Clinical studies of the treatment of facial atrophic acne scars and acne with a bipolar fractional radiofrequency system

Few clinical studies have examined the utility of bipolar fractional radiofrequency (FRF) therapy as a treatment for atrophic acne scars and active acne in people with darker skin. This study was designed to compare the safety and efficacy of bipolar FRF therapy as a treatment for atrophic acne scars and acne vulgaris. Twenty‐three Japanese patients with atrophic acne scars and mild to severe acne on both cheeks were treated with a bipolar FRF system (eMatrix; Syneron, Yokneam Illit, Israel). Five treatment sessions were carried out at 1‐month intervals, and the patients were followed up for 3 months after the final treatment. Assessments of scar severity and the number of acne lesions and 3‐D in vivo imaging analysis were performed. Evaluations of the treatment outcomes and their effects on the patients’ quality of life (QOL) were also carried out. We demonstrated that the improvement in scar volume was marked in the patients with mild scars and was at least moderate in 23 (57.5%) of the treated areas. With regard to the number of acne lesions, the treated areas exhibited significantly fewer lesions compared with the baseline at each time point (P < 0.05). The patients’ assessments of the treatment outcomes and their QOL indicated that both had improved significantly by the end of the study. Furthermore, significant reductions in the patients’ sebum levels, skin roughness and scar depth were observed. Bipolar FRF treatment significantly improved the atrophic acne scars and acne of Japanese patients and had minimal side‐effects.     

The Treatment of Acne Scars,a 30-Year Journey

Over the past 30 years, the treatment of acne scars has undergone changes that have been significantly influenced by the concurrent development of new devices. The advent of fractional resurfacing lasers was a watershed moment for acne scarring therapy. The author recounts a career history of considerations of acne scarring treatments as well as the literature supporting the experiences causing changes in practice. Fractional ablative and nonablative lasers, sublative radiofrequency, picosecond lasers, microneedling with and without radiofrequency and fillers are the bulk of the treatments covered, along with a discussion of combination therapy. A practical algorithm for acne scarring for selection of treatment modalities is presented.

     

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of fractional bipolar radiofrequency with high-energy strategy for treatment of acne scars in Chinese

Background: Fractional technology overcomes several problems of ablative lasers such as a high incidence rate of post- inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). A new technology fractional radiofrequency, which induces deep dermal heating and leaves the epidermal less affected results in less adverse effect in Chinese. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerance of fractional bipolar radiofrequency (RF) in the treatment of acne scars in Asian people with the strategy of high energy. Methods: Twenty-six healthy Asian patients with acne scars received four monthly high energy (85–95mj/pin) treatments with a fractional bipolar RF device. Improvement and tolerance were evaluated at each treatment and a 4-week and 12-week follow-up visit. Results: Twenty-three patients completed the study. Acne score showed a significantly decrease at 4-week and 12-week follow-up visits. Patients’ evaluation of global improvement and satisfaction increased at the 12-week visit compared with baseline. Side effects were limited to transient pain, erythema, dryness and low risk of PIH. Conclusion: Treatment with high energy of fractional bipolar RF is safe and effective for acne scars in Asian people. Common side effects such as PIH, eschars are less than fractional lasers.     

A case of fractional microneedling radiofrequency induced rosacea

Fractional microneedling radiofrequency (FMR) has been reported to improve cutaneous wrinkles due to its effects of inducing neoelastogenesis and neocollagenosis. Furthermore, FMR has shown to be effective in acne scars, acne lesions, hyperhidrosis, acne-related postinflammatory erythema and recently in rosacea. FMR treatment has been suggested to improve rosacea by reducing inflammation and abnormal vessel proliferation. Here we present a 61-year-old female who developed rosacea symptoms after the treatment of FMR for cutaneous wrinkles. Since the case shows conflictory findings with the previous data, it was found worthy presentation.     

