Use of radiofrequency in cosmetic dermatology: focus on nonablative treatment of acne scars

Abstract

Acne is a common affliction among many teens and some adults that usually resolves over time. However, the severe sequela of acne scarring can lead to long-term psychological and psychiatric problems. There exists a multitude of modalities to treat acne scars such as more invasive surgical techniques, subcision, chemical peels, ablative lasers, fractional lasers, etc. A more recent technique for the treatment of acne scars is nonablative radiofrequency (RF) that works by passing a current through the dermis at a preset depth to produce small thermal wounds in the dermis which, in turn, stimulates dermal remodeling to produce new collagen and soften scar defects. This review article demonstrates that out of all RF modalities, microneedle bipolar RF and fractional bipolar RF treatments offers the best results for acne scarring. An improvement of 25%–75% can be expected after three to four treatment sessions using one to two passes per session. Treatment results are optimal approximately 3 months after final treatment. Common side effects can include transient pain, erythema, and scabbing. Further studies are needed to determine what RF treatment modalities work best for specific scar subtypes, so that further optimization of RF treatments for acne scars can be determined.

The use of radiofrequency in combination with lasers for acne scars

“…2 A similar pattern of optimal results is seen at approximately 3 months after final treatment. Side effects are similar with transient erythema, edema, burning, and pain being the most common.…”

Combination of Treatments in Nonsurgical Facelift Performance to Conduce a Case of Severe Photoaging

“…The technology of bipolar fractionated RF allows the current to pass between skin and electrodes in a controlled way. It generates a fractionated heating in deep dermis, stimulating dermal remodeling, collagen contraction and fibroblast stimulation with little epidermal damage [15][16][17].…”

“…In addition, this technology allows the combination of techniques in one, so that there is a greater stimulus to the skin remodeling [17].…”

Advances in fractional technology for skin rejuvenation, skin tightening, drug delivery, and treating scars and skin defects

“…For acne scarring, a moderate improvement of 25% to 75% can be expected after 3 to 4 treatment sessions with FRF. 92 Numerous studies on the use of FRF for acne scarring in darker skin types have shown it to be effective, with a relatively low risk of PIH. [93][94][95] While moderate improvement in acne scarring is possible, it remains to be seen how FRF compares to more well-established treatments, such as AFL.…”

“…99 Common adverse reactions associated with FRF and RFM include transient pain, erythema, edema, and scabbing that resolve within 3 to 5 days. 92,95,107 Prolonged erythema, edema, and purpura are rarely seen. Rare instances of acne exacerbations 93 and HSV outbreaks 96 have been reported.…”