Comparative Study of Efficacy and Safety of Microneedling with Topical Autologous Platelet Rich Plasma Versus Microneedling Alone in Facial Atrophic Acne Scars

Abstract

Introduction: Atrophic acne scars are dermal depressions resulting from destruction of collagen after inflammatory acne which can lead to poor self-image and treating them can help improve patients’ self-esteem. Objectives: This study compared the efficacy and safety of combination of microneedling using dermaroller with topical application of autologous platelet rich plasma versus microneedling using dermaroller alone in facial atrophic acne scars. Methods: Patients with atrophic acne scars were randomized into 2 groups of 20 patients each and treated with either dermaroller alone or with a combination of dermaroller and topical application of autologous PRP at 4 weeks intervals for 16 weeks. Final response was evaluated at 4 weeks after the last sitting. Goodman and Baron’s qualitative acne scarring grading system, Goodman and Baron’s quantitative acne scar grading system, physician’s global assessment (PGA) and visual analogue scale were used to evaluate the treatment outcome in both the groups. Side effects were also noted at each visit. Results: At the end of treatment, improvement in Goodman and Baron’s qualitative acne scar grades, decrease in mean Goodman and Baron’s quantitative acne scar scores, percentage decrease in mean Goodman and Baron’s quantitative acne scar scores, physician global assessment and visual analogue scale were significantly higher in patients treated with dermaroller in combination with topical autologous PRP as compared to patients treated with dermaroller alone without much adverse effects. Conclusion: The combination approach using dermaroller and PRP was a better treatment option compared to dermaroller alone in atrophic acne scars with similar safety profile.