Use of combined fractional carbon dioxide laser and fractional microneedle radiofrequency for the treatment of acne scars: A retrospective analysis of 1‐month treatment outcome on scar severity and patient satisfaction

Abstract

Background: Acne scars lead to social and psychological problems for patients, and they should be treated effectively. Ablative and nonablative lasers have been used for the treatment of acne scars in recent years. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectivity of combined FCL and FmRF treatment for acne scars retrospectively. Methods: A total of 72 patients with acne scars who received FCL + FmRF treatment between 2014 and 2016 were included in this study. Photographs of patients before treatment and 1 month following the last treatment session were scored by two blinded researchers, according to the ECCA acne scar scoring method. Patients were contacted via telephone after 1 month following the last treatment and asked to evaluate their satisfaction with the treatment outcome using a 5-point Likert-type scale. Results: A significant decrease was noted in ECCA scores after the treatment along with temporary side effects. Change from pretreatment scores was significantly higher in patients very satisfied vs satisfied with treatment. The number of treatment sessions was positively correlated with treatment-related change in ECCA scores. Conclusions: In conclusion, our findings revealed association of FCL + FmRF treatment with significantly improved ECCA scores, mild pain experience, and low rate of side effects in patients with acne scars, despite usage of high-energy FLC dose and five sessions of treatment on average. More remarkable improvement in ECCA scores during treatment seems to be associated with higher patient satisfaction and to be more likely in patients with darker skin types.

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

“…MFR represents a relative new method of treatment for atrophic acne scars, but few reports describe his efficacy. 10,11 Our study confirms the effectiveness of the method, with a good result after treatment in all patients. The treatment was well tolerated by all patients with noticeably short downtime, and none reported significant adverse effects.…”

Identifying and appraising patient‐reported outcome measures on treatment satisfaction in acne: a systematic review*

“…Studies that only used the PROM as an outcome measurement instrument were excluded, but study details were tabulated, per protocol. We identified 188 studies that reported treatment satisfaction as an outcome: 91 on treatment of acne 68–158 and 97 on treating acne scars (a possible sequela of acne) 159–255 . These numbers show that clinicians and researchers do consider treatment satisfaction as an important outcome.…”

The early and late efficacy of single‐pass fractional carbondioxide laser, fractional radiofrequency, and their combination in acne scars: A prospective, split‐face, single‐blinded, controlled clinical study

“…A significant reduction in scars and significantly higher rate of satisfied patients were found compared with baseline after an average of five treatments. A positive correlation was found between the number of treatments and clinical improvement 11 . That study was different in some ways from our study: (a) it was a retrospective study, (b) did not have a control group, (c) higher FCO 2 energy levels were used, (d) two passes were administered to all treatment area with two additional passes on each scars with 10%‐20% overlap, and (e) FRF administered after FCO 2 in the same session.…”

“…A positive correlation was found between the number of treatments and clinical improvement. 11 That study was different in some ways from our study: (a) it was a retrospective study, (b) did not have a control group, (c) higher FCO 2 energy levels were used, (d) two passes were administered to all treatment area with two additional passes on each scars with 10%-20%…”