The Educated Patient: Treatment of Acne Scarring
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Acne scarring can be one of the most frustrating long-term consequences of acne. Even after breakouts are controlled, textural changes in the skin can persist for years. At Skinfocused, two of our most commonly performed treatments for atrophic acne scars are radiofrequency microneedling (using the Genius device) and fractional CO₂ laser resurfacing (using the CO2RE device).
Both treatments are highly effective — but until recently, there were very few head-to-head studies comparing how they perform against each other. A recent clinical study helps clarify what many of us in dermatology have observed in practice.
The Study: RF Microneedling vs. Fractional CO₂ for Acne Scarring
In this comparative study, patients with atrophic acne scarring underwent:
Two treatment sessions
Spaced one month apart
With evaluation two months after the final treatment
The findings were encouraging. Both radiofrequency microneedling and fractional CO₂ laser demonstrated significant improvement in acne scarring — and importantly, the results were found to be equivalent between the two groups. This is meaningful because it confirms that both modalities are reliable, evidence-supported options for treating atrophic acne scars.
How the Treatments Work
Although outcomes were similar, the mechanisms differ.
Genius Radiofrequency Microneedling
Uses insulated microneedles to deliver controlled radiofrequency energy into the dermis
Stimulates collagen remodeling and skin tightening
Minimizes surface damage
Fractional CO2RE Laser
Creates controlled microthermal injury in the skin
Ablates microscopic columns of tissue
Stimulates collagen production and resurfacing
Each has advantages depending on a variety of various factors. The physicians at Skinfocused Dermatology use these studies to provide a framework to guide a treatment plan that is individualized for each patient.
Not All Acne Scars Are the Same
It’s important to understand that atrophic scarring is only one category of acne-related skin change. Patients may also experience other sequelae, such as ice-pick scars, post-inflammatory erythema (redness), and hyperpigmentation (brown discoloration).
At Skinfocused, we perform a detailed scar assessment because effective treatment often requires a combination approach, which may include other procedures or recommendations, for the best results.