黄金微针射频与超脉冲CO2点阵激光治疗面部痤疮所致的不同类型凹陷性瘢痕的疗效比较

 目的 比较黄金微针射频与超脉冲CO₂点阵激光治疗不同类型面部凹陷性痤疮瘢痕的临床疗效及安全性。方法 选取我院门诊2019年8月—2021年8月诊治的80例凹陷性痤疮瘢痕患者为研究对象,采用随机数字表法分为治疗组和对照组,每组各40例。治疗组采用黄金微针射频治疗;对照组采用超脉冲CO₂ 点阵激光治疗。比较两组疗效,并按临床亚型（V型、U型和M型）对患者进行分类和评价。结果 两组患者治疗后痤疮瘢痕临床评分量表（ECCA）权重评分均降低,但差异无统计学意义（t=0.46, P=0.644）。 两组患者总体有效率比较差异无统计学意义（X²=1.89,P=0.176）。两组瘢痕亚型比较,治疗组M型瘢痕疗效较好（t=2.34, P＜0.05）,对照组V型瘢痕疗效较好（t=-2.36, P＜0.05）,而两组U型瘢痕疗效无明显差异（t=0.24, P＞0.05）。治疗组患者术中疼痛程度、术后红肿期程度评分均低于对照组,痂皮脱落愈合时间短于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(均P＜0.05)。结论 黄金微针射频与CO₂点阵激光均能有效地改善面部凹陷性痤疮瘢痕,其中前者对M型瘢痕疗效显著,后者对V型瘢痕疗效显著。提示临床工作中可对痤疮瘢痕进行亚型分析,进而选择性治疗,必要时可联合治疗,起到协同作用。     

Energy-based devices in the treatment of acne scars in skin of color

Background

Acne scarring is disfiguring and psychologically taxing on patients. Many energy-based modalities have emerged and been studied for the treatment of acne scarring; however, there is a paucity of these studies in skin phototypes IV–VI.

Objective

To review the medical literature and discuss the most significant studies regarding safety and efficacy of energy-based devices (ablative lasers, non-ablative lasers, and radiofrequency microneedling) in the treatment of ethnic skin (skin phototypes IV–VI).

Methods

A literature search was conducted using the PubMed database and bibliographies of relevant articles.

Results

Ablative and non-ablative lasers have proven to be effective for treatment of acne scars in ethnic skin. The risk of developing adverse effects such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is contingent upon several factors including skin phototype, laser device, fluence, and moreso density settings. Non-ablative fractional lasers have been considered first line for the treatment of acne scars in skin of color due to their better safety profile; however, they are less efficacious and require more treatments compared to ablative lasers. Studies regarding efficacy and safety of radiofrequency microneedling for treatment of acne scarring in skin of color are limited, but are promising.

Conclusion

Ablative lasers, non-ablative lasers, and radiofrequency microneedling are all useful treatments for acne scarring in ethnic skin when appropriate settings are used. Further head-to-head studies are needed to evaluate their efficacy and safety in darker skin phototypes V–VI.     

Combined autologous platelet‐rich plasma with microneedling versus microneedling with non‐cross‐linked hyaluronic acid in the treatment of atrophic acne scars: Split‐face study

Acne scarring causes cosmetic discomfort, depression, low self‐esteem and reduced quality of life. Microneedling is an established treatment for scars. A multimodality approach to scar treatment is usually necessary to achieve the best cosmetic results. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of platelet rich plasma (PRP) combined with microneedling in comparison with microneedling with non‐cross‐linked hyaluronic acid for the treatment of atrophic acne scars. Forty‐one patients of 20‐40 years of age with atrophic acne scars were included. Microneedling was performed on both halves of the face. Topical application of PRP was given on right half of the face, while the left half of the face was treated with topical application of non‐cross‐linked hyaluronic acid. Four treatment sessions were given at an interval of 1 month consecutively. Goodman's Qualitative scale and the quartile grading scale are used for the final evaluation of results. There was a statistically significant improvement in acne scars after treatment among the studied group. Right and left halves showed 85.4% and 82.9% improvement, So the difference of the improvement between the two modalities is statistically insignificant P > 0.05 We conclude that microneedling has efficacy in the management of atrophic acne scars. It can be combined with either PRP or noncross‐linked hyaluronic acid to enhance the final clinical outcomes in comparison with microneedling alone. The difference between the two modalities is insignificant.     

The efficacy of fractional CO2 laser in acne scar treatment: A meta‐analysis

Fractional CO₂ laser is a good option for treating acne scars. However, the clinical efficacy of this treatment modality requires further evidence. To perform a meta‐analysis to assess clinical improvements in acne scars with fractional CO₂ laser and non‐CO₂ laser therapies. Databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library) were searched using the search strategy to identify eligible studies. All statistical analyses were performed using the Review Manager 5.0, and a meta‐analysis was conducted to assess the effects of fractional CO₂ laser used as a treatment for acne scars. Eight studies were included for further analysis. There was no significant difference between fractional CO₂ laser and non‐CO₂ laser therapies in terms of clinical improvement, observer assessment (P = .19), patient assessment (P = .91), and incidence of post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation (P = .69). The subgroup analyses showed that the duration of follow‐up had little effect on the evaluation of treatment effect. The efficacy of fractional CO₂ laser therapy in acne scars appeared to be equal to that of non‐CO₂ laser therapies. More well designed randomized controlled trials and more credible and standard evaluation criteria are needed, and the efficiency of combination therapy requires further analysis.     

