Fractional CO2 laser therapy significantly outperformed microneedling radiofrequency in treating post-acne scarring, according to a meta-analysis of eight randomized trials involving 249 patients.
Patients receiving CO2 laser reported higher satisfaction and better clinical outcomes, though they experienced more pain, prolonged redness, and greater risk of hyperpigmentation. Microneedling offered a safer, more tolerable profile with less downtime.
Treatment choice should be personalized based on patient priorities-efficacy versus comfort, recovery time, and skin type.