Comparative study between the efficacy of subcision versus subcision with poly-L-lactic acid threads in facial atrophic scar treatment

Abstract

Background Subcision is defined as an office surgical technique that has been considered for treatment of atrophic scars. Thread insertion is a well-known effective therapy for face lifting. Recently, some studies proved their efficacy in atrophic facial scar treatment. Aim To evaluate the safety and efficacy of subcision versus subcision with poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) threads in treatment of facial atrophic scars. Patients and methods Thirty patients with facial atrophic scars were included. They were divided into two groups, group I treated with subcision and group II treated with subcision and PLLA threads. All patients were evaluated clinically after 3 months. Results After 3 months, in group I, the mean clinical improvement was 58.40±20.52. In group II, the mean clinical improvement was 68.40±13.88. The degree of improvement of group II was better than group I but did not show a statistically significant difference (P=0.796). The side effects were very minimal in both groups. Conclusion For atrophic facial scar treatment, combined subcision with PLLA thread insertion seems to be more effective than subcision alone.