Our founder and medical director, Doctor Tina Bani, has been published in the October 2026 issue of Aesthetic Medicine with a clinical case study on treating advanced photoageing alongside a concurrent actinic keratosis.
The feature, as printed
The full article as it appears in Aesthetic Medicine, October 2026. Click or tap each page to read it at full size.
The patient
A 70-year-old woman, Fitzpatrick skin phototype I, presented with advanced facial skin ageing, pigmentation and skin laxity. A retired PE teacher, she had spent around 40 years outdoors daily with prolonged UV exposure and no routine sun protection. Examination showed diffuse dyschromia, solar lentigines, coarse texture, static rhytids and mild-to-moderate laxity, consistent with Glogau Type IV photoageing, plus a well-defined hyperkeratotic lesion on the left forehead consistent with an Olsen Grade II actinic keratosis (AK).
Safety first
She was counselled on the cumulative effects of UV exposure, advised to use broad-spectrum SPF50 and strict sun avoidance, and, because of the actinic keratosis, referred to her dermatologist. Treatment went ahead only once the diagnosis was confirmed and approval given.
A multimodal, device-stacking approach
- Radiofrequency microneedling (Lynton Laser Focus Dual): 0.8 mm depth at RF level 4 for the forehead, periorbital region, nose and neck; 1.0 mm at level 5 for the cheeks, allowing for regional differences in skin thickness.
- Fractional thulium laser (Lutronic LaseMD Ultra, 1927 nm), performed immediately afterwards, with topical vitamin A applied to enhance delivery through the laser-generated microchannels. LaseMD Ultra has FDA clearance for the treatment of actinic keratoses.
- Six LaseMD Ultra sessions at two-week intervals, with full-face RF microneedling before alternate sessions, giving three stacked combination treatments.
The results
The protocol was well tolerated. Expected redness and mild swelling settled within several days, with no infection, prolonged inflammation, scarring or pigmentary complications.
- The actinic keratosis regressed from Olsen Grade II to a barely perceptible Grade I, with almost complete clinical resolution. She remains under dermatological surveillance.
- Pigmentation and solar lentigines were markedly reduced, giving a more even complexion, smoother texture and improved luminosity.
- Static lines softened, with improved firmness and elasticity, particularly in the cheeks and lower face.
- Facial photoageing improved from Glogau Type IV to Type III, wrinkle severity improved by roughly one grade on the Fitzpatrick Wrinkle Scale, and the overall outcome was rated "Much Improved" on the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS).
Why combine the two technologies?
Radiofrequency microneedling stimulates neocollagenesis and tissue tightening through controlled dermal thermal injury, while the 1927 nm thulium laser targets epidermal photodamage, dyschromia and field cancerisation. Their mechanisms are complementary, and emerging evidence suggests combination therapy gives better skin tone and photoageing outcomes than RF microneedling alone. Systematic reviews support RF microneedling as effective and well tolerated for facial rejuvenation, while noting the need for larger randomised controlled trials.
The takeaway
For carefully selected patients with severe chronic photodamage, combining collagen stimulation, epidermal resurfacing and rigorous photoprotection can produce substantial improvement across multiple domains of skin ageing, and in this case allowed both cosmetic and premalignant concerns to be addressed within one programme.
Results shown in a clinical case study are individual and not guaranteed. Every treatment plan at Skiin begins with a doctor-led consultation.
Interested in RF microneedling or LaseMD Ultra? Read about RF microneedling in Manchester and LaseMD Ultra laser resurfacing, or book a consultation with one of our doctors.
