Percutaneous Collagen Induction Research Articles

Recent Advances in Microneedling-Assisted Cosmetic Applications

Microneedling, also known as percutaneous collagen induction, using microneedling devices and fabricated microneedle patches, has been widely employed in cosmetic applications for acne scar treatment, skin care, hair loss, melasma, skin rejuvenation, and skin cancer. The micro-channels formed by microneedling through the stratum corneum facilitate the delivery of cosmetic agents and stimulate collagen and elastin production by inducing the wound-healing cascade, keeping the skin shiny and wrinkle-free. Several cosmetic agents, such as ascorbic acid, hyaluronic acid, retinoids, niacinamide, and peptides, have been delivered by microneedling. This review aims to highlight the use of microneedling devices and fabricated microneedle patches in facilitating the delivery of cosmetic agents through the skin layers. Moreover, the differences between the microneedling devices, commonly used alone or in combinational treatments with topical formulations, are explored. Furthermore, the safety of microneedling in terms of skin irritation, pain sensation, skin or systemic infection, and chemical and biological materials used in the fabrication of microneedles is discussed.

Microneedling in the Treatment of Post-burn Hypertrophic Scars.

Post-burn hypertrophic scars are an important cause of physical discomfort, limitation of movements, psychological disorders, low self-esteem and reduced quality of life. Treatment for this condition is complex and involves several options. Microneedling, also known as minimally invasive percutaneous collagen induction,is an affordable minimally invasive option that can be combined with other treatments, including ablative ones. The goal of this study was to present our microneedling approach for the treatment of hypertrophic scars after burns. A prospective study of 15 patients with post-burn hypertrophic scars was conducted between October 2016 and June 2022. All patients were treated with microneedling and drug delivery of triamcinolone. Scars were evaluated using Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), Burn Scar Assessment Scale (BSAS) and angle measurement for amplitude of movement evaluation of joints. A significant improvement in the VSS score was obtained after microneedling (8.8 ± 0.44 to 4.1 ± 0.98; p = 0.012), especially in the acute group (less than 1 year after burns): 9.3 ± 0.49 to 3.5 ± 1.36; p = 0.041. There was a significant and progressive improvement of the scars throughout the treatment sessions in all criteria evaluated and in the ranges of joint movement (p = 0.012). Our microneedling protocol promoted a significant improvement of post-burn scars, especially in acute hypertrophic scars, and in the amplitude of joint motion. Sequential treatments provided progressive improvement. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Microneedling versus microcoring: A review of percutaneous collagen induction for the face and neck.

Microneedling (MN) and microcoring (MCT) are both methods used for percutaneous collagen induction. This minimally invasive technique involves creating controlled damage in cutaneous tissue to induce neocollagenesis and neoelastogenesis. MN utilizes solid microneedles and is commonly combined with radiofrequency (RF) to add thermal energy, while MCT involves hollow microneedles capable of removing excess tissue without inducing scar formation. The purpose of this review was to summarize recent literature for MN and MCT, with the goal of assisting clinical decision making regarding the use of these technologies. PubMed search was conducted for relevant articles published within the last 10 years. Scoping literature review was then performed with pertinent findings reported. Existing literature investigating MCT is sparse. Limited data on invivo, human effects of this technology exist. Two out of 14 studies in this review pertained to MCT. Additional high-powered clinical studies are needed to guide future cosmetic treatments with MN and MCT.

Comparison of the Effects of Skin Microneedling with Cupping Therapy and Microneedling Alone: An Experimental Study.

Microneedling promotes percutaneous collagen induction; cupping therapy creates negative pressure and leads to increased blood flow in the applied area. The addition of cupping therapy to microneedling is thought to contribute positively to microneedling's effects. This study was carried out to investigate the histologic effects of adding cupping therapy to microneedling. Thirty Wistar rats were divided into five groups, with six rats in each group. One control group and four experimental groups were formed, which are defined as follows: the control group; the single-session microneedling applied to the dorsal trunk group; the 15-minute cupping therapy added to the single-session microneedling group; the microneedling applied over a total of three sessions at 3-week intervals group; and the microneedling with cupping therapy applied over a total of three sessions at 3-week intervals group. Each animal was euthanized at the end of the fourth week following the last treatment, and skin samples were evaluated histologically with hematoxylin and eosin stain and type I and III collagen antibody immunostaining. The addition of cupping therapy to microneedling increased the thickness of the epidermis and dermis. A significant increase in type I collagen immunostaining and the type-I-to-type III collagen ratio was seen only in the single-session microneedling applied to the dorsal trunk group. Cupping therapy did not generate a significant difference in type I collagen immunostaining. No treatment was found to produce a significant increase in type III collagen immunostaining. Cupping therapy can be added to microneedling therapy and used to increase certain desired effects on skin. Microneedling is an easy and effective method to improve skin quality in clinical practice.

