged pores using TuneFace. What mechanisms drive this effect?
The improvement of enlarged pores can be explained through two main mechanisms.
The first is dermal collagen remodeling. When TuneFace delivers stable thermal energy to the 1–3 mm dermal layer, collagen fibers reorganize and increase in density. As the structural support around the pores becomes stronger, the pores naturally
appear tighter and less visible.
The second mechanism is the regulation of sebum production. RF-induced thermal stimulation can help moderate sebaceous gland activity, reducing the pore enlargement often associated with excessive sebum output.
Together, these effects—structural reinforcement through collagen remodeling and reduced sebum production—lead to pores that appear finer, tighter, and smoother.
Clinical reference:
Can a radiofrequency device reduce pore size? — Lasers in Medical Science
You continue to publish clinical research while running a busy private practice. What motivates you to keep pursuing research?
The ultimate purpose of clinical research is to better understand the indications and mechanisms behind our treatments so that we can provide better care for patients.
On a personal level, however, I genuinely enjoy the process—it still excites me.
When I observe outcomes in the clinic, I often find myself asking, “Why does this happen?” Turning those questions into structured research is deeply rewarding.
For me, research is not an obligation. It is the place where the desire to treat patients
more effectively meets my scientific curiosity as a dermatologist.
Dr. Nariaki Miyata 
Prof. Dr. Uwe Paasch 