Fractional carbon dioxide laser combined with intradermal injection of autologous platelet-rich plasma versus noncross-linked hyaluronic acid in the treatment of atrophic postacne scars: A split face study.

Abstract

Atrophic acne scarring is a common cosmetic problem that may affect 95% of patients with acne. The objective is to evaluate the efficacy of the fractional CO2 laser combined with intradermal injection of PRP versus intradermal injection of noncross-linked hyaluronic acid in the treatment of different types of atrophic postacne scars. The study included 30 patients with postacne scars. All the patients received 3 treatments of fractional CO2 laser combined with intradermal injection of PRP at one side of the face compared with intradermal injection of noncross-linked hyaluronic acid at the other side of the face. Efficacy of the treatment was assessed by the physician's clinical assessment using Goodman and Baron's qualitative and quantitative grading systems and histopathological evaluation from six participants. The study included 30 patients ages ranging from 25 to 44years old. There was a statistically significant reduction in the severity of acne scars on both sides after treatment using qualitative and quantitative Goodman and Baron. Histopathological evaluation showed an increase in the collagen and elastic fiber content in both modalities with a more favorable outcome in the PRP-treated side. Both treatment modalities resulted in a significant clinical and histopathological improvement in atrophic postacne scar with insignificant difference between them.