Alternating Treatment With Nonablative Fractional Laser and Radiofrequency Microneedling for the Treatment of Acne Scars: A Prospective, Randomized, Split-Face Study.

Background: Acne scarring is an unfortunate sequela affecting up to 95% of patients with acne and carries profound psychosocial impact. Both nonablative fractional lasers (NAFL) and microneedling with radiofrequency (MNRF) have demonstrated comparable efficacy in the treatment of atrophic acne scars.

Objective: To determine whether alternating NAFL and MNRF is superior to NAFL alone in the treatment of atrophic acne scars.

Methods And Materials: This was a prospective, single-center, double-blinded, split-face clinical trial. Twenty patients with atrophic acne scars who had their facial halves randomized to receive either NAFL alone or NAFL alternating with MNRF. Patients received 4 total treatments at 4-week intervals.

Results: Ninety days after the final treatment, both facial halves demonstrated a significant improvement in the mean global échelle d'évaluation clinique des cicatrices d'acné (ECCA) score from baseline ( p < .001 for both halves). The average percentage improvement at the final end point was 20% to 30% from baseline. No significant difference was noted between facial halves for mean global ECCA score or percentage improvement at any time point.

Conclusion: Although both NAFL and MNRF are safe and effective in the treatment of atrophic acne scars, alternating NAFL and MNRF does not seem to be superior to NAFL alone.