Combination of Medical Needling and ReCell? for Repigmentation of Hypopigmented Burn Scars

Abstract

Burn scars remain a serious physical and psychological problem for the affected people. Clinical studies as well as basic scientific research have shown that medical needling can significantly increase the quality of burn scars with comparatively low risk and stress for the patient with regards to skin elasticity, moisture, erythema and transepidermal water loss. However, needling has no influence on repigmentation of large hypopigmented scars. The goal is to evaluate whether both established methods – needling improvement of scar quality) and ReCell® (repigmentation) – can be combined. So far, 20 patients with mean age of 35 years (7-61 years) with deep second and third degree burn scars have been treated. The average treated tissue surface was 8% (2-18% TBSA) and was focused on areas like face, neck, chest and arm. Percutaneous collagen induction or “medical needling” is performed using a roller covered with 3mm long needles. The roller is vertically, horizontally and diagonally rolled over the scar, inducing microtrauma. Then, ReCell® is applied, according to the known protocol. The patients have been followed 12 months postoperatively. Pigmentation changes are measured objectively, as well as with patient and observer ratings. Patient satisfaction/preference is also obtained. With this article we present first results of our ongoing study. Taken together, the pigmentation ratings and objective measures indicate improvement in all study participants. Medical needling in combination with ReCell® shows promise for repigmentation of burn scars.