How does Scarlet RF compare to Fractora for acne scarring and fine lines? Is it newer?

They are made and manufactured by different companies. Both have radio frequency that goes through small pinpoint needles at the end of a handpiece. Fractora has different needle depths though - it has several options so that you can get deeper or shallower in the skin's layers (or a combination). As far as I can tell, Scarlet RF only has one depth for pins so that would mean less options. Also, the amount of energy (radio frequency) seems to be higher from Fractora which means that you can get deeper and hotter in the skin, which overall would mean better results. I personally have had the Fractora for years, but never used the Scarlet. "This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

Answered by my colleague. In the context of scar revision, lasers, RF etc.. should only be viewed as tools to complete a job.  
Acne scar revision is a sub-specialised field. For the best results, one should target the acne scar type with ideal treatments and NOT just devices. 

For example deep ice pick scars, and narrow box-car scars can be treated with TCA CROSS peels, mixed scars, rolling, and atrophic scars treated with fractional devices such as Fraxel, fractional lasers, and radiofrequency. Atrophic scars (depressions) can be treated with either fat grafts, or dermal fillers. Tethered and anchored scars are best treated with surgical techniques such as subcision. Other surgical techniques that we use include punch elevation, surgical elevation, punch excision and traditional excision of focal scars. Devices should be viewed as tools to get the job done, and NOT as standalone modalities. 

 

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. In the majority of patients its finding the correct combination that give you best results, and everyone is unique! All the best, 

 

Dr Davin Lim. Procedural and aesthetic dermatologist. Brisbane, Australia.