Table 1.
Reports of radiofrequency treatment of acne and acne scarring
| Author Publication Year | Evidence | Study Design (Sample Size) | Condition | Intervention | Number of Treatments/Intervals | Outcome Measures | Clinical Outcomes | Patient Reported Outcomes | Adverse events |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lan et al. 2018 (11) | 3 | Prospective nonrandomized (n = 86) | Acne scarring | Micro-plasma radiofrequency | 1 session q2 months x3 | Echelle d’Evaluation Clinique des Cicatrices d’Acne (ECCA grading scale) |
Avg ECCA score at 6 months: 107.2 at baseline, decreased to 42.27 (p<0.05) |
Patient satisfaction: 100% were “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with treatment at 6 months |
Transient pain, erythema, edema, effusion, and scabs in all pts |
| Min et al. 2015 (9) | 2 | Prospective single-blind randomized split-face trial (n = 20) | Acne and acne scarring | Bipolar radiofrequency (BR) Fractional microneedling radiofrequency (FMR) |
2 sessions q4 weeks x3 | Inflammatory lesion count |
Lesion count
FMR Baseline 100 3 months 19.6 (p<0.001) BR Baseline: 100 3 months: 84.5 (p>0.001) |
Patient satisfaction: BR > FMR on day 1 FMR > BR on day 84 |
Mild pain, erythema, and edema FMR > BR (% not reported) |
| Prieto et al. 2005 (10) | 4 | Case Series (n = 32) | Acne | RF and pulsed light combination | 2 sessions q-week x4 | Lesion count Histology Patient-reported improvement |
Avg reduction in lesion count: 47% (p<0.05) Perifollicular lymphocytic infiltrates: Baseline: 58% 1-month: 33% Avg area of sebaceous glands: Baseline: 0.092 mm2 1-month: 0.070 mm2 |
Patient-reported improvements: Excellent 4.5% Good 59% Very good 32% None to mild 4.5% |
Mild erythema 84% 1° facial burns 12% |
| Shin et al. 2012 (8) | 2 | Prospective single-blind randomized split-face trial (n = 20) | Acne | FMR Fractional carbon dioxide laser therapy (CO2 FS) |
1 – 2 sessions | Global Improvement Scale (GIS) (0 = worsening; 4 = 76 – 100% improvement) Inflammatory lesion count |
GIS at 3 months: FMR: 2.3 CO2 FS: 1.9 (p>0.05) Lesion count 3 months: FMR: 36% reduction CO2 FS: 41% reduction (p>0.005) |
Patient Satisfaction at 3 months: Very satisfied 15% Satisfied 55% Slightly satisfied 10% Unsatisfied 5% |
Erythema FMR: 2.35 ± 1.04 CO2 FS: 1.75 ± 12.67 (p<0.001) Transient hyperpigmentation in 2 CO2 FS pts |