NECK TISSUE REJUVENATION WITH PERCUTANEOUS COLLAGEN INDUCTION, DRUG DELIVERY AND HOME CARE

Percutaneous collagen induction or microneedling is a procedure that, through the opening of microchannels on the surface of the skin, generates healing induced by platelets that increase the production of growth factors and cytokines, triggered by a controlled inflammation that stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. With the microneedling protocol and the use of drug delivery in mature skin, the results are optimized by the association of specific actives that will be more effectively absorbed by the microchannels. The objective of this work is to carry out a brief literature review and case report on the use of the percutaneous collagen induction method with the association of drug-delivery and home care in the neck region with the aim of superficial and deep tissue rejuvenation. The results found through clinical observation were a significant improvement in the appearance of aging, dryness, superficial flaccidity, fine rhytids, photoaging and devitalized appearance. Little or no results were observed in the improvement of deep flaccidity, horizontal wrinkles and central vertical bands of the neck after 4 sessions of the protocol.

Microneedling Outcomes in Early Postsurgical Scars.

Scars are a vexing sequela of surgery. Microneedling, also known as minimally invasive percutaneous collagen induction, has demonstrated impressive improvements in chronic acne scars; however, no evidence exists for treating postsurgical scars during active wound healing. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the utility and safe use of minimally invasive percutaneous collagen induction in acute postsurgical scars. Twenty-five patients who underwent surgery had scars treated with three treatments of minimally invasive percutaneous collagen induction in the postoperative period. Scar assessment was measured by Vancouver Scar Scale, Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale, and Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale after each of the three treatments and at final 2-month follow-up. Patients had positive improvement in Vancouver Scar Scale, Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale, and Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale scores at 16-week posttreatment initiation evaluation compared to initial measurement ( p < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were noted when comparing the age of the patient, location of scars, or Fitzpatrick phototype scales among patients. When comparing patients who began treatment early (6 to 7 weeks postoperatively) to those who began treatment late (13 to 16 weeks postoperatively), there was a statistically significant difference in the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale group ( p < 0.04). Postsurgical scars treated with minimally invasive percutaneous collagen induction in the maturation and remodeling phase had no adverse outcomes. Interestingly, the data show treatment initiated early in the maturation phase (6 to 7 weeks postoperatively), while natural collagen formation was tapering off, demonstrated improved aesthetic outcomes compared to treatments initiated late in the maturation phase (13 to 16 weeks postoperatively). Therapeutic, IV.

Applications of microneedling for various dermatologic indications with a special focus on pigmentary disorders: A comprehensive review study.

Microneedling can accelerate skin repair through numerous complex processes triggered by micro-injuries it produces on the skin surface with very thin needles. The current growth in the application of microneedling in the treatment of cutaneous diseases can be explained by its numerous effects on the skin as reported in the literature. Despite the numerous studies conducted on the application of microneedling in the treatment of skin lesions, its effects on pigmented skin lesions have remained relatively unexplored. The present review comprises an examination of the evidence for the application of microneedling in skin diseases in general and a comprehensive review of the applications of microneedling in pigmentation disorders. The review involved a search of all clinical studies, including trials, case reports, and case series, in the databases MEDLINE/PubMed and Google Scholar using the following keywords: "microneedling," "dermal needling," "percutaneous collagen induction," "skin needling," "dermaroller," and "dermatology disorder." Pertinent data were extracted from all relevant articles published from 1990 to April 2021, and focused on the application of microneedling in the treatment of pigmented skin lesions. Despite the limited number of available studies, evidence suggests the effectiveness and safety of microneedling in treating vitiligo, melasma, and periorbital hypermelanosis. It is noteworthy that the combination of any type of non-aggressive needing technique with other effective therapies (especially topical agents and mesotherapy) yields more promising therapeutic results than single therapy for melasma, dark cycles, and vitiligo as the prototype of pigmentary disorders. However, single needling therapy is significantly effective, too.

