Combination Therapy of Microneedle Fractional Radiofrequency and Topical Poly-Lactic Acid for Acne Scars: A Randomized Controlled Split-Face Study.

BACKGROUND

Acne scarring occurs at a young age and causes distress for many patients. Various treatment modalities have been tried.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the efficacy of combination therapy with topical poly-lactic acid and microneedle fractional radiofrequency (MFRF) for acne scars.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Patients with acne scars on both the cheeks were included. Poly-lactic acid was applied to the acne scars on one side of the face before MFRF treatment. The other side of the face was treated with MFRF and normal saline. Patients received 3 treatment sessions and were evaluated based on visual assessment and patient satisfaction. After the last treatment, objective scar assessment of scar smoothness, size, brightness, and overall improvement was performed.

RESULTS

Both acne scar assessment scores and patient satisfaction were better with combination therapy (p = .036 and p = .009, respectively) than with monotherapy. Combination therapy resulted in significantly better efficacy for scar smoothness (p < .001), scar size (p = .003), and overall improvement (p < .001), but not for brightness (p = .151).

CONCLUSION

Combination therapy resulted in significantly better clinical outcomes, including better scar smoothness and smaller scar size. Therefore, we believe this combination therapy is a safe and effective treatment for acne scars.