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. 2024 Oct-Dec;17(4):315-319.
doi: 10.25259/jcas_175_23. Epub 2024 Sep 27.

Efficacy and safety of microneedling radiofrequency in acne scars

Undavalli Navyadevi  1 , Sadhika Ganni  1 , Saka Satya  1 , Subhashini Konala  1 , Seetharam Anjaneyulu Kolalapudi  1 , Surya Prasad Chilka  1 , Bommareddy Anargha  1
Affiliations

Efficacy and safety of microneedling radiofrequency in acne scars

Undavalli Navyadevi et al. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2024 Oct-Dec.

Abstract

Objectives: To study the efficacy and safety of microneedling radiofrequency (MNRF) in the treatment of acne scars.

Material and methods: This is a hospital-based and prospective interventional study. A total of 44 patients (18- 55 years old), skin types III-V, with acne scars, were enrolled. Four sessions of MNRF (Lumenis legend PRO Machine, with non-insulated needle tips GEN6, GEN6L; Israel) were done with an interval of 3 weeks between each session and followed up 1 month after the last session. The outcome was assessed by Goodman and Baron's qualitative and quantitative acne scar grading, physician global assessment (PGA), and patient satisfaction score (PSS).

Results: Out of 44 patients, four patients could not complete the study. Goodman and Baron's qualitative assessment showed patients with Grades 2, 3, and 4 were 6 (15%), 17 (42.5%), and 17 (42.5%), respectively. At the end of follow-up, patients with Grades 1, 2, 4, and 4 acne scars were 5 (12.5%), 24 (60%), 10 (25%), and 1 (2.5%), respectively, which were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Seven patients showed no improvement. Goodman and Baron's quantitative assessment showed an initial mean of 12.65 and an after-follow-up mean of 8.3, which was statistically significant (P < 0.05). PGA and PSS scores showed excellent to good responses of 70% and 82.5%, respectively. Adverse effects such as post-treatment erythema were seen in all patients, and edema was observed in 12 patients. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation was noted in two patients.

Conclusion: MNRF was found to be effective with a better safety profile for acne scars.

Keywords: Acne scars; Microneedling radiofrequency; Neocollagenesis.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1:
Figure 1:
Comparison of Goodman and Baron’s qualitative assessment grades among patients at baseline and at follow-up (1 month after the last session).
Figure 2:
Figure 2:
Improvement in the acne scars from (a) grade 4 to (b) grade 2 during follow-up (1 month after the last session).
Figure 3:
Figure 3:
Improvement in the acne scars from (a) grade 4 to (b) grade 3 during follow-up (1 month after the last session).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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