Safety and efficacy of hybrid energy and trifractional technologies in the treatment of acne scars: An open-label clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION

This study determines the safety and efficacy of a novel device--Surgen that utilizes hybrid energy (HE) technology and trifractional (TF) technology in the treatment of acne scars in Filipino patients.

METHODS

Open-label clinical trial on eight subjects who underwent 4 weekly HE treatments followed by 2 TF treatments spaced 3 weeks apart. Efficacy was evaluated by dermatologists' (investigator and two blinded dermatologists) and patients' assessment and grading of post-treatment digital photographs. Subjects also reported level of satisfaction and comfort. Adverse events were recorded.

RESULTS

Dermatologists' grading of acne scars improvement--58.3% of subjects showed slight to moderate improvement, 8.3% showed marked improvement, and 33.3% was graded as unchanged after HE treatments. After 2 additional TF treatments grades improved further, with 37.5% showing mild to moderate improvement, 37.5% showing marked improvement, and 25% graded as unchanged. Dermatologist's scoring using the global acne scoring system resulted in improvement of 75% of patients after 4 HE sessions and 100% after TF treatments. Subjects' grading showed a similar trend: 75% of subjects reported that they were satisfied and 25% slightly satisfied after the complete protocol.

CONCLUSION

A treatment protocol combining HE and TF technology is safe, effective, and comfortable in the treatment of acne scars.