Abstract: Zhang Lidan, Lin Ling, Zeng Jingxin, Liu Weiyu, Luo Quan Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Institute of Dermatology, Guangzhou Medical University （Zhang LD, Zeng JX）; Department of Laser and Physical Therapy, Guangzhou Institute of Dermatology （Lin L）; Department of Dermatology, Guangzhou Institute of Dermatology （Liu WY, Luo Q） Corresponding author: Luo Quan, Email: luoquan666@126.com 【Abstract】 Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of microneedling radiofrequency in the treatment of facial acne scars. Methods A retrospective study was conducted. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 42 patients with acne scars receiving microneedling radiofrequency treatment （observation group） and 47 patients with acne scars treated with fractional CO2 laser （control group） in Guangzhou Institute of Dermatology were enrolled into this study from June 2016 to June 2017. Single-blind evaluation was conducted according to a four-grade scoring system and ECCA grading scale （échelle d′évaluation clinique des cicatrices d′acné） by two clinically experienced dermatologists to evaluate and compare the clinical efficacy between the 2 groups, based on the clinical photos before and after the treatment. Statistical analysis was done by using chi-square test, t test of two independent samples and paired Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results After treatment, no significant difference in the total response rate was observed between the observation group （92.9%, 39 cases） and control group （89.4%, 42 cases; χ2 = 0.042, P > 0.05）. Before the treatment, there was no significant difference in the ECCA score between the observation group （46.7 ± 16.3） and control group （45.7 ± 15.8, t = 0.271, P > 0.05）. After the treatment, the ECCA score in the observation group and control group significantly decreased into 29.5 ± 15.1 and 31.3 ± 14.9 respectively （Z = -5.713, -6.086, respectively, both P < 0.05）. Conclusion Microneedling radiofrequency is effective for the treatment of facial acne scars, with high safety and less injuries.

Key words: Acne vulgaris, Cicatrix, Pulsed radiofrequency treatment, Lasers, gas, Comparative effectiveness Research, Microneedle radiofrequency, Fractional CO2 laser