title: Use of a TriPollar radio-frequency device for the treatment of acne vulgaris.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Acne vulgaris is a common disease affecting mainly teenagers and young adults. Current treatment modalities include local or systemic medications, which often require a long intake. Light and radio-frequency (RF) devices have recently been used to treat acne in selected patients.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the safety and efficacy of TriPollar RF technology for non-invasive treatment of acne vulgaris lesions.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty patients with active acne lesions underwent TriPollar RF treatments once a week for 6 weeks. Results were evaluated using photographs and active lesion counts at baseline, before subsequent treatment sessions and at follow-up visits. Patients also rated their satisfaction on a 5-score rating scale.
  
  
  RESULTS
  An average reduction of 42% in active acne lesions was found after six TriPollar sessions, which was sustained at the 4-week follow-up visit. The average improvement rated by patients at the 4-week follow-up visit was 2.5, indicating good to very good satisfaction with the clinical results. No significant adverse events were recorded during the study and follow-up period.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings confirm the safety and efficacy of TriPollar RF for the treatment of acne vulgaris.
authors.affiliation: Skin and Cancer Foundation Inc., Manila, Philippines. jonnevinyu@gmail.com
authors.forename: Jonathan Nevin T
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.forename: Pamela
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Huang
mesh_terms: D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000628:therapy*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011846:Radio Waves / Q000009:adverse effects; D000078702:Radiofrequency Therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult