Discussion : Ablative lasers seem to achieve the highest degree of efficacy , albeit this is associated with significant pain and downtime , and the risk for long-term pigmentary changes .
Non-ablative fractional photothermolysis ( FP ) has a much safer profile but can not achieve as good cosmetic results .
The efficacies of fractional radiofrequency microneedling and radiofrequency are slightly inferior to that of FP but offer an even safer adverse profile .
Conclusion : Multiple devices have been used with varying levels of efficacy and very different safety profiles .
There is an overall lack of high- quality evidence about the effects of different interventions .
Introduction : Acne scarring is a very common problem , which can be extensive , and may lead to significant psychosocial morbidity .
Multiple types of treatments are used to ameliorate atrophic scars with varying degrees of success .
This paper provides an overview of the various energy-based modalities that are commonly employed against acne scarring .
Objectives and methods : A comprehensive literature search of papers published since 2008 was performed in order to determine the efficacy and adverse reactions of commonly used energy-based treatments against post-acne scarring .
Novel Technology in the Treatment of Acne Scars: The Matrix-tunable Radiofrequency Technology
Background : Despite the many advances , scarring , particularly acne or pimple scarring , does not have a satisfactory treatment . A new armamentarium in this field is this recently devised matrix-tunable radiofrequency technology , which utilizes radiofrequency emission in the treatment of acne scars . Aims : To evaluate the efficiency of the new matrix-tunable radiofrequency technology in patients with acne scars of varying sizes . Setting s and Design : A prospect i ve study of 30 r and omly selected patients with acne scars was carried out . Material and Methods : Thirty healthy patients with different types of acne scars – ice pick , box and rolling type – were r and omly selected . The scars were either shallow or deep , varied in size from 2 to 20 mm and ranged in number from 10 to 50 . These patients were first treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics and local exfoliating agents ( topical tretinoin 0.025 % ) and then subjected to matrix-tunable radiofrequency technology . Each scar was treated at intervals of 1 month . A maximum of four such sittings were carried out . Patients were followed-up every 15 days . Results were noted at the end of 2 months and 6 months . Improvement was assessed by using the visual analog scale ( VAS ) at 2 months and 6 months , and results were noted in terms of percentage improvement of the whole face by calculating an average of percentage improvement on the basis of interviews of the patient and his/her accompanying relatives . The visual analog scaling was performed by means of high-resolution digital photographs taken at the baseline and at each subsequent visit . Results : The VAS improvement in scars ranged from 10 to 50 % at the end of 2 months to 20 to 70 % at the end of 6 months . Of the 30 patients of acne scars , the cosmetic result was excellent ( > 60 % improvement ) in four , good ( 35–60 % improvement ) in 18 and moderate to poor ( < 35 % improvement ) in eight . A few patients reported burning sensation and a mild sunburn-like sensation for about 1 h after treatment . The patients reported a pinkish tone for 2–3 days . Importantly , with the help of some slight make up , all the 30 patients could return to work the following day . Conclusion : Matrix-tunable radiofrequency technology is a safe and economically viable option for the dermatologists for the treatment of acne scars , because of the effective results coupled with a low downtime
Discussion : Ablative lasers seem to achieve the highest degree of efficacy , albeit this is associated with significant pain and downtime , and the risk for long-term pigmentary changes .
Non-ablative fractional photothermolysis ( FP ) has a much safer profile but can not achieve as good cosmetic results .
The efficacies of fractional radiofrequency microneedling and radiofrequency are slightly inferior to that of FP but offer an even safer adverse profile .
Conclusion : Multiple devices have been used with varying levels of efficacy and very different safety profiles .
There is an overall lack of high- quality evidence about the effects of different interventions .
Introduction : Acne scarring is a very common problem , which can be extensive , and may lead to significant psychosocial morbidity .
Multiple types of treatments are used to ameliorate atrophic scars with varying degrees of success .
This paper provides an overview of the various energy-based modalities that are commonly employed against acne scarring .
Objectives and methods : A comprehensive literature search of papers published since 2008 was performed in order to determine the efficacy and adverse reactions of commonly used energy-based treatments against post-acne scarring .