A recent study highlights the effectiveness and safety of a new pulsed wave mode of fractional microneedling radiofrequency for treating inflammatory acne vulgaris. This advanced technique uses insulated microneedles to deliver energy to the deep dermis while preserving the epidermis.
Inflammatory acne vulgaris is a prevalent skin condition marked by red, inflamed, and painful lesions. “Despite new advances in the field, traditional treatment modalities withstand many challenges,” the study authors note in the journal MDPI.
“Our study illustrated the safety and efficacy of a pulsed wave mode of a fractional microneedling radiofrequency device regarding the management of acne lesions that are inflammatory.” Researchers Alleviate Acne Flare-Ups Using Fractional Microneedling with Radiofrequency.
The authors suggest that the combined effects of collagen induction and volumetric tissue heating from the radiofrequency delivered by the microneedles are key advantages of this therapy over other treatment options.
Fractional microneedling radiofrequency can enhance the healing of inflammatory acne by stimulating skin repair, decreasing oil production from sebaceous glands, eliminating acne-causing bacteria, and encouraging collagen growth. The treatment may also diminish the visibility of existing acne lesions and help prevent new ones.
“Significant” improvement after six months The study involved eighty participants—40 males and 40 females, all around 20 years old—who experienced moderate to severe acne.
Participants were randomly divided into two groups. The treated group received four sessions of fractional microneedling radiofrequency, spaced 1.5 months apart, while the control group received a placebo treatment.
Six months after the final session, researchers evaluated improvement based on the number of inflammatory acne vulgaris (IAV) lesions and overall skin condition, including facial pores, sebum production, scarring, skin tone, and texture.
The radiofrequency-treated group demonstrated “significant” improvement compared to the control group at the follow-up. Researchers Alleviate Acne Flare-Ups Using Fractional Microneedling with Radiofrequency.
“Regarding safety, very mild adverse effects were reported, such as discomfort during the session, pinpoint hemorrhage, and erythema, with no major side effects like burns, scarring, hyperpigmentation, or hypopigmentation noted,” the researchers concluded.
“Thus, our data suggest a potential role of the fractional microneedling radiofrequency device in IAV treatment that is both effective and safe.”
