Efficacy and safety of microneedling radiofrequency in acne scars.

OBJECTIVES

To study the efficacy and safety of microneedling radiofrequency (MNRF) in the treatment of acne scars.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This is a hospital-based and prospective interventional study. A total of 44 patients (18- 55 years old), skin types III-V, with acne scars, were enrolled. Four sessions of MNRF (Lumenis legend PRO Machine, with non-insulated needle tips GEN6, GEN6L; Israel) were done with an interval of 3 weeks between each session and followed up 1 month after the last session. The outcome was assessed by Goodman and Baron's qualitative and quantitative acne scar grading, physician global assessment (PGA), and patient satisfaction score (PSS).

RESULTS

Out of 44 patients, four patients could not complete the study. Goodman and Baron's qualitative assessment showed patients with Grades 2, 3, and 4 were 6 (15%), 17 (42.5%), and 17 (42.5%), respectively. At the end of follow-up, patients with Grades 1, 2, 4, and 4 acne scars were 5 (12.5%), 24 (60%), 10 (25%), and 1 (2.5%), respectively, which were statistically significant ( < 0.05). Seven patients showed no improvement. Goodman and Baron's quantitative assessment showed an initial mean of 12.65 and an after-follow-up mean of 8.3, which was statistically significant < 0.05). PGA and PSS scores showed excellent to good responses of 70% and 82.5%, respectively. Adverse effects such as post-treatment erythema were seen in all patients, and edema was observed in 12 patients. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation was noted in two patients.

CONCLUSION

MNRF was found to be effective with a better safety profile for acne scars.