Monopolar radiofrequency versus pulsed dye laser for treatment of acne scars: a randomized clinical trial

Introduction. The main aim of the current study was to compare the effect of monopolar radiofrequency (MRF) and pulsed dye laser (PdL) in reducing acne scars and improving the cosmetic appearance. Methods. overall, 30 patients suffering from mild or severe acne scars evaluated with the échelle d’évaluation clinique des cicatrices d’acné (ECCA) grading scale were randomly distributed into 2 groups. Group A (MRF group) was subjected to 1 session (8 minutes for each cheek) per month of MRF for 4 months. Group B (PdL group) received 1 session (5 minutes for each cheek) per month of PdL for 4 months. Preand post-treatment acne scar severity was assessed by using the ECCA grading scale and the self-assessment of clinical acne-related scars (SCARS) scale. Quality of life and the emotional impact of acne scars were evaluated by the facial acne scar quality of life (FASQoL) scale. Results. Both groups presented a significant decrease in ECCA scale, SCARS scale, and FASQoL scale after the treatment compared with the pre-treatment status (p < 0.001). There was a significant reduction in scores of ECCA scale, SCARS scale, and FASQoL scale in group B compared with group A after the treatment (p < 0.001). Conclusions. PdL is highly more effective than MRF in patients with acne scars.