Intracel (jeisys), Fractional RF Microneedling

We use Intracel treatments to improve acne scars with good results- mostly for patients who only can have 1-2 days of downtime and want a much less risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation.  We don't see the results we have with a heavy fractional CO2, but its much easier on the patient.

Ken Oleszek, MDLa Fontaine AestheticsDenver Colorado

Five Intracel RF microneedling treatments can result in a 50 to 70% improvement in acne scars.  No treatment will totally clear the scars.  You could consider adding PRP (platelet-rich plasma) to the Intracel treatments.

You have obviously had many treatments for your acne scars. Intracel is a microneedling device with radiofrequency. I believe that it is very effective in treating atrophic acne scars with 2-3 treatments. There is little downtime with it and the addition of the radiofrequency can really optimize the skin tightening that is associated with an improved appearance of the acne scars. Certainly worth looking into. 

Yes, in the correct setting this device can be effective, however many more RF Microneedling Devices are better. This  is because of the needle count of Intracel and the depth limitations. Having said that, it does not make it a bad device, just that other devices in the CORRECT hands can give you better results. Acne scar revision comprises of specialised procedures. For the best results, one should target the acne scar type with ideal treatments METHODS. Using one device is not optimal. As everyone has a unique pattern of acne scarring, the best solution is a tailored one.  The web reference below will take you to a resource to help you understand acne scar revision at a specialist level. I embedded all the videos in one page to help.

As an example deep ice pick scars, and narrow box car scars are best treated with TCA CROSS. Deep narrow scars respond better to this treatment than even the most expensive lasers. On the flip side, rolling, and atrophic acne scars can improve with fractional devices such as Fraxel, fractional lasers, ProFractional erbium lasers, Infiini –Intensif –Intracel radiofrequency microneedling. Atrophic scars (depressions) can be treated with either fat grafts, PRP or dermal fillers. Tethered and anchored scars are best treated with surgical techniques such as subcision. Other surgical techniques that I use include punch elevation, surgical elevation, punch excision and traditional excision for focal scars. Early and very mild acne scars respond well to eMatrix and non-energy microneedling, as well as vascular lasers. Skin colour changes such as PIH or dark marks respond best to sun protection, creams, and Q switch lasers in the nano and pico pulse durations.
The majority of patients will have a collection of different scar types, and hence a tailored treatment METHOD will be best. Careful examination, especially under angled lighting with scar mapping will give you an understanding of what are the best options for your scars. Additionally tactile examination namely touch will give me an understanding of the amount of subdermal fibrosis, as special equipment is needed for this sub-set of acne scars.  In the majority of patients its finding the correct combination that give you best results, and everyone is unique! It is never about the device, its about the specialist behind the equipment that will deliver the best outcomes. All the best, Dr Davin Lim. Acne scar dermatologist specialist. Brisbane, Australia.