Use of combined fractional carbon dioxide laser and fractional microneedle radiofrequency for the treatment of acne scars: A retrospective analysis of 1-month treatment outcome on scar severity and patient satisfaction.

BACKGROUND: Acne scars lead to social and psychological problems for patients, and they should be treated effectively. Ablative and nonablative lasers have been used for the treatment of acne scars in recent years.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectivity of combined FCL and FmRF treatment for acne scars retrospectively.

METHODS: A total of 72 patients with acne scars who received FCL + FmRF treatment between 2014 and 2016 were included in this study. Photographs of patients before treatment and 1 month following the last treatment session were scored by two blinded researchers, according to the ECCA acne scar scoring method. Patients were contacted via telephone after 1 month following the last treatment and asked to evaluate their satisfaction with the treatment outcome using a 5-point Likert-type scale.

RESULTS: A significant decrease was noted in ECCA scores after the treatment along with temporary side effects. Change from pretreatment scores was significantly higher in patients very satisfied vs satisfied with treatment. The number of treatment sessions was positively correlated with treatment-related change in ECCA scores.

CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, our findings revealed association of FCL + FmRF treatment with significantly improved ECCA scores, mild pain experience, and low rate of side effects in patients with acne scars, despite usage of high-energy FLC dose and five sessions of treatment on average. More remarkable improvement in ECCA scores during treatment seems to be associated with higher patient satisfaction and to be more likely in patients with darker skin types.