Split face comparative study of microneedling with PRP versus microneedling with vitamin C in treating atrophic post acne scars

Abstract

Introduction:Acne scars are largely preventable complications of acne. 95% of the scars occur over the face thus impacting the quality of life. Correction of scars is the priority for acne patients.Materials and Methods:Thirty patients with post acne atrophic facial scars attending the OPD during the period from April to October 2013 were offered four sittings of microneedling with PRP on one side and microneedling with vitamin C on other side of the face at an interval of 1 month.Results:Twenty-seven out of the total 30 patients completed the treatment schedule. Two patients were lost to follow up and one dropped out of the study due to severe PIH. Mean age of the patients was 27.5 years. Out of 30 patients, 23 achieved reduction in scarring by one or two grades. Excellent response was seen in five (18.5%) patients with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as compared to two (7%) patients who received treatment with vitamin C according to physician's assessment. As far as up gradation by 1 score is considered, i.e., good response, it was similar in both cases. Vitamin C did not prove to be as efficacious as PRP since 10 (37%) patients had poor response in vitamin C-treated area compared to only 6 (22.2%) patients who underwent PRP therapy, but vitamin C proved to be efficacious in dealing with post inflammatory hyper-pigmentation secondary to acne. Patients were more satisfied with PRP as compared to vitamin C. The results were evaluated and statistical analysis was done using SPSS 16.0.2.Conclusions:Overall results were better with microneedling and PRP. Vitamin C combined with microneedling also showed improvement with respect to firmness and smoothness of skin; as well as post inflammatory hyper-pigmentation. Microneedling combined with PRP proved to be good in treating boxcar and rolling scars but had limited efficacy in dealing with ice pick scars.

Is skin microneedling a good alternative method of various skin defects removal

“…Twenty‐three of 30 patients achieved the reduction of scarring. Overall results were better for microneedling with PRP, however, microneedling with vitamin C also showed improvement with respect to firmness of skin and both hyperpigmentation and melasma (Chawla, ).…”

An evaluation of the antiaging properties of strawberry hydrolysate treatment enriched with L‐ascorbic acid applied with microneedle mesotherapy

“…Another interesting study was performed by Chalwa, who compared the efficacy of microneedling with topical vitamin C and microneedling with platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) in treating atrophic postacne scars. The study included four treatments at 1‐month intervals, using 1.5 mm derma‐rollers.…”

Comparing the role of subcision suction method with and without the injection of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of depressed scars

“…An excellent-to-very-good rating was found in 46.7% of the PRP group, 26.7% of the TCA CROSS group, and 60% of the PRP with microneedling group. Similarly, Chawala completed microneedling upon 30 patients with facial acne and compared a split-face study of PRP and topical vitamin C [30] . The combination of microneedling with PRP had an excellent result in 18.5% of patients and was best with treating boxcar and rolling acne scars.…”