Laser vs radiofrequency: which zaps acne scars better?
NCT ID NCT01976260
First seen Jul 01, 2026 · Last updated Jul 02, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study compares two devices—ePrime (radiofrequency) and Fraxel (laser)—to see which improves acne scars more. Each participant gets both treatments on different sides of their face, and a blinded dermatologist rates the results. The goal is to find a more effective way to reduce ice pick and boxcar scars.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- bipolar fractional radiofrequency (ePrime) and 1550-nm fractional photothermolysis (Fraxel)
- What this could lead to
- If one device proves more effective, it could offer a better option for reducing acne scars with fewer side effects.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small pilot study with only 16 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Both treatments may cause temporary redness or swelling.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 2
Tests whether the treatment actually works, and watches for side effects, in a larger group.
- Participants
-
16 people
The number who actually took part.
- Start date
-
Oct 2013
- Expected to finish
-
Dec 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Subjects age 18 years and older. 2. Subjects with bilateral 2x2 cm areas of ice pick and/or boxcar acne scars on their face. 3. Subjects are in good health. 4. Subjects have the willingness and the ability to understand and provide informed consent and communicate with the investigator. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Subjects who have received injectable soft-tissue augmentation materials to the face, or facial ablative resurfacing, within the past 6 months. 2. Subjects who have received injectable botulinum toxin to the face, or any nonablative laser treatment to the face, within the past 3 months. 3. Subjects who have local infections, open facial wounds, or other significant local skin disease that would interfere with acne scar treatment with energy devices. 4. Subjects who are allergic to lidocaine or prilocaine. 5. Subjects who have a history of abnormal scarring in the treatment area, such as keloid scar formation. 6. Subjects who have ectropion or or other eyelid disfigurement. 7. Subjects who have a history of isotretinoin use in the preceding year. 8. Pregnant or lactating individuals.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Northwestern University Department of Dermatology
Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.