Can sebum reduction predict acne outcome?

Sebum excretion has generally been accepted as an important factor in the development of acne vulgaris. However, the relationship of sebum excretion and acne outcome has not yet been clearly demonstrated quantitatively. The objective of this analysis was to explore the correlation of sebum and acne by combining data from studies of various acne treatments that have demonstrated effects on both sebum excretion and acne outcome. Acne measures included total lesion count, inflammatory lesion count and acne severity grade. For each acne measure, data were pooled and analysed at the 3‐ and 4‐month endpoints, when sebum reduction has generally equilibrated and efficacy in acne is approaching the maximum effect for most treatments. A linear model was used to describe the percentage reduction in each acne measure as a function of percentage reduction in sebum excretion. Slope values were similar for the three acne parameters and all were significantly different from zero (P < 0·025), suggesting a significant correlation of sebum and acne. The projected sebum reduction required to achieve 50% reduction in acne measures ranged from 30% to 50%. The results shown here suggest that the collective data across multiple studies may provide a useful generalization of the association of sebum reduction and acne outcome. As the relationship apparently remains consistent regardless of the treatment, it can be inferred that extrapolation to novel exploratory treatments may be valid.     

Combination of intense pulsed light and fractional CO2 laser treatments for patients with acne with inflammatory and scarring lesions

Background. Various laser and light sources are been used increasingly in cosmetic dermatology. Aim. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of combination intense pulsed light (IPL) and fractional CO₂ laser in treating patients with acne with both inflammatory and scarring lesions. Methods. In total, 37 Chinese patients with acne with facial inflammatory and scar lesions were treated. Successive sessions of 4–6 IPL treatments followed by 2 sessions of fractional CO₂ laser treatments were applied. Effectiveness was determined by the dermatologist’s evaluation, patient self‐assessment, and devices that measure skin colour, sebum secretion and skin hydration. Results. IPL treatments significantly reduced the inflammatory lesion score and the atrophic scar score compared with baseline. Subsequent fractional CO₂ laser treatments further decreased the atrophic scar score. Both scores remained low when patients were followed up at 6 months. Around 90% of the patients experienced significant or moderate overall improvement, and almost 80% patients rated their results as ‘excellent’ or ‘good’. The melanin index (MI), erythema index (EI) and skin sebum level all significantly decreased after IPL treatments, and the EI and sebum level were still low when assessed at the 3‐month follow‐up, although the MI had increased again. The adverse effects (AEs) of both treatments were transient and bearable. Conclusions.  IPL in combination with fractional CO₂ laser was effective in treating patients with acne with both inflammatory lesions and atrophic scars, and the AEs were acceptable.     

Topical epidermal growth factor for the improvement of acne lesions: a randomized,double‐blinded,placebo‐controlled,split‐face trial

Acne is one of the most common adverse events associated with the use of anticancer agents, such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors. Based on data from several previous reports, we predicted that topical application of EGF could improve acne vulgaris. To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of topical recombinant human EGF (rhEGF) cream for the treatment of facial acne vulgaris. Twenty Korean adults with mild to moderate acne vulgaris applied topical rhEGF cream on one half of the face and a vehicle cream on the other half twice daily for six weeks. Clinical assessments were conducted at baseline, two, four, and six weeks. Two assessment methods were applied: inflammatory and non‐inflammatory acne lesion counts and acne severity score by investigator's global assessment. Skin sebum output level and hydration level were also measured at each visit. All volunteers completed the study. At the final visit, inflammatory acne lesions were reduced by 33.5% on the rhEGF‐applied side. Non‐inflammatory acne lesions also decreased by 25.4%, whereas the lesions on the control side increased. The majority of patients demonstrated improvement on the side of the face where rhEGF cream was applied. Sebum output decreased on the rhEGF side, and skin hydration level increased on both sides. No severe side effects were observed during the study. Topical rhEGF seems to be an effective and safe adjuvant treatment option for mild to moderate acne vulgaris.     

