The early and late efficacy of single-pass fractional carbondioxide laser, fractional radiofrequency and their combination in acne scars: A prospective, split-face, single-blinded, controlled clinical study.

OBJECTIVES We investigated the effectiveness of fractional carbon dioxide laser (FCO2) vs. fractional radiofrequency (FRF) and FCO2 vs. FRF plus FCO2 combination in the treatment of acne scars. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-seven patients were included. Scar severity was scored with "Echelle d'evaluation clinique des cicatrices d'acne" (ECCA) by a dermatologist blinded to treatment. FCO2 and FRF were administered to the right and left halves of the patients' faces, respectively, at the first 3 visits, once a month. At the 4th visit, FCO2 was administered to both sides. Last evaluation was performed six months after the last treatment. RESULTS Mean ECCA scores for both face halves decreased gradually at each visit compared to Visit-1; however, the effect size of decrease was higher in the right half of the face and in terms of gender differences was higher in women for both sides that the difference was more pronounced for the FRF side. There was no statistically significant change in the mean VAS patient satisfaction scores in the following visits compared to Visit-2 on both halves (p> 0.05). Side effects were similar; but lasted longer in the FCO2 side. CONCLUSION Both FCO2 and FRF are effective treatment methods in the treatment of atrophic acne scars. Combining FCO2 to FRF improves patient satisfaction. FRF may achieve better results in women compared to men. To our knowledge the study is unique prospective, controlled clinical study comparing the efficacy of FCO2 and FRF plus FCO2 combination treatments. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.