Comparison of a Fractional Microplasma Radio Frequency Technology and Carbon Dioxide Fractional Laser for the Treatment of Atrophic Acne Scars: A Randomized Split-Face Clinical Study

Abstract

Background

No studies have compared fractional microplasma radio frequency (RF) technology with the carbon dioxide fractional laser system (CO₂ FS) in the treatment of atrophic acne scars in the same patient.

Objective

To compare the efficacy and safety of fractional microplasma RF with CO₂ FS in the treatment of atrophic acne scars.

Methods and Materials

Thirty-three Asian patients received three sessions of a randomized split-face treatment of fractional microplasma RF or CO₂ FS.

Results

Both modalities had a roughly equivalent effect. Échelle d'Évaluation Clinique Des Cicatrices d'Acné scores were significantly lower after fractional microplasma RF (from 51.1 ± 14.2 to 22.3 ± 8.6, 56.4% improvement) and CO₂ FS (from 48.8 ± 15.1 to 19.9 ± 7.9, 59.2% improvement) treatments. There was no statistically significant difference between the two therapies. Twelve subjects (36.4%) experienced postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) after 30 of 99 treatment sessions (30.3%) on the CO₂ FS side and no PIH was observed on the fractional microplasma RF sides.

Conclusion

Both modalities have good effects on treating atrophic scars. PIH was not seen with the fractional microplasma RF, which might make it a better choice for patients with darker skin.