Combined use of energy-based interventions with low-dose isotretinoin for the treatment of inflammatory acne: An retrospective cohort analysis

Background: The combined use of oral isotretinoin with energy-based interventions including fractional microneedle radiofrequency, pulsed dye laser, and ablative fractional laser is an effective way to treat moderate-to-severe inflammatory acne lesions. However, studies regarding its efficacy and safety are limited. Aims: This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of a treatment using low-dose isotretinoin with energy-based interventions for inflammatory acne. Patients and Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 126 patients who were diagnosed with inflammatory acne and were treated with systemic isotretinoin for at least 3 months. Patients were divided into EBD (energy-based intervention) (n = 82) and non-EBD groups (n = 44). Clinical outcomes of both groups were assessed using medical records and digital photographs. Results: After treatment, the modified Global Acne Grading Score of the EBD and non-EBD groups decreased by 35.1 ± 17.2 and 25.6 ± 10.1, respectively. The improvement in acne severity was significantly greater in the EBD group than in the non-EBD group. Cumulated isotretinoin dose and frequency of drug-related side effects were significantly higher in the non-EBD group than in the EBD group. Conclusion: Combined treatment with low-dose isotretinoin and energy-based intervention is well tolerated and associated with positive responses in patients with inflammatory acne.