Safety and efficacy of microneedling technology in the treatment of acne scars.

Current options for the reduction of acne scarring (eg, ablative laser resurfacing) are associated with considerable side effects and limitations in terms of patient population. Percutaneous collagen induction via microneedling poses an alternative treatment method due to its low rates of reported adverse events and side effects. To assess the safety and effectiveness of microneedling treatments in reducing acne scars. A total of 22 patients (18 females and 4males) with a mean age of 38 ± 7.6years were assessed regarding the appearance of facial acne scarring. Acne scars were assessed via the Acne Scar Assessment Scale (ASAS) and the Goodman and Baron acne scar grading scale before and after two/three treatments. Additionally, the post-interventional development of side reactions, adverse events, and patient-reported outcomes (eg, pain/discomfort, skin redness) was reported. Compared to baseline, the mean ASAS value was improved statistically significantly on average by 1.41 and 1.46 after the second treatment as assessed by the independent raters and the patients, respectively. In patients who received a total of three treatments, a statistically significant mean improvement in ASAS value of 1.35 and 1.66 compared to baseline was assessed by the independent raters and patients, respectively. No unexpected adverse events were reported. The severity and rate of side reactions decreased over the course of this study. Microneedling treatments can pose a safe and effective option in the reduction of acne scarring. In this study, microneedling helped achieving a significant reduction of acne scars while showing high patient safety.

Protocolo para rejuvenescimento facial minimamente invasivo em idosos

Objetivo: relatar o caso clínico de tratamento de rejuvenescimento facial em paciente idosa por meio da indução percutânea de colágeno, uso de fios de polidioxanona (PDO), preenchimento com ácido hialurônico e aplicação de toxina botulínica. Esses procedimentos são minimamente invasivos, utilizados para amenizar as alterações faciais decorrentes do envelhecimento. Descrição do Caso: paciente de 76 anos, apresentou interesse por procedimentos estéticos faciais e os mesmos foram realizados sequencialmente, conforme o plano de tratamento. Iniciou-se com microagulhamento seguida da máscara de ácido retinóico e orientações de home care. Após 28 dias, foi realizada aplicação de 50U de toxina botulínica no terço superior da face, nos músculos prócero (6u), corrugadores de supercílio (8u), frontal (14u), orbicular dos olhos (18u) e nasal (6u). Seguido um mês, foi realizada a inserção de 8 fios de PDO no terço médio da face para lifiting facial, e após mais 30 dias a paciente foi submetida a aplicação de ácido hialurônico para preenchimento labial, de olheiras, região malar/zigomático e de bossa canina. Após 6 meses da realização da toxina botulínica, uma nova aplicação de 50U foi realizada nas mesmas regiões aplicadas anteriormente. Todos os procedimentos foram bem sucedidos e proporcionaram bem estar e rejuvenescimento para a paciente. Conclusão: os procedimentos estéticos sequenciais propostos restabeleceram características de jovialidade e resultaram em bem estar físico e emocional, repercutindo na melhora na qualidade de vida da paciente.&#x0D;

Radiofrequency Microneedling: A Comprehensive and Critical Review.

Many studies have evaluated radiofrequency microneedling (RFMN) in various dermatologic conditions. However, the efficacy and safety of RFMN, and how it compares with other energy-based devices in a clinician's armamentarium, remains unclear. To review higher-quality evidence supporting RFMN and the dermatologic conditions which it can be used in. A search was conducted in MEDLINE and EMBASE from inception to May 13, 2020, using the terms: "radiofrequency microneedling" OR "fractional radiofrequency" OR "radiofrequency needling" OR "radiofrequency percutaneous collagen induction." Only randomized, split body or blinded studies with original data on humans were included. Non-English or non-dermatology-related studies were excluded. Forty-two higher-quality studies were included after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. There were 14 studies for skin rejuvenation, 7 for acne scars, 6 for acne vulgaris, 5 each for striae and axillary hyperhidrosis, 2 for melasma, and 1 each for rosacea, cellulite, and androgenetic alopecia. Radiofrequency microneedling is an effective intervention that can be used repeatedly and safely in combination with other treatment modalities and in individuals with darker skin phototypes. Radiofrequency microneedling-induced dermal remodeling and neocollagenesis are slow and progressive but continue to improve even 6 months after treatment.

