The efficacy in treatment of facial atrophic acne scars in Asians with a fractional radiofrequency microneedle system.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Treatment of acne scars remains a challenge to dermatologists. Multiple modalities have been employed with variable results and adverse effects. OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy and adverse effects of a fractional radiofrequency microneedle system (FRMS) on acne scars in Asians at 1-, 3- and 6-month follow-up visits after treatment. METHODS: Thirty subjects with atrophic acne scars for more than 6 months were enrolled in the study. All volunteers were treated with a FRMS on affected areas. The subjects were treated for a total number of three treatment sessions at 1-month intervals. Subjective assessments were obtained at baseline, 1, 3 and 6 months after the last treatment session by self-evaluation and two blinded dermatologists. Objective evaluation using an ultraviolet A-light video camera was also performed. In addition, pain scores, immediate reactions, healing times and other adverse effects were evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty-six subjects with skin phototypes III-V completed treatment protocol. The average mean scar age was 7 years (range: 0.5-15 years). At 6-month follow-up visit, the majority of the subjects (42.3%) reported a 26-50% improvement on their acne scars. Percent reduction in scar volume corresponded to clinical evaluation. Adverse reactions of the treatment included pain, immediate oedema/erythema, minimal scabbing and transient pigmentary alteration on treated areas. The average pain score was 5.6 of 10. Worsening of skin texture or new scar formation was not observed in any subjects. CONCLUSION: Fractional radiofrequency microneedle system is a safe and effective device for treating acne scars in Asians with minimal risk of downtime and adverse effects.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

Of 30 enrolled, 26 subjects (skin phototypes III–V) completed the protocol. At 6-month follow-up, 42.3% of subjects reported 26–50% improvement in acne scars, and percent reduction in scar volume corresponded to clinical evaluation. Reported adverse reactions included pain (average 5.6/10), immediate oedema/erythema, minimal scabbing, and transient pigmentary alteration; no worsening of skin texture or new scar formation was observed.

Outcomes measured

• Acne scar improvement (self-evaluation and blinded dermatologist assessment)
• Scar volume reduction (ultraviolet A-light video camera)
• Pain score
• Immediate reactions (oedema/erythema, scabbing)
• Healing time
• Pigmentary alteration
• Worsening of skin texture or new scar formation

Limitations

• No control or comparison group described
• Small sample size and some attrition (26/30 completed)
• Frequency/SAR and detailed exposure parameters not reported

{
    "study_type": "other",
    "exposure": {
        "band": null,
        "source": "fractional radiofrequency microneedle system (FRMS)",
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "three treatment sessions at 1-month intervals; follow-up at 1, 3, and 6 months after last session"
    },
    "population": "Asians with facial atrophic acne scars",
    "sample_size": 30,
    "outcomes": [
        "Acne scar improvement (self-evaluation and blinded dermatologist assessment)",
        "Scar volume reduction (ultraviolet A-light video camera)",
        "Pain score",
        "Immediate reactions (oedema/erythema, scabbing)",
        "Healing time",
        "Pigmentary alteration",
        "Worsening of skin texture or new scar formation"
    ],
    "main_findings": "Of 30 enrolled, 26 subjects (skin phototypes III–V) completed the protocol. At 6-month follow-up, 42.3% of subjects reported 26–50% improvement in acne scars, and percent reduction in scar volume corresponded to clinical evaluation. Reported adverse reactions included pain (average 5.6/10), immediate oedema/erythema, minimal scabbing, and transient pigmentary alteration; no worsening of skin texture or new scar formation was observed.",
    "effect_direction": "benefit",
    "limitations": [
        "No control or comparison group described",
        "Small sample size and some attrition (26/30 completed)",
        "Frequency/SAR and detailed exposure parameters not reported"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7399999999999999911182158029987476766109466552734375,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "fractional radiofrequency",
        "microneedle",
        "acne scars",
        "atrophic scars",
        "Asians",
        "dermatology",
        "adverse effects",
        "pain score",
        "scar volume"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": []
}

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