Clinical Outcomes and Patient-Centered Benefits of Fractional Microneedling Radiofrequency for Atrophic Acne Scars: A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND: Atrophic acne scars exert a significant psychosocial burden, and management is particularly challenging in darker phototypes because of the heightened risk of pigmentary sequelae. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy, patient satisfaction, and quality-of-life outcomes after fractional microneedling radiofrequency (MNRF) for acne scars. METHODS: The authors reviewed medical records of 55 patients (38 males, 17 females) treated with 4 sessions of fractional MNRF between January 2022 and December 2023. Acne scar severity was assessed using the Goodman and Baron quantitative grading scale. Improvement was evaluated by blinded dermatologists using a quartile improvement scale, whereas postprocedure pain and quality of life were assessed via visual analog scale (VAS) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), respectively. RESULTS: Mean Goodman-Baron scores fell from 6.88 ± 0.49 to 2.32 ± 0.10 in men and from 5.43 ± 0.44 to 2.37 ± 0.17 in women (both p < .0001). The DLQI improved by 6.85 ± 1.74 points (10.00 → 3.15; p < .0001). All patients achieved at least 25% scar reduction; 42% achieved ≥50%. Mean procedural pain was low (VAS 1.54 ± 0.78), and no serious adverse events or lasting pigmentary changes were observed. CONCLUSION: A 4-session course of fractional MNRF delivered meaningful scar remodeling and quality-of-life gains with minimal discomfort and downtime, supporting its use as a first-line option for atrophic acne scars in Fitzpatrick phototypes III-V.