Alternating Treatment With Nonablative Fractional Laser and Radiofrequency Microneedling for the Treatment of Acne Scars: A Prospective, Randomized, Split-Face Study.

Abstract

Acne scarring is an unfortunate sequela affecting up to 95% of patients with acne and carries profound psychosocial impact. Both nonablative fractional lasers (NAFL) and microneedling with radiofrequency (MNRF) have demonstrated comparable efficacy in the treatment of atrophic acne scars. To determine whether alternating NAFL and MNRF is superior to NAFL alone in the treatment of atrophic acne scars. This was a prospective, single-center, double-blinded, split-face clinical trial. Twenty patients with atrophic acne scars who had their facial halves randomized to receive either NAFL alone or NAFL alternating with MNRF. Patients received 4 total treatments at 4-week intervals. Ninety days after the final treatment, both facial halves demonstrated a significant improvement in the mean global échelle d'évaluation clinique des cicatrices d'acné (ECCA) score from baseline ( p < .001 for both halves). The average percentage improvement at the final end point was 20% to 30% from baseline. No significant difference was noted between facial halves for mean global ECCA score or percentage improvement at any time point. Although both NAFL and MNRF are safe and effective in the treatment of atrophic acne scars, alternating NAFL and MNRF does not seem to be superior to NAFL alone.