A Retrospective Analysis of the Clinical Response and Safety of Radiofrequency Microneedling Treatment in Managing Acne Vulgaris

Abstract Background Radiofrequency (RF) microneedling is increasingly used for acne management; however, real-world evidence for its clinical effects and safety remains limited. Objectives To describe the clinical response and safety of POTENZA RF microneedling for acne vulgaris in routine practice. Methods We retrospectively analyzed data from adults treated at a tertiary dermatology center in Seoul, Republic of Korea. Adult patients (≥18 years) with clinically diagnosed acne vulgaris who received POTENZA RF microneedling treatment were included. The primary outcome was clinical improvement (assessed by the physician and/or reduction in lesion counts). Secondary outcomes included adverse events (AEs). Continuous variables were summarized per distribution. Results The cohort included 50 patients (median age, 24 years; 60% male) with predominantly Fitzpatrick skin types III–IV. All procedures used bipolar RF (50% medium, 50% high); no boosters. Median sessions were 3. Clinical improvement occurred in 94% (47/50). Lesion counts decreased from 45 to 18.5 (p < 0.001). The mean percentage reduction was 48.3% ± 24.5%. AEs occurred in 10% (5/50), all mild/transient (erythema, pruritus, stinging), and no serious adverse events. Conclusions In real-world practice, POTENZA RF microneedling was associated with high clinical improvement, substantial lesion reduction, excellent tolerability, and universal patient-reported benefits. These findings support its pragmatic use for acne in patients with Fitzpatrick skin types III–IV and warrant confirmation in prospective controlled studies.