An Open Pilot Study of Dual Wave Radiofrequency Microneedling for Acne Scarring in Patients With Skin of Color

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel dual-wave radiofrequency microneedling (RFMN) device in treating acne scars and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) in patients with Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI. METHODS: In this unblinded, single-group, prospective pilot study, seven participants over the age of 18 (4 females and 3 males) with mild to severe acne scars and Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI underwent three RFMN treatments at 1-month intervals-with final follow up 3 months after the third treatment. Outcomes were assessed using the SCAR-S scale for acne scarring and the Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) scale for hyperpigmentation and erythema. Statistical analysis involved Friedman and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. RESULTS: Six participants completed the study, showing significant improvements in acne scarring and PIH by the second and third treatment sessions. SCAR-S and IGA scores indicated statistically significant reductions (p-values < 0.05). No adverse effects, such as prolonged erythema or new hyperpigmentation, were reported. LIMITATIONS: The study's limitations include a small sample size, lack of a control group, and unblinded assessments. CONCLUSION: The dual-wave RFMN device proved effective in improving acne scars and reducing PIH in darker skin types with minimal risk of adverse effects. Future research should include larger sample sizes, blinded evaluations, and comparisons with other treatments to further validate these findings. Ultimately, the study's results support the broadening of safe and effective treatment options for acne scarring and hyperpigmentation in Fitzpatrick types IV-VI.