Acne.org ProductsThe following side effects are expected during the radiofrequency heat therapy course. Studies that tested at-home devices report no side effects, but the data is scant and unreliable. Contact your doctor if these symptoms are severe and/or do not go away:
How Common (based on clinical studies)
| Mild redness | Up to 100% of all users |
| Mild swelling | Up to 100% of all users |
| Mild scaling | Up to 100% of all users |
| Mild pain | Up to 100% of all users |
| Dryness of skin | Up to 15% of all users |
Heat therapy may also cause other side effects that are not mentioned here. Contact your doctor if you experience any other troublesome symptoms after heat therapy.
References
- Kaminaka C, Uede M, Matsunaka H, Furukawa F, Yamamoto Y. Clinical studies of the treatment of facial atrophic acne scars and acne with a bipolar fractional radiofrequency system. J Dermatol. 42(6), 580-7 (2015).
- Kaminaka C, Furukawa F, Yamamoto Y. Long-Term Clinical and Histological Effects of a Bipolar Fractional Radiofrequency System in the Treatment of Facial Atrophic Acne Scars and Acne Vulgaris in Japanese Patients: A Series of Eight Cases. Photomed Laser Surg. 34(12), 657-60 (2016).
- Kaminaka C, Uede M, Nakamura Y, Furukawa F, Yamamoto Y. Histological studies of facial acne and atrophic acne scars treated with a bipolar fractional radiofrequency system. J Dermatol. 41(5), 435-8 (2014).