Comparison of Non-insulated Microneedle Fractional Radiofrequency and Ablative Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser for the Treatment of Facial Atrophic Acne Scarring: A Pilot Randomized Split-face Clinical Study.

A study was undertaken to compare the effectiveness and adverse effects of non-insulated microneedle fractional radiofrequency (NIMFRF) and ablative fractional carbon dioxide (AFCO2) laser on facial atrophic acne scarring in a randomized split-face model. Thirty subjects with facial atrophic acne scarring were enrolled. Each side of the face randomly received 1 session of NIMFRF or AFCO2 laser. Photographs were taken by VISIA Complexion Analysis System at baseline, 1 month, 2 months, and 6 months after treatments. Subjective evaluations included Échelle d'Évaluation Clinique des Cicatrices d'Acné (ECCA) score, global improve-ment, and self-satisfaction. Potential adverse effects were also recorded. Skin melanin index and ery-thema index were measured. NIMFRF and AFCO2 laser show-ed comparable efficacies on atrophic acne scarring (p > 0.05). ECCA scores decreased significantly at each follow-up visit, compared with baseline (p < 0.05). Approximate 95% of subjects achieved "satisfied" or "very satisfied" improvement. Pain was more obvious on the AFCO2 laser side. Significantly increased red area value, melanin index and erythema index levels were seen on the AFCO2 laser side at one month or 2 month, compared with the NIMFRF side (p < 0.05). NIMFRF has milder adverse effects with shorter recovery period than AFCO2 laser. NIMFRF may be preferable for some patients due to its favourable adverse effect profile.