Regenerative Medicine and Hair Loss: Microneedling—Is the Pain Really Worth It?

</br>![][1]</img> Microneedling (MN), or percutaneous collagen induction therapy (PCIT), is a minimally invasive procedure that utilizes multiple fine needles to create micropunctures in the skin.[1][2] The therapy was introduced in the 1990s for the treatment of scars, striae, and laxity, but

Microneedling: Percutaneous Collagen Induction (PCI) Therapy for Management of Scars and Photoaged Skin-Scientific Evidence and Review of the Literature.

Demand for safe, less aggressive and cost-efficient treatment modality to improve skin quality and appearance following scarring or photoaging is increasing steadily. A treatment modality that preserves the epidermis while promoting regeneration rather than cicatrization would be ideal. Percutaneous collagen induction (PCI) therapy or microneedling is claimed to approach this ideal objective. The current comprehensive literature review is intended to analyze the scientific basis supporting this therapeutic modality and to evaluate the efficacy of PCI microneedling therapy versus no treatment of patients with photoaged skin and scars of various etiologies on aesthetic skin rejuvenation, skin tightening and scar quality in prospective, retrospective and experimental studies. Twenty-five published studies were identified and included in this review. Four publications are experimental animal studies; most clinical reports are case series or small cohort non-randomized studies or trials lacking methodological unity with a heterogenous mix of scars, wrinkles and skin laxity being treated. The majority are studies about management of scars of various etiologies while only 4 specifically investigated the effect of PCI on wrinkles and aging skin. One study compared burn scar erythema in the treated area to the untreated area, and 5 studies included histologic evaluation of biopsies. Despite PCI promising therapeutic benefits and its increasing cosmetic applications, the current literature review unfortunately revealed a limited number of high-quality studies mostly experimental. Data and conclusions of clinical studies must be carefully interpreted before translating the evidence presented into clinical recommendations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Effects of Percutaneous Collagen Induction Therapy Associated with Hyaluronic Acid on Inflammatory Response, Oxidative Stress, and Collagen Production.

Percutaneous collagen induction (PCI) is an alternative treatment for skin dysfunctions, it aims to stimulate collagen production by encouraging normal wound healing that occurs after any trauma by inducing microlesions; also it may be potentiated with the association with drugs such as hyaluronic acid (HA). Our objective was to evaluate the effects of PCI associated with hyaluronic acid (0.9%) on inflammatory process, oxidative stress, and collagen production in rat epidermis. For the study, 36 adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (n = 6): Control; PCI 0.5; PCI 1.0; HA; PCI 0.5 + HA; and PCI 1.0 + HA. The animals were anesthetized, trichotomized, and the application of therapies was performed once; After 7days, the animals were euthanized for removal of the skin region. Levels of pro-inflammatory (IL1, IL6, TNFα), anti-inflammatory (IL4 and IL10) cytokines and growth factors (FGF, TGFβ) were evaluated, besides oxidative stress parameters and histological analysis. In combination groups, there is a decrease in TNFα compared with the control and PCI groups in contrast to a significant increase in anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors. Oxidant and oxidative damage levels showed a significant decrease in PCI + HA groups in relation to PCI groups while antioxidant defense increased in PCI + HA groups compared with the control group. The number of fibroblasts was increased in the PCI 1.0 group in relation to the control, HA, and PCI 0.5. The number of blood vessels and collagen area was increased in groups PCI and PCI + HA compared with the HA group. We conclude that the combination of PCI with HA is able to accelerate the acute inflammatory process, reducing its deleterious effects and anticipating the chronic response, contributing to tissue repair.

Evaluation of Microneedling Therapy in Management of Facial Scars.

