J Cosmet Dermatol. 2026 Mar;25(3):e70748. doi: 10.1111/jocd.70748.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) remains a therapeutically challenging disease despite expanding research and evolving systemic treatments. Energy-based modalities, such as fractional microneedling radiofrequency (FMR), are being increasingly explored as novel treatment options.

AIM: To evaluate the real-world efficacy and safety of Morpheus8-based FMR treatment in patients with HS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective analysis included 25 HS patients treated at a tertiary dermatology center. Seventeen patients who completed ≥ 2 FMR sessions were included in the efficacy analysis. Outcomes were assessed by the International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score System (IHS4) and IHS4-55 (≥ 55% reduction). High-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) was used in selected cases to assess treatment response and inflammatory changes.

RESULTS: Sixteen of the 17 patients (94.1%) evaluated for efficacy showed clinical improvement, and nine (52.9%) achieved an IHS4-55 response. The mean IHS4 reduction was 4.6 ± 2.5. The highest response rates were observed in the face, chest, and gluteal regions, while groin and thigh showed the lowest. HFUS confirmed a reduction in inflammation. Treatment was generally well tolerated, with pain cited as the most common reason for discontinuation in 3 of 25 patients (12%).

CONCLUSION: FMR appears to be a safe and effective treatment option for patients with moderate-to-severe HS, including those with refractory disease and lesions in anatomically challenging areas. Clinical outcomes in our cohort were comparable to those reported for advanced systemic agents and other technology-based interventions. These findings support FMR’s potential role in personalized HS management – either as a standalone intervention or in combination with systemic or procedural treatments.

PMID:41732823 | DOI:10.1111/jocd.70748