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.
Keywords: acne scarring; fractional photothermolysis; radiofrequency.