Use of fractionated microneedle radiofrequency for the treatment of inflammatory acne vulgaris in 18 Korean patients.

Background: Nonablative radiofrequency (RF) devices have been shown to be clinically effective for the treatment of moderate to severe acne lesions.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a fractionated microneedle RF device in the treatment of inflammatory acne vulgaris.

Methods: Eighteen patients (15 male, 3 female; mean age 27, range: 19-33; Fitzpatrick skin type IV) with moderate to severe acne vulgaris who were treated with two sessions of fractionated microneedle RF at 1-month intervals were enrolled in this study.

Results: Evaluation of improvement, which took into account number of inflammatory acne lesions, showed that two of the 18 patients had grade 4 clinical improvement, eight had grade 3 improvement, and six had grade 2 improvement. Improvement scores in terms of lesion severity were also evaluated. One of the 18 patients had grade 4 clinical improvement, eight grade 3, and seven grade 2. No patient had worsening of inflammatory acne lesions.

Conclusion: Fractionated microneedle RF can have a positive therapeutic effect on inflammatory acne vulgaris and related scars. In addition, this technique does not worsen active acne lesions.