Efficacy of fractionated microneedle radiofrequency with and without adding subcision for the treatment of atrophic facial acne scars: A randomized split-face clinical study

Abstract

Background: There is no gold standard treatment for facial acne scars, and overall, little literature exists about the combination therapy for treatment of acne scar. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of fractionated microneedle radiofrequency (FMR) vs FMR combined with subcision for the treatment of atrophic acne scars. Patients/Methods: This was a randomized, split-face clinical study of 25 patients with II-IV Fitzpatrick skin types with moderate to severe facial atrophic acne scars. Initially, standard subcision by Nokor needle was performed on one side. Two weeks after subcision, FMR treatment was performed on both cheeks of each participant. Second and third FMR treatment sessions were performed within 4-week intervals. Two-blinded dermatologists performed clinical assessments using a quartile grading scale, and patients were also asked to judge their satisfaction using a visual analog scale (VAS) scoring system. Results: The age of the patients varied from 24 to 40 years (mean: 30.08 +/- 4.94 years). Only nine patients (36) were males. Clinical assessment by two-blinded dermatologists showed statistically significant improvement in the combination (FMR+ subcision) group (P=. 009). Patient satisfaction was statistically significantly better in the combination group (P=. 001). A darkening of skin phototype was associated with a decrease in patient's satisfaction VAS score (P=. 07). Conclusion: The combination of subcision and FMR is a safe and effective modality for mixed type acne scars. Additional randomized clinical study with long-term followup is necessary for further evaluation of FMR in combination with other procedures. The full trial protocol can be accessed in: http://www. irct. ir/searchresult. php? key word= 20 20IRCT2016103130597N1& id=30597& number=1& field=a& prt=1& tot al=1& m=1. The clinical trial registration number is IRCT2016103130597N1.