Efficacy of Microneedle Fractional Radiofrequency Combined With Topical Insulin for the Treatment of Facial Atrophic Acne Scars: A Split-Face, Double-Blinded, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION

Topical insulin (TI) has been shown to enhance wound healing by promoting re-epithelialization and collagen synthesis. However, there have been limited studies addressing its potential use in treating acne scars.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy of combining TI with microneedle fractional radiofrequency (MFR) in the treatment of atrophic acne scars.

MATERIALS AND METHOD: A split-face, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial involved 30 participants with atrophic acne scars. Each side of the participants' face was randomly treated with a combination of MFR and TI or a placebo every 4 weeks for four consecutive sessions.

RESULTS

Significant improvements in scar volume were observed, with statistical significance at week 12 for MFR combined with TI sides (baseline 18.22 ± 9.86 vs. 16.20 ± 8.58 mm3, p = 0.017) and at week 16 for MFR combined with placebo sides (baseline 18.02 ± 9.24 vs. 15.28 ± 8.21 mm3, p = 0.001). The TI sides exhibited a reduction of 46.77% ± 21.33% in Echelle d' évaluation clinique des cicatrices d' acne (ECCA) (p ≤ 0.001), while the placebo sides showed a reduction of 46.39% ± 20.14% in ECCA (p ≤ 0.001). There were no significant differences in melanin, and hemoglobin index between the two groups. No hypoglycemic symptoms were reported.

CONCLUSION

Combining topical insulin with MFR is safe and could accelerate the early acne scar improvement.