Comparative Effectiveness and Safety of Fractional Laser and Fractional Radiofrequency for Atrophic Acne Scars: A Retrospective Propensity Score Analysis.

ABSTRACT: Fractional laser (FL) and fractional radiofrequency (FRF) are effective treatments for atrophic acne scars, yet comparative data in Asian populations with darker skin types remain limited. This retrospective cohort study compared the clinical effectiveness and safety of FL and FRF in Thai patients aged 18-60 years with Fitzpatrick skin types III-IV who underwent at least two treatment sessions between 2012 and 2023. Baseline characteristics were balanced using propensity score stratification, and missing data were addressed through multiple imputation with chained equations. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving ≥25% improvement in scarring at 6 months, with equivalence testing performed using a 20% margin. A total of 397 patients (254 FL, 143 FRF) were included, wi

SUBMITTER: Yan C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12471114 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature