Background: The microneedle fractional RF handpiece used in our study
(Intensif Handpiece, EndyMed Medical, Caesarea, Israel) is a novel handpiece
that uses a tip with 25 non-insulated, gold plated microneedle electrodes. The
needles are inserted into the skin by a specially designed electronically
controlled, smooth motion motor minimizing patient discomfort. RF emission
delivered over the whole dermal portion of the needle allows effective
coagulation resulting in minimal or no bleeding, together with bulk volumetric
heating. Study Design/Materials and Methods: The study included 20 patients,
treated for depressed acne scars using the IntensifTM Microneedles handpiece
(EndyMed PRO Platform System, EndyMed Medical, Caesarea, Israel). The degree of
clinical improvement was assessed by the global aesthetic improvement scale
(GAIS) and subjects satisfaction by post treatment questionnaires. Results: The
number of treatments per patient varied between 1 and 6 (average 3.3 treatments
per patient). Eleven patients (55%) reported none to minimal pain, six (30%)
moderate discomfort and only three (15%) reported significant pain. Objective
evaluation of the improvement by a board certified dermatologist showed
improvement in 95% of patients. 25% showed excellent improvement, 50%
experienced good improvement, and the 20% showed minimal improvement. One
patient showed no improvement. Conclusions: The presented results show that the
tested electronically controlled motorized insertion, non-insulated microneedle
treatment technology provides a minimal discomfort, minimal downtime, effective
and safe treatment for depressed acne scars.