摘要

Objectives: Aims: 1) to systematically review the literature on the safety and effectiveness of combination radiofrequency (RF) microneedling with fractional ablative carbon dioxide (CO2) laser for acne scar treatment. 2) to assess safety and effectiveness in a multi-centre case series. Introduction: The last five years has seen the use of combination radiofrequency (RF) microneedling with fractional ablative carbon dioxide (CO2) laser for acne scarring, aiming to provide optimal outcomes whilst minimising risks and recovery time. In this article we aim to: 1) systematically review the literature on the safety and effectiveness of combination RF microneedling and fractional CO2 laser for acne scarring; 2) assess the safety and effectiveness of this combination approach in a multi-centre case series. Materials / method: Systematic review (PRISMA guidelines followed): Articles that assessed the safety and effectiveness of combination RF microneedling and fractional CO2 laser for acne scarring were included and quality assessed using the Downs and Black checklist. Case series: Patient records were reviewed from 2 clinics, one in London, UK and the other in Washington D.C., US, to identify patients who underwent a single treatment with RF microneedling and fractional CO2 laser for acne scarring. Outcome assessment was via the Scar Global Assessment (SGA) scale. Results: Systematic review: Three articles were included and reported improvements in acne scar severity. Adverse effects included erythema, oedema, pain, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and acne flare. Quality scores ranged from 14-15 (maximum of 21). Case series: Twenty-six patients were included. Mean SGA Score was 3.0 at baseline and 1.3 at follow-up. All patients had an improved SGA score. Adverse effects included erythema, pain, oedema, skin crusting, PIH and acne flare. All patients resumed normal activities within 7-days of treatment. Conclusion: Combination RF microneedling and fractional CO2 laser appears a safe and effective treatment for patients with acne scarring. A single treatment can result in noticeable improvements in acne scar severity with a short recovery time.