黄金微针射频治疗面部痤疮瘢痕的疗效评估

目的 评价黄金微针射频治疗面部痤疮瘢痕的有效性及安全性。方法 广州市皮肤病防治所2016年6月至2017年6月采用黄金微针射频治疗的42例痤疮瘢痕患者（观察组）和CO2点阵激光治疗的47例痤疮瘢痕患者（对照组）,分别用疗效四级单盲法和临床痤疮瘢痕评估量表（ECCA）权重评分对两组治疗前后照片分析统计,评估疗效。统计方法采用χ2检验,两独立样本t检验及配对资料Wilcoxon秩和检验。结果 治疗后,观察组和对照组总体有效率分别为92.9%（39例）和89.4%（42例）,两组差异无统计学意义（χ2 = 0.042,P > 0.05）。治疗前观察组ECCA权重评分为46.7 ± 16.3,对照组为45.7 ± 15.8,两组差异无统计学意义（t = 0.271,P > 0.05）。治疗后,观察组ECCA权重评分降低为29.5 ± 15.1,前后比较差异有统计学意义（Z = -5.713,P < 0.05）;对照组降低为31.3 ± 14.9,前后比较差异有统计学意义（Z = -6.086,P < 0.05）。结论 黄金微针治疗面部痤疮瘢痕疗效确切,安全性高且创伤小。     

Treatment of acne scars by fractional bipolar radiofrequency energy

Abstract

Background/Objective: A variety of modalities are available for the treatment of acne scars. This prospective, IRB-approved study evaluates the efficacy and tolerance of fractional bipolar RF energy in the treatment of facial acne scars. Methods: Healthy subjects (n =?15, 13 females, aged 35.7?±?5.6 years [mean ± SD], skin types I–V) with mild to moderate acne scars received three monthly treatments with a fractional bipolar RF device. Improvement and tolerance were evaluated at each visit, including a 1-month and 3-month follow-up visit. Results: Ten subjects completed the study. Physician-assessed acne scar severity was significantly reduced at 1 month and 3 months. Adverse effects were limited to transient erythema. Dryness, bruising and crusting erosion were limited. Subject-assessed stinging/burning, stinging (alone), tingling, itching and burning were also limited and consistent with each treatment. Subject-assessed fine lines and wrinkles, brightness, tightness, acne scar texture, pigmentation were all improved significantly. Satisfaction was high in 67–92% of subjects. Conclusion: Fractional bipolar RF energy is a safe and effective modality for the treatment of acne scars.     

Heredity of acne in Korean patients

Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilocebaceous unit that presents with various spectrum and severity. Genetic backgrounds and environmental factors are also considered to be relevant, but few studies have focused on Korean patients. A cross‐sectional epidemiologic study on family history of Korean acne patients was performed to analyze family history of acne, and to compare the severity and characteristics of acne in association with family history. A total of 221 patients were enrolled, 98 male (44.3%) and 123 female (55.7%). Patients were grouped as patients with (A+) or without (A‐) family history of acne. In a second analysis, patients with any experience of acne treatment were evaluated. Severity of acne was measured with Burton's grading system and Korean Acne Grading System (KAGS). Female patients had a higher tendency to have family history than males (P = 0.002). Group A+ had statistically significant earlier onset of acne (P = 0.002). In inexperienced patients, patients with family history showed a relatively earlier onset (P = 0.084). This study confirmed the role of heredity in acne. Family history of acne is associated with earlier onset of the disease, and more non‐inflammatory lesions.     

黄金微针射频联合自体富血小板血浆治疗面部痤疮凹陷性瘢痕的疗效评估

目的 探讨黄金微针射频联合自体富血小板血浆(PRP)治疗面部痤疮凹陷性瘢痕的疗效.方法 选择河南大学第一附属医院皮肤科门诊2019年4月-2021年4月接收且诊治的74例凹陷性痤疮瘢痕患者为对象,随机分为2组.观察组采用黄金微针射频联合PRP治疗,对照组采用滚轮微针联合PRP治疗,两组均治疗间隔4周,连续治疗3次,3次...     

Microneedling and PRP for acne scars: A new tool in our arsenal

A common complication of acne vulgaris is clinically significant scarring, which can greatly impact patient quality of life. While treatment options have included microneedling, the recent addition of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) to this regimen has led to an increased popularity of combination treatment. Here, we offer backgrounds on microneedling and PRP therapies and review the literature on combination treatment for acne scars.     

