The following is a summary of “Intradermal Injection of Poly-d, l-Lactic Acid Using Microneedle Fractional Radiofrequency for Acne Scars: An Open-Label Prospective Trial” published in the December 2022 issue of Dermatologic Surgery by Hyeong et al.
Acne scars can be treated effectively with filler injections administered using a microneedle fractional radiofrequency (MFRF) device. Intradermal injection of a filler (poly-d, l-lactic acid, PDLA) utilizing an MFRF device to treat acne scars; the goal is to examine its efficacy and histologic differences.
Patients with bilateral cheek acne scarring were considered. The MFRF device was used to inject poly-d, l-lactic acid every 4 weeks for a total of 4 times. Prior to each appointment, patients were graded on the severity of their acne scars and their overall level of happiness. About 2 consenting patients had skin biopsies taken from the upper arm before and after a single treatment session for histologic analysis.
Improvements were seen in both the acne scar grading scale (échelle d’évaluation clinique des cicatrices d’acné) and the visual analog scale for evaluating satisfaction by the end of treatment (36.99% and 79.65%, respectively; [P<.001, respectively]). After 5 months of treatment, histologic analysis showed biodegradation of PDLA components and increased collagen and elastic fibers. Acne scar patients with Fitzpatrick skin types III and IV may benefit from intradermal injections of PDLA utilizing the MFRF device.
