Use of Fractionated Microneedle Radiofrequency for the Treatment of Inflammatory Acne Vulgaris in 18 Korean Patients

Abstract

Nonablative radiofrequency (RF) devices have been shown to be clinically effective for the treatment of moderate to severe acne lesions. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a fractionated microneedle RF device in the treatment of inflammatory acne vulgaris. Eighteen patients (15 male, 3 female; mean age 27, range: 19-33; Fitzpatrick skin type IV) with moderate to severe acne vulgaris who were treated with two sessions of fractionated microneedle RF at 1-month intervals were enrolled in this study. Evaluation of improvement, which took into account number of inflammatory acne lesions, showed that two of the 18 patients had grade 4 clinical improvement, eight had grade 3 improvement, and six had grade 2 improvement. Improvement scores in terms of lesion severity were also evaluated. One of the 18 patients had grade 4 clinical improvement, eight grade 3, and seven grade 2. No patient had worsening of inflammatory acne lesions. Fractionated microneedle RF can have a positive therapeutic effect on inflammatory acne vulgaris and related scars. In addition, this technique does not worsen active acne lesions.