Non-invasive diagnostic evaluation of phototherapeutic effects of red light phototherapy of acne vulgaris

Background: During the past few years, various phototherapeutic protocols with full‐spectrum visible light or selected wavebands have been investigated in the treatment of acne vulgaris with variable results. Methods: Fifteen women suffering from moderate acne vulgaris of the face were exposed to 20 J/cm² of broad‐band red (λ: 600–750 nm) light twice weekly for 4 weeks. In addition, with the aim to improve the present knowledge of the mechanisms of action of phototherapy, we measured skin sebum, pH, hydration and trans‐epidermal water loss (TEWL). Lesions of the trunk were not irradiated and served as controls. Results: A significant improvement of acne lesions and a significant decrease of skin sebum excretion and TEWL of the face were registered at the end of the therapy and at the 3‐month follow‐up visit. The results could be related to a reduced follicular colonization of Propionibacterium acnes, in that it was lethally damaged by photoactivated endogenous porphyrins. Conclusion: The present findings seem to indicate that red light phototherapy may represent an effective, well‐tolerated, safe, simple and inexpensive treatment option for moderate acne vulgaris.     

Fluorescence diagnostic imaging in patients with acne

Background: Orange‐red fluorescence in the follicle openings, induced by ultraviolet A light, originates from porphyrins, the metabolic products of Propionibacteria acnes. Purpose: To investigate the relationship of orange‐red follicular fluorescence with the severity of acne and the amount of sebum secretion. Methods: Twenty‐five volunteers were included. The severity of acne was rated on a 4‐point scale. The casual sebum level was measured using a Sebumeter and the follicular fluorescence was determined using the camera Visiopor. Results: Casual sebum level and the intensity of fluorescence (percentage of the area and number of orange‐red spots) were higher at the T zone than at the U zone in all patients regardless of their skin type. Sebum amount and area of fluorescence spots were significantly negative in correlation with the clinical grade of acne. There was a significant positive correlation between the orange‐red fluorescence and the casual sebum level. Conclusion: The orange‐red fluorescence showed stronger correlation with the presence of non‐inflammatory acne lesions (comedones) and high sebum amount than the presence of inflammatory acne lesions (pustules) and low sebum amount. The fluorescence diagnostic imaging could be useful in the objective evaluation and monitoring of treatment efficacy in subjects with acne‐prone skin and patients with acne.     

New photographic techniques for clinical evaluation of acne

Clinical evaluation of acne is usually based on direct visual assessment and ordinary flash photography, both of which are compromised by viewer subjectivity. It is difficult to accurately assess individual acne lesions and to observe early response to therapy. Standard flash photography has inherent limitations owing to the physics of light; it does not permit consistent visualization of subtle cutaneous characteristics like erythema or microcomedones, and it tends to blur distinctions between active inflammatory lesions and older hyperpigmented macules. Over the last decade there has been increasing interest in newer techniques aimed at increasing the accuracy and objectivity of acne evaluation. These include parallel‐polarized light photography, cross (or perpendicular)‐polarized light photography, videomicroscopy, and fluorescence photography. This article will review the advances of the past decade and summarize new techniques to evaluate acne lesions. Moreover, findings of a study that evaluated the course of individual acne lesions and the effects of adapalene gel 0.1% on inflammatory and non‐inflammatory acne lesions will be viewed. In this study, the use of parallel‐polarized and cross‐polarized photography, in combination with videomicroscopy and sebum production measurement, provided objective, detailed information on the evolution of different variable acne lesions and their response to adapalene gel 0.1%. Adapalene treatment produced rapid resolution of inflammatory and non‐inflammatory lesions, and inhibited formation of new lesions. Sebum secretion rates also declined during treatment. Use of the new assessment techniques proved to be a valuable, non‐invasive and reliable method of assessing acne vulgaris and its response to treatment.     

Clinical evaluation of the efficacy and safety of fractional bipolar radiofrequency for the treatment of moderate to severe acne scars

Several treatment modalities are used for the treatment of acne scars with variable results. Recent studies showed that fractional radiofrequency may be an effective treatment modality for acne scars. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy, safety, tolerability and patient satisfaction of fractional bipolar radiofrequency (RF), the eTwo? system (Syneron Candela Ltd., Yokneam, Israel) for treating acne scars. Twelve patients with moderate to severe acne scars received 3–5 treatments with the Sublative fractionated bipolar RF applicator of the eTwo device at 1‐month intervals. Patients were evaluated clinically and photographically at each visit and 3 months after the final treatment. Very good improvement (at least one scale) was seen after completing the five treatments. The patient satisfaction survey (Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale scores) revealed that half (6 out of 12) of the patients reported to be satisfied with treatment results, while the other half reported to be very satisfied. Beyond the expected erythema and minimal scab formation in the treated areas, which was mild and transient, none of the participants reported any adverse events. The data presented here support the high efficacy and safety of fractionated bipolar RF for the aesthetic improvement of moderate to severe acne scars.