How effective is INTRAcel RF for deep pitted acne scars? (photo)

Doctor's Answers 3

Good day Danny,

Thank you for your question and close-up photos.

From your photo, you have a combination of scars - rolling scars and boxcar scars. This is how your scar looks from a cross-section.

How effective is INTRAcel RF for deep pitted acne scars?

INTRAcel RF is a type of Fractional RF with micro-needling treatment. This family of treatments are very effective for deep pitted acne scars like rolling scars and box car scars. You will benefit from this treatment.

I have tried out several Micro-needling RF systems before including INFINI RF, INTRAcel and Intensif. All are effective for deep pitted acne scars.

My favourite Micro-needling RF is INFINI RF.

INFINI RF vs other micro-needling RF systems

INFINI RF is my personal favourite because its micro-needles are INSULATED.

INSULATION of the micro-needles ensure that only the TIPs of the micro-needles emit RF energy PRECISELY at the SELECTED depths where your scars are. This translates to SAFER and MORE EFFECTIVE scar treatments. The other micro-needling systems do not have insulated micro-needles.

Combination Treatment is Key

You are correct. Scar treatments have to be SPECIFIC and TARGETED (subcision for tethered scars).

Microneedling RF (INTRAcel, INFINI, Intensif) is one of the core acne scar treatments.

My Approach to Acne Scar treatment

I usually combine several types of acne scar treatment in 1 session. This is to target each scar specifically using the most suitable type of treatment.

Other suitable treatments for your mixed acne scars include Subcision +/- Filler, Fractional PicoLaser and Rejuran S.

Do note that several treatment sessions are required for optimal results. Treatments should be spaced out every 4-6weeks to allow for adequate skin recovery.

Hope that this helps!

Warmest regards,

Dr Justin Boey

Looking at your scars, I find that there is actually a significant element of tethering/atrophic scarring in the cheeks. It might be worth considering a baseline of subcision with fillers (my preferred choice is Radiesse) followed with TCA on a selection of the scars.

Follow it up with some lasers OR Microneedling RF to get the best results.

Otherwise Dr Justin Boey has answered most of your queries very well. Do consult your doctor.

Sorry to hear about your situation. I agree with both Dr Justin and Dr Winston.

From the pictures you have provided, you have mainly Atrophic scars: Box and Peel-rolling types.

I would advice a combination of:

1) Subscision + Collagen-stimulating fillers such as Radiesse/ Ellanse OR Rejuran S (high-viscosity PDRN specifically for acne scar treatment) to release the fibrosis causing the tethered appearance + collagen stimulation respectively.

2) Fractional resurfacing lasers such as CO2 or Erbium Yag

3) RF devices

Permanent improvement for scars can be up to 70-80% with 4-5 sessions of combination treatments.

Best Regards,

Dr David Deng

Similar Questions

Is the Venus Viva or Acnexel machine more effective for acne scar treatment?

Hi, As pointed out, individual scars may require different treatments, so it is really wrong to say that TCA cross is the best treatment for acne scars. TCA Cross is really effective for ice pick scars but may not be worth the risk for rolling type scars. Both the Venus Viva and Acnexel treatments use good technology for acne scar treatments, and are able to get some of the best results without the downtime of ablative fractional lasers like the CO2. I still use both fractional CO2 and RF/heat in my practice, but interchangeably depending on my patients' needs and demands.

What are safe and effective non-ablative treatments for acne scars if I have active acne?

I'm sorry to hear about your ordeal with acne; it surely can be a frustrating affair. 1. With regards to the current treatment of your active acne, it might be best to have a thorough history of your acne occurrence, your previous forms of management, and your current regime to find an effective solution for it. Oral isotretinoin, together with continued topical management is key.

Photo of Human

Answered By

Human

Ask any health question for free

I’m not so sure about a procedure...

Ask Icon Ask a Question

Join Human

Sign up now for a free Human account to get answers from specialists in Singapore.

Sign Up

Get The Pill

Be healthier with our Bite-sized health news straight in your inbox