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Procedure

Fractional Radiofrequency vs Fractional Photothermolysis for Acne Scars

N/A
Waitlist Available
Led By Murad Alam, MD
Research Sponsored by Northwestern University
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Be older than 18 years old
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up 1 hour at baseline and week 16
Awards & highlights
No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial will compare two treatments for improving the appearance of acne scars.

Who is the study for?
This trial is for adults with specific types of acne scars on their face who are in good health and can give informed consent. It's not for those allergic to local anesthetics like lidocaine, have eyelid disfigurements, recent facial treatments (injectables or resurfacing), pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, recent isotretinoin users, or a history of abnormal scarring.
What is being tested?
The study compares two acne scar treatments: ePrime fractional radiofrequency and Fraxel (1550-nm fractional photothermolysis). Participants will receive one treatment on each side of their face to see which improves the appearance of acne scars better.
What are the potential side effects?
Potential side effects may include skin redness, swelling, pain at the treatment site, temporary changes in skin coloration, blistering and bruising. Rarely there could be scarring from the treatment itself.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~1 hour at baseline and week 16
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and 1 hour at baseline and week 16 for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary study objectives
Change in best overall cosmetic appearance (right side or left side better)rated by a blinded dermatologist from baseline to week 16

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group
All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

2Treatment groups
Active Control
Group I: 1550-nm Fractional PhotothermolysisActive Control1 Intervention
Subjects will be randomly assigned to receive fractional radiofrequency treatment to either the right or left side of the face and the contralateral side will receive 1550-nm fractional photothermolysis. Subjects will receive treatments at baseline, week 4, and week 8 for a total of three treatments. Follow up visits will take place at week 16, two months following the last treatment visit.
Group II: Fractional RadiofrequencyActive Control1 Intervention
Subjects will be randomly assigned to receive fractional radiofrequency treatment to either the right or left side of the face and the contralateral side will receive 1550-nm fractional photothermolysis. Subjects will receive treatments at baseline, week 4, and week 8 for a total of three treatments. Follow up visits will take place at week 16, two months following the last treatment visit.

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

Northwestern UniversityLead Sponsor
1,652 Previous Clinical Trials
961,499 Total Patients Enrolled
Murad Alam, MDPrincipal InvestigatorNorthwestern University
69 Previous Clinical Trials
2,564 Total Patients Enrolled

Media Library

1550-nm Fractional Photothermolysis (Procedure) Clinical Trial Eligibility Overview. Trial Name: NCT01976260 — N/A
Uterine Scarring Research Study Groups: 1550-nm Fractional Photothermolysis, Fractional Radiofrequency
Uterine Scarring Clinical Trial 2023: 1550-nm Fractional Photothermolysis Highlights & Side Effects. Trial Name: NCT01976260 — N/A
1550-nm Fractional Photothermolysis (Procedure) 2023 Treatment Timeline for Medical Study. Trial Name: NCT01976260 — N/A
~1 spots leftby Dec 2025