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

Author: Zhang Zhen   Fei Ye   Chen Xiangdong   Lu Wenli   Chen Jinan  

Publisher: Elsevier

ISSN: 1076-0512

Source: Dermatologic Surgery, Vol.39, Iss.4, 2013-04, pp. : 559-566

Disclaimer: Any content in publications that violate the sovereignty, the constitution or regulations of the PRC is not accepted or approved by CNPIEC.

Previous Menu Next

Abstract

BackgroundNo 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.
ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy and safety of fractional microplasma RF with CO2 FS in the treatment of atrophic acne scars.
Methods and MaterialsThirty-three Asian patients received three sessions of a randomized split-face treatment of fractional microplasma RF or CO2 FS.
ResultsBoth 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.
ConclusionBoth 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.

Related content