Appearance and beauty always have been playing a major aspect of human's lives, regardless of the era. The desire for man to look better had led to various treatment modalities. One among them is microneedling therapy, also called as percutaneous collagen induction therapy or dermaroller therapy. Henceforth, the aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of microneedling therapy in the management of facial scars. An observational clinical study was conducted with a total of 14 patients who needed treatment and presented to the out-patient department of Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. The patients who were cooperative, motivated, and esthetically conscious with facial scars due to trauma, soft-tissue injury following incision and drainage, postsurgical scars, scars following surgery of cleft lip correction, and postacne scars were randomly selected. In the present study, a statistically significant difference was observed with pre- and postsurgical patient satisfaction scale (PSS) and observed satisfaction scale (OSS; P = 0.001). Preoperatively there were 64.3% with depressed scars and 35.7% with elevated scars. The clinical response of height of scar postoperatively was 100% flattening with the surrounding skin surface. Results showed that all atrophic and hypertrophic scars showed improvement, and color of the scar which was darker or lighter than the surrounding skin got the same color as the surrounding skin after microneedling therapy. Pain during the procedure was easily tolerable by the patient and no postoperative pain was noted. Microneedling therapy can be considered as an effective modality of treatment for facial scars in patients with an added advantage of minimal downtime and effective improvement. It is simple and cost-effective technique in the treatment of facial scars.

Percutaneous collagen induction (microneedling) for the management of non-atrophic scars: literature review.

Introduction:Percutaneous collagen induction (PCI) or needling techniques are increasingly popular in the reconstructive and aesthetic arena. The underlying mechanisms of action rest on producing a pattern of non-ablative and non-confluent puncture wound pattern to the dermis with a resulting regenerative effect to the skin.Methods:A detailed English literature review was conducted using PubMed Medline, Embase and Web of Science; the manuscripts were appraised and classified according to level of evidence as well risk of bias. Results are presented in descending order of evidence for non-atrophic scars.Discussion:On the basis of level 1 evidence currently available, the combination of needling and silicone gel can improve the short-term pliability, height and vascularity of hypertrophic and keloid scars. According to level 2 evidence, needling alongside spray keratinocytes can produce a statistically significant improvement to patient/observer scar ratings and improve pigmentation in hypopigmented burn scars at 12-month follow-up. Results from mixed cohort studies also point towards needling having a beneficial effect on fat graft retention. Level 3 data suggest that needling can render significant resurfacing effects to both mature and actively hypertrophic burn scars at 12-month follow-up based on objective scar scales; furthermore, favourable histological changes are seen, including better collagen alignment in the dermis and increased epidermal thickness.Conclusion:Needling techniques are promising adjuncts to non-atrophic scar management. Further research with long-term follow-up and comparative design protocols incorporating other resurfacing modalities is warranted before the exact value of needling is delineated in scar management protocols.

Medical Needling: Effect on Skin Erythema of Hypertrophic Burn Scars.

BackgroundBurn scars frequently tend to have pathological discolorations, which is manifested in the development of persistent erythema. Affected people suffer from psychological and physiological issues when they are restricted or rejected in their daily life. In this context, medical needling seems to be an efficient therapy for erythematous scars with a relatively low-risk rate of postoperative complications. Study research has already shown significant improvements in the scar quality with reference to the parameters “moisture and transepidermal water loss.” Clinical data is up-to-date and provides an innovative therapy outcome of scar treatment with medical needling.ObjectiveThe aim of our study was to examine the influence of medical needling on the pathological and persistent erythema of hypertrophic burn scars. By means of reliable measurement methods, we were able to prove positive and sustainable outcomes for normal and healthy skin. The patient cohort included 20 patients with an average age of 34.63 years. Our examinations involved scars that were at least two years old and had healed by secondary intent. Every scar showed the pathological values of persistent erythema according to the participation requirements.MethodsFor the practical implementation of medical needling or percutaneous collagen induction (PCI), we used a roller covered with needles of 3 mm length. The needling device is rolled over the scar alternatively in a vertical, horizontal, and diagonal orientation. Multiple micro-wounds at a close distance cause intradermal bleeding, which evokes modified skin regeneration provoked by the effects of medical needling. Every patient has been followed up for 12 months postoperatively. Further on, valid results have been evaluated objectively as well as subjectively by the patient and observer.ResultsOur study has shown that persistent erythema of hypertrophic scars can be considered as an indication of PCI. The needling procedure influences vascularization by stimulating angiogenesis in the post-needling wound healing cascade. As the method is based on percutaneous collagen induction, the synthesis of collagen improves the vital thickness of the epidermis, which is directly associated with less transparency. Examined scars showed a significant reduction of erythema and were less reddened after treatment. Based on the outcomes of objective measurements, medical needling achieves a normalization of the skin color and an adjustment to healthy skin after repetitive treatments.ConclusionMedical needling seems to be a suitable therapy approach for treating erythematous, hypertrophic burn scars.

