Microneedling vs Microneedling RF for Acne Scars. Which would provide more acne scar reduction? (Photos)

"​Acne scars need a combination approach for long-term improvement. Everyone has a unique pattern of acne scarring, and most people have various types of scars, so we create a tailored treatment plan for each patient. We often use:
- Injectable fillers like Bellafill and Sculptra (with or without subcision) for atrophic, indented scars.
- Subcision for depressed, tethered scars.
- Vascular lasers like Yellow laser, Aerolase, excel V, BBL, or IPL for redness or thick acne scars.
- Lasers such as Fraxel, Erbium, CO2, Halo or fractional radiofrequency (Venus Viva, Skinfinity, Morpheus, PiXel8, Fractora, Intensif microneedling RF) for textural issues and superficial scarring.
- TCA CROSS and punch excision for deep ice pick scars and narrow box car scars.

All lasers are combined with microneedling/PRP to improve the results and accelerate your healing time. Keep in mind that a personalized combination treatment by an expert physician will give you the improvement you're looking for. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced cosmetic dermatologist and acne scarring expert. Best, Dr. Emer. ​"

Acne scars are usually characterized within the subtypes of atrophic, hypertrophic, pigmented, or inflammatory. These subtypes of acne scars can be visually discerning in ambient light and can cause significant cosmetic concerns. Indented and atrophic scars require a combination approach to stimulate collagen and elastin, thereby smoothing contour and uneven skin. These are usually combined with lasers and depigmentation protocols to reduce inflammatory hyperpigmentation (Melarase AM and Melarase PM). Our Hidef protocols for acne scars include fillers such as Sculptra, Juvederm, Radiesse, and Restylane to improve deep acne scars; Vascular lasers to reduce inflammation and post-inflammatory redness and erythema; Fractional lasers to smooth contour and collagen; and Fractional RF to stimulate production of collagen within atrophic scars. Textural improvement and superficial scarring can be improved with Cosmelan peels, TCA Cross for ice-pick scars, deep chemical peels, and fractional CO2. We offer a personalized approach to your combination of scars and a formal evaluation with consultation is recommended to help you achieve your final results. Our plastic surgery office offers subcision and combination TCA Cross to help reduce deeply pitted scars. In terms of pigmentation and skin resonance, we recommend daily use of Melarase AM and Melarase PM coupled with Retinoid creams to achieve brilliant skin.

Best,
Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

thanks for your question. Microneedling with PRP is a great option for acne scars if you are looking for something more cost effective, but if you are able to budget for microneedling with RF we have defintely seen greater results with our Morpheus8 for acne scars. We also always use PRP with the morpheus as well

Acne scars are tough patches of thick and damaged skin. RF Microneedling is more capable than traditional microneedling in addressing scars as the RF energy breaks up scar tissue better than just needle punctures alone. By delivering the RF energy deeper under the skin, RF microneedling allows for safe targeting of the deep dermis without the risk of damaging the skin surface. This allows for effective tightening of the skin and remodeling of scar tissue. Prior to this innovative technology, heating of the deep tissue required energy delivery through the skin surface, which limits the amount of therapeutic energy that could be delivered to the deeper tissues in order to avoid downtime. RF microneedling delivers the energy from the tips of the needles, after they have fully penetrated through the skin surface.

There are studies to show that the addition of RF will improve your results. It is hard to put actual dollar amounts on the benefit. I understand your dilemma. Perhaps try one microneedling RF with the additional of TCA Cross on the larger boxcar/icepick scars and then make a decision on your next treatment. Pick a provider that is flexible and will work with your budget. Best of luck.