Safety and efficacy of hybrid energy and trifractional technologies in the treatment of acne scars: An open-label clinical trial

Abstract

Introduction: This study determines the safety and efficacy of a novel device—Surgen that utilizes hybrid energy (HE) technology and trifractional (TF) technology in the treatment of acne scars in Filipino patients. Methods: Open-label clinical trial on eight subjects who underwent 4 weekly HE treatments followed by 2 TF treatments spaced 3 weeks apart. Efficacy was evaluated by dermatologists’ (investigator and two blinded dermatologists) and patients’ assessment and grading of post-treatment digital photographs. Subjects also reported level of satisfaction and comfort. Adverse events were recorded. Results: Dermatologists’ grading of acne scars improvement—58.3% of subjects showed slight to moderate improvement, 8.3% showed marked improvement, and 33.3% was graded as unchanged after HE treatments. After 2 additional TF treatments grades improved further, with 37.5% showing mild to moderate improvement, 37.5% showing marked improvement, and 25% graded as unchanged. Dermatologist's scoring using the global acne scoring system resulted in improvement of 75% of patients after 4 HE sessions and 100% after TF treatments. Subjects’ grading showed a similar trend: 75% of subjects reported that they were satisfied and 25% slightly satisfied after the complete protocol. Conclusion: A treatment protocol combining HE and TF technology is safe, effective, and comfortable in the treatment of acne scars.

KEYWORDS:

• Acne scar
• hybrid energy
• non-invasive
• radiofrequency
• trifractional

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Dr. Camille Angles, Mira Barki, PhD, and Dr. Kristine Nograles for their help in preparing the manuscript.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content of the paper. Pollogen system and consumables were supplied by the company.