Acne / Scar / Texture · Active inflammatory acne
Microneedling RF evidence for Active inflammatory acne
This procedure group has the highest level of PubMed evidence for this indication, and the papers broadly support its effectiveness.
Grade combines the quantity and quality of the research, while direction is a separate signal showing how the papers assess effectiveness.
Includes meta-analysis/SR Median year 2022 Last 5 years 62% Positive results 85% Negative results 1 Korea/Asia 4
Known in Korea as
Procedure and brand names vary, but the evidence above applies to the same procedure mechanism.
Key papers
tier1 Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Fractional CO2 Laser and Gold Microneedling Radiofrequency for Atrophic Acne Scars: A Systematic Review.
Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Acne is a prevalent dermatological disorder that profoundly affects patients' quality of life, frequently resulting in both physical discomfort and psychological distress. Conventional treatments, including topical agents, oral medications, and chemical peels, are primarily designed to alleviate symptoms but may be insufficient in effectively addressing persistent acne scars. Recent innovations in...
Journal Article, Systematic Review, Comparative Study, Review
View on PubMedtier1 Efficacy of Low-Dose Oral Isotretinoin Combined With Fractional Microneedle Radiofrequency Versus Low-Dose Oral Isotretinoin Monotherapy in the Treatment of Moderate-To-Severe Acne Vulgaris: A Randomized Controlled Comparative Study.
Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Oral isotretinoin is the standard therapy for severe acne. However, scarring may persist. Fractional microneedling radiofrequency (FMRF) improves both inflammatory lesions and scars with minimal downtime.
Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Comparative Study
View on PubMedtier1 Comparison of Non-insulated Microneedle Fractional Radiofrequency and Ablative Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser for the Treatment of Facial Atrophic Acne Scarring: A Pilot Randomized Split-face Clinical Study.
Abstract summary (English) A study was undertaken to compare the effectiveness and adverse effects of non-insulated microneedle fractional radiofrequency (NIMFRF) and ablative fractional carbon dioxide (AFCO2) laser on facial atrophic acne scarring in a randomized split-face model. Thirty subjects with facial atrophic acne scarring were enrolled. Each side of the face randomly received 1 session of NIMFRF or AFCO2 laser.
Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Comparative Study
View on PubMedtier1 Combinations of Energy-based Devices plus isotretinoin for management of acne and acne scars: A systematic review.
Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: A 6-month interval between systemic isotretinoin (ISO) and the initiation of energy-based interventions has been recommended, due to concerns about keloid formation and delayed wound healing. While this postponement goes against the current trend of early intervention for acne scarring. This systematic review evaluates the efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction of combinations of ISO...
Journal Article, Systematic Review
View on PubMedtier1 Combination of Fractional Microneedling Radiofrequency and Ablative Fractional Laser versus Ablative Fractional Laser Alone for Acne and Acne Scars.
Abstract summary (English) PURPOSE: Fractional microneedle radiofrequency (FMR) systems are used to treat inflammatory acne and scarring. Nonetheless, few controlled studies have combined this treatment with the traditional ablative fractional laser (AFL). We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of the combination of FMR and AFL versus AFL alone in treating acne and acne scars.
Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial
View on PubMedtier1 Fractional CO2 -laser versus microneedle radiofrequency for acne scars: A randomized, single treatment, split-face trial.
Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Ablative fractional CO2 laser (AFL) is an established first-line energy-based treatment for acne scars. Microneedle radiofrequency (MNRF) is an emerging treatment, also targeting the skin in fractions. No studies have so far compared AFL with MNRF for acne scars in a direct controlled, side-by-side comparison.
Randomized Controlled Trial, Case Reports, Journal Article
View on PubMedtier1 Microneedling in the treatment of atrophic scars: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials.
Abstract summary (English) To date, treatment of atrophic acne scars remains a therapeutic challenge for dermatologists, yet there is no standard option on the most effective treatment. Microneedling (MN) is a minimally invasive technology that involves repetitive skin puncture using sterile microneedles to disrupt dermal collagen that connects the scar tissue. Recent studies have demonstrated the potency of MN, such as dermaroller and...
Journal Article, Systematic Review
View on PubMedtier1 Comparison of Fractional Micro-Plasma Radiofrequency and Fractional Microneedle Radiofrequency for the Treatment of Atrophic Acne Scars: A Pilot Randomized Split-Face Clinical Study in China.
Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Both fractional micro-plasma radiofrequency (RF) and fractional microneedle RF are novel devices that can be applied for the treatment of atrophic acne scars, and they have both been proved to be effective. To compare the clinical effectiveness and adverse reactions of fractional micro-plasma RF and fractional microneedle RF for the therapy of facial atrophic acne scars in a randomized...
Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
View on PubMedtier1 A split-face comparison of a fractional microneedle radiofrequency device and fractional radiofrequency therapy for moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris.
Abstract summary (English) PURPOSE: Radiofrequency equipment, including invasive fractional microneedle radiofrequency (FMR) and noninvasive fractional radiofrequency (FR), has facilitated progress in the field of active acne treatment, but clinical data are limited. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of FMR and FR in the treatment of moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris. METHODS: Ten patients with moderate-to-severe acne were...
Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial
View on PubMedtier1 Selective Sebaceous Gland Electrothermolysis Using a Single Microneedle Radiofrequency Device for Acne Patients: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study.
Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The selective electrothermolysis of the sebaceous glands was suggested as a novel therapeutic option for facial acne. However, there has been no randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the monopolar radiofrequency (RF) device using single microneedle with proximal insulation. The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of...
Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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