Evaluation of the efficacy of microneedle fractional radiofrequency in Turkish patients with atrophic facial acne scars

Background: Scarring is an undesirable and severe complication of acne resulting in loss of self-esteem in young people. Although microneedle fractional radiofrequency (MFR) system has emerged as a good option to treat acne scars in recent years, it was examined in a few studies which were commonly from Asian countries. Aims: We sought to evaluate the efficacy of MFR in Turkish patients with facial acne scars. Methods: Nine patients with atrophic facial acne scars treated with MFR device were included in the study. The number of treatment sessions was varied from one to five (median three) with 4-week intervals. Demographic and basal clinical features were recorded. Efficacy of the device was evaluated by the physicians' global assessment and patients' self-assessment scales 4 weeks after the last treatment session. Results: Of nine patients, two were male and seven were female (mean age, 31.33 years). Two patients had mild, four had moderate, and three had severe facial acne scars. Mean acne scar age was 13.22 8.79 years. According to the predominant scar subtype, three patients had V-shaped, three had U-shaped, and three had M-shaped atrophic acne scars. A clinical improvement of >25% has been reported in seven patients (77.7%) and eight patients (88.9%) by the physicians and patients, respectively. U-shaped atrophic acne scars responded better to the treatment than the other types, as statistically nonsignificant. There were no severe side effects. Conclusions: Microneedle fractional radiofrequency system showed a quite good efficacy and safety in the treatment of atrophic facial acne scars (Department of Dermato-Cosmetology, Uludag University Medical School).