Effectiveness of combination of nonablative radiofrequency and topical drugs for acne treatment

Abstract

The objective of this randomized, half-face comparative pilot study study was to evaluate the effectiveness of combination nonablative radiofrequency with topical drugs compared to topical acne medication in the treatment of moderate to severe acne. Eight patients were randomized to receive 3 weekly nonablative radiofrequency treatments (Dento-Surg 90 F.F.P. ™ 3.8 MHz: Surgitron, Ellman International, Inc., Hewlett, New York) to one side of the face. During the study patents were allowed to continue their previous topical acne medication to both sides of the face. Follow-up and evaluation of the 2 treatment sides were done before and after treatments at week 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 weeks. Statistical analysis was done with nonparametric Mann-Whitney test. The patients tolerated the radiofrequency treatments well and there were no side effects or down time. Results showed that the percent of acne count reduction and sebum measurement of the sides receiving combination radiofrequency with topical acne treatment  were not  significantly  different  from the topical treatment alone. However there was a trend favoring the combination side; with excellent response (>75% reduction in active acne lesion counts) acheived in 6 of 8 sides (75%). When compared to the topical treatment alone excellent response was only seen in 2 of 8 (25%).