Efficacy of Autologous Injectable Platelet Rich Fibrin in Facial Atrophic Acne Scars in Combination with Microneedling: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Introduction: Several modalities for treating acne scars exist. The combination of microneedling and injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) is a synergistic approach. Objective: The aim was to compare the efficacy of microneedling alone versus microneedling with iPRF in post acne atrophic scars. Materials and Methods: This study was a hospital-based randomized clinical trial conducted at B P Koirala Institute Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal. Twenty patients with postacne atrophic scars underwent four sessions of microneedling with-iPRF and microneedling alone, monthly. The Goodman and Baron quantitative score and Goodman and Baron qualitative scores were assessed at zero, four, eight, twelve, and sixteen weeks. The Facial Acne Scar Quality of Life questionnaire (FASQoL) was also evaluated. Result: The Goodman and Baron quantitative score was reduced from 23 to 14 in microneedling + i-PRF group (p=0.005) and from 16 to 11.50 for microneedling only group (p=0.005).The percentage reduction in the Goodman and Baron quantitative score after the 16th week was 39.13% for group A and 28.12 % for group B. There was a statistically significant difference in the net reduction of the Goodman and Baron quantitative score from the baseline to the 16th week between group A and group B (p=0.004). Conclusion: Injectable platelet rich fibrin (i-PRF) in combination with microneedling was found effective in reducing lesion count, Goodman and Baron quantitative score, and qualitative grade.