Clinical and Histologic Effects of Fractional Microneedling Radiofrequency Treatment on Rosacea

BACKGROUND Fractional microneedling radiofrequency (FMR) is an emerging treatment modality, but its effect on rosacea has not been studied yet. OBJECTIVE To investigate the potential impact of FMR treatment on clinical improvement and histologic changes in rosacea patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS A 12-week, prospective, randomized, split-face clinical trial was conducted. Two sessions of FMR were performed on one side of the cheeks with 4-week interval and the other side remained untreated. Erythema index from DermaSpectrometer and a* value from Spectrophotometer CM-2002 were measured at each visit for the objective measurement of erythema. Histologic analysis of skin samples was also carried out. RESULTS Clinical evaluation and photometric measurement revealed the reduction of redness in the treated side compared with untreated side and baseline. Erythema index decreased 13.6% and a* value decreased 6.8% at Week 12 compared with baseline. Reduced expression of markers related to inflammation, innate immunity, and angiogenesis was observed in immunohistochemical staining of tissue obtained after FMR treatment. CONCLUSION Fractional microneedling radiofrequency treatment showed modest clinical and histologic improvement of rosacea, and it might be used as an alternative or in combination with other treatment methods.