Split‐face comparative study of fractional Er:YAG laser versus microneedling radiofrequency in treatment of atrophic acne scars, using optical coherence tomography for assessment

Abstract

Background Efficacy and safety of ablative fractional laser used for treatment of acne scars have been described in several studies. Recently, microneedling radiofrequency treatment has been showing promising results with low risk of side effects and rapid healing time. Objective To study efficacy and safety of ablative fractional Er:YAG laser 2940 nm and microneedling radiofrequency for facial atrophic acne scar. Methods 21 patients with atrophic postacne scars were randomized to MRF for one half of the face and laser for the other half. Four sessions were performed monthly. For evaluation, the validated scale “Quantitative Global Grading System for Postacne Scarring” and patient's satisfaction were used before and 3 months after treatment. Optical coherence tomography imaging of the skin was used as an objective tool for assessment. Results Both sides showed significant improvement on clinical evaluation with no significant difference. Optical coherence tomography assessment showed significant increase of both epidermal and dermal thickness compared to baseline. Conclusion Both MRF and ablative fractional Er. YAG laser 2940 nm are effective in the treatment of post acne scars. Microneedling radiofrequency is better tolerated, with lower downtime and fewer side effects.

Microneedle fractional radiofrequency for atrophic acne scars: In vivo evaluation of results by 3D analysis and reflectance confocal microscopy

“…To date, only one study evaluated the microscopic results of this method through optical coherence tomography 5 and showed an The main limitation of this study is the small sample size, due to the fact that few patients have been included because we have recently introduced MFR as treatment option.…”

“…To date, only one study evaluated the microscopic results of this method through optical coherence tomography 5 and showed an increase in the thickness of both epidermis and dermis; however, due to the limitations of the optical coherence tomography, in vivo cytological and architectural evaluations of the treated areas were not possible. In our study this analysis was carried out thanks to RCM.…”

“…Microneedle fractional radiofrequency (MFR) is a treatment option for atrophic acne scars, combining microneedle with fractional radiofrequency emission to deliver thermal energy to dermis, inducing remodeling and new collagen and elastin production 4 . A recent paper 5 evaluated MFR results by means optical coherence tomography, which has high penetration, but lower resolution. Instead, reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is an in‐vivo, laser‐based technique providing real time high‐resolution images of epidermis and upper dermis.…”

Methods for the Improvement of Acne Scars Used in Dermatology and Cosmetology: A Review

“…There were no significant differences between these two devices. Optical coherence tomography showed a significant increase in epidermal and dermal thickness after 4 treatments compared to the baseline [ 30 ].…”

Combination radiofrequency microneedling and carbon dioxide laser for acne scarring: A systematic review and retrospective case series across two centers

“…16 RF microneedling devices are typically insulated at the level of the epidermis, minimizing disruption and trauma to the epidermis and therefore carry considerably less recovery time and risks, including risk of PIH. 8,16,17 The last five years has seen the use of these modalities in combination, where RF microneedling and fractional ablative CO 2 laser are used in the same treatment session, aiming to provide optimal outcomes while minimizing risks and recovery time. In this article, we aim to (1) systematically review the literature on the safety and effectiveness of combination RF microneedling and fractional CO 2 laser for acne scarring; (2) assess the safety and effectiveness of this combination approach in a 2-center case series.…”