Yonsei Med J.  2023 Dec;64(12):721-729. 10.3349/ymj.2023.0234.

Combination of Fractional Microneedling Radiofrequency and Ablative Fractional Laser versus Ablative Fractional Laser Alone for Acne and Acne Scars

• Kim J
• Lee SG
• Choi S
• Lee J
• Lee YI
• Kim J
• Lee JH

• KMID: 2548472
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3349/ymj.2023.0234

Abstract

Purpose
Fractional microneedle radiofrequency (FMR) systems are used to treat inflammatory acne and scarring. Nonetheless, few controlled studies have combined this treatment with the traditional ablative fractional laser (AFL). We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of the combination of FMR and AFL versus AFL alone in treating acne and acne scars.
Materials and Methods
In this 20-week, randomized, split-face study, 23 Korean patients with facial acne and acne scars underwent FMR and AFL treatments. One half of each patient’s face was randomly assigned to receive FMR+AFL, whereas the other half received AFL alone. Treatments were administered in three consecutive sessions at 4-week intervals. This study investigated the severity of inflammatory acne, acne scars, individual lesion counts, depressed scar volumes, as well as patient and physician satisfaction. In addition, five patients underwent skin biopsy, and sebum output was measured.
Results
The FMR+AFL treatment demonstrated superior efficacy compared to AFL alone in terms of inflammatory acne and acne scar grading, lesion counts, and subjective satisfaction. The side effects were minimal and well-tolerated in both groups. Immunohistochemical findings from skin biopsy samples revealed that the application of FMR+AFL could induce an inhibitory effect on sebum secretion at the molecular level.
Conclusion
FMR combined with AFL is a well-tolerated and effective treatment modality for inflammatory acne and acne scarring.

Keyword

Acne vulgaris treatment; acne vulgaris scars; ablative fractional laser; fractional microneedle radiofrequency therapy