Microneedling and transepidermal distribution of drugs

Microneedling or Percutaneous Collagen Induction is a minimally invasive dermatological procedure that utilizes needles to create orifices or in the skin. Its aim is to induce collagen formation, neovascularization and production of growth factors. There is increased demand because it is a relatively simple procedure, cost-effective, safe and that yields satisfactory results. It treats localized areas and studies are being done to evaluate its role in inflammation, dyspigmentation, and photodamage. The therapeutic use includes the treatment of acne scars, stretch marks, wrinkles, melasma, hyperhidrosis, alopecia. Lately, it has been used for the transepidermal distribution of active compounds and vaccines.

Microneedling in Dermatology: A Review.

Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that is becoming a widely utilized Tprocedure. Microneedles (MNs) are needlelike structures with diameters in the size order of microns and lengths ranging from 250 μm to 2,000 μm. In percutaneous collagen induction (PCI) therapy, MNs penetrate the der

Microneedling vs. chemical reconstructon of skin scars with trichloroacetic acid: a comparative study

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Acne scars are a cause of major psychological morbidity in the young population. Microneedling using dermarollers which uses the principle of percutaneous collagen induction and Chemical reconstruction of skin scars (CROSS) using Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) are both widely used methods for the treatment of acne scars and are cheaper alternatives to LASER resurfacing. The aim of our study is to objectively compare the efficacy of microneedling using dermaroller with CROSS using 100% TCA in the management of acne scars.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; 30 patients with acne scars were divided into 2 groups A and B with 15 patients each. Group ‘A’ underwent microneedling using 1.5 mm dermaroller and Group ‘B’ underwent CROSS technique with 100% TCA. A total of 4 sessions at monthly intervals were performed on both groups. The percentage improvement in the acne scar grade between the two groups was compared using the student ‘t’ test.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; Among the 30 patients, 13 (86%) patients in Group A (Microneedling) and 11 (78%) patients in group B (CROSS) noted significant reduction in their acne scar grade. The difference between the 2 groups was statistically insignificant. 3 patients had significant post inflammatory hyperpigmentation in group ‘B’.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; The techniques of microneedling and CROSS are both effective in acne scars But microneedling scores in other aspects such as faster wound healing, better skin rejuvenation and safety in dark skinned individuals.&lt;/p&gt;

Percutaneous collagen induction as an additive treatment for scar formation following thermal injuries: Preliminary experience in 47 children

BackgroundThermal injuries are one of the most physically and psychologically devastating causes of pediatric trauma. Post-traumatic sequelae such as hypertrophic scars and contractures often result in long lasting morbidity and disfigurement. Conservative therapy, including pressure garments and silicone, is the gold standard for scar management in the pediatric population. Most recently percutaneous collagen induction (PCI) was introduced as an alternative treatment in adults. The aim of this report was to share our experience with PCI in children and adolescents in scar management following thermal injuries. Patients and methodsBetween July 2013 and February 2016, a total of 99 PCI treatments were performed on forty-seven children and adolescents for scar formation following thermal injuries in this retrospective study. A medical roller device (Dermaroller®, Dermaroller GmbH, Wolfenbüttel, Germany) with 2.5mm long needles was used. All procedures were carried out under general anesthesia. At the end of the operation vitamin A and vitamin C oil (ENVIRON® AVST Body Oil; Environ Skin Care, Pty. Ltd., Cape Town, South Africa) was applied topically. Photographs were taken before and a minimum of 4 weeks after the first PCI in order to document the effect on scar tissue. These images were graded according to the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS). ResultsThe median age at the time of the first PCI was 8.3 years (range, 0.8–21.2 years). The median time interval between the injury and PCI was 18 months (range, 4–170 months). There were no intraoperative problems noted. Minor postoperative complications occurred in 2 patients (4.3%). All patients reported subjective improvement and were satisfied with the procedure and the results. Pre- and post-treatment photographs were available in 40 patients, and overall VSS scores improved post-treatment in all patients. Following a single PCI treatment, scar vascularity, pliability and height all improved, however