Combination radiofrequency microneedling and carbon dioxide laser for acne scarring: A systematic review and retrospective case series across two centers

Abstract

Acne scars have been found to negatively impact quality of life with associated adverse psychosocial impact. [1][2][3] Treatment of acne scarring is a therapeutic challenge with a number of available treatment options including topical skincare, chemical peels, dermabrasion, microneedling, dermal filler injections, platelet-rich-plasma injections, lasers, other energy-based devices, and surgery. [4][5][6] These options carry varying degrees of effectiveness and different side effect profiles.

Combination of Fractional Microneedling Radiofrequency and Ablative Fractional Laser versus Ablative Fractional Laser Alone for Acne and Acne Scars

“…Several studies have assessed the safety and effectiveness of the combination of FMR and AFL for treating acne scarring, all of which showed a significant reduction in acne scar severity scores with acceptable safety profiles. 2 10 12 13 Meanwhile, several studies have reported improvements in inflammatory acne assessed by acne severity scoring or lesion counts with FMR treatment. 8 11 In our study, the FMR+AFL treatment demonstrated superior efficacy compared to AFL monotherapy in patients with both inflammatory acne and post-acne scars.…”

“…First, RF microneedling induces mechanical disruption of dermal fibrotic strands and collagen remodeling; subsequently, AFL irradiation causes epidermal resurfacing by controlled tissue vaporization on the demarcated scar margins. 2 12 21 …”

“… 7 8 9 Previous studies have shown that FMR can be combined with other laser modalities, such as AFL and pulsed dye lasers, to treat inflammatory acne and acne scars with favorable efficacy and safety profiles. 10 11 12 13 …”