GLASS LAB · Medical Aesthetics Evidence Index 303 cells · 19,226 papers · 5,969 top-tier evidence

Acne / Scar / Texture · Traumatic scar

Microneedling RF evidence for Traumatic scar

A 67.1 / 100 Supported 8 RCT/meta · 3 clinical/observational · 1 case · 15 total
Strong evidence · positive conclusion

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 67% Positive results 93% Korea/Asia 1

Known in Korea as

실펌포텐자버츄RF아그네스프로파운드

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. Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI) · 2026 · PMID 41927510

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 PubMed
tier1 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. Acta dermato-venereologica · 2025 · PMID 40568948

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

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tier1 Combinations of Energy-based Devices plus isotretinoin for management of acne and acne scars: A systematic review. Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2024 · PMID 38845186

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

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tier1 Combination of Fractional Microneedling Radiofrequency and Ablative Fractional Laser versus Ablative Fractional Laser Alone for Acne and Acne Scars. Yonsei medical journal · 2023 · PMID 37992744

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

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tier1 Fractional CO2 -laser versus microneedle radiofrequency for acne scars: A randomized, single treatment, split-face trial. Lasers in surgery and medicine · 2023 · PMID 36934435

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 PubMed
tier1 Microneedling in the treatment of atrophic scars: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials. International wound journal · 2021 · PMID 33538106

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

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tier1 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. Lasers in surgery and medicine · 2020 · PMID 33326634

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

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tier1 Efficacy of fractionated microneedle radiofrequency with and without adding subcision for the treatment of atrophic facial acne scars: A randomized split-face clinical study. Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2017 · PMID 28432727

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: There is no gold standard treatment for facial acne scars, and overall, little literature exists about the combination therapy for treatment of acne scar. AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of fractionated microneedle radiofrequency (FMR) vs FMR combined with subcision for the treatment of atrophic acne scars. PATIENTS/METHODS: This was a randomized, split-face clinical study of 25...

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier2 Effectiveness and safety of the modified multiple mode procedures versus traditional multiple mode procedures on treating facial atrophic acne scars: a propensity score matching retrospective cohort study. Lasers in medical science · 2024 · PMID 39425801

Abstract summary (English) Multiple mode procedures (MMP) of fractional CO2 laser provide higher efficacy and shorter downtime in treating acne scars, compared to traditional fractional CO2 laser therapy. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of modified MMP integrated with fractional microneedle radiofrequency (FMR), ultra-pulse CO2 laser and fractional CO2 laser in treating acne...

Journal Article, Comparative Study

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tier2 Safety of Combined Fractional Microneedle Radiofrequency and CO2 as an Early Intervention for Inflammatory Acne and Scarring Treated With Concomitant Isotretinoin. Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] · 2020 · PMID 32187040

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Fractional microneedle radiofrequency (FMRF) systems are popular options for treating acne scars. However, treatment efficacy when used in combination with traditional ablative fractional laser (AFL) and the safety profile with concomitant use of isotretinoin remain unknown. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of an early intervention combination treatment protocol for...

Journal Article, Observational Study, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

View on PubMed

Suggested interpretation

Strong evidence base

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