Treatment of facial post-burn hyperpigmentation using micro-plasma radiofrequency technology

Management of facial post-burn hyperpigmentation is a common and challenging problem for dermatologists and plastic surgeons. The recent development of micro-plasma radiofrequency technology, which allows precise and rapid treatment with controlled thermal injury, can be an effective treatment of post-burn hyperpigmentation. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and complications of micro-plasma radiofrequency treatment of post-burn hyperpigmentation. The study included 35 patients with Fitzpatrick skin type III or IV and facial post-burn hyperpigmentation. Patients received three to five treatments at 8-week intervals. A roller tip was used with the power setting at 60-90 W, and 3-4 passes were made in different directions. The degree of improvement and complications were recorded. Improvement of hyperpigmentation was evaluated by patient self-assessment and by plastic surgeons who compared digital photographs taken before treatment and 2 months after the last treatment. The results showed that post-burn hyperpigmentation responded favorably to micro-plasma radiofrequency treatment with very few complications. The average pain score using a visual analog scale from 0 to 10 was 6.7 ± 0.7. After a series of treatments, 32 of the 35 patients had achieved a >51% improvement of their hyperpigmentation, and 3 patients had achieved a fair improvement. The mean score for improvement of hyperpigmentation was 4.28. Patient self-evaluations indicated good satisfaction with the cosmetic outcomes, and some softening of the scars. Micro-plasma radiofrequency technology is appropriate, effective, and safe for the treatment of facial post-burn hyperpigmentation, and provides a promising noninvasive treatment for superficial facial injuries.