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

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. 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 three visits, once a month. At the fourth visit, FCO2 was administered to both sides. Last evaluation was performed 6 months after the last treatment. Mean ECCA scores for both face halves decreased gradually at each visit compared with 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 with Visit-2 on both halves (P > .05). Side effects were similar; but lasted longer in the FCO2 side. 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 with men. To our knowledge the study is unique prospective, controlled clinical study comparing the efficacy of FCO2 and FRF plus FCO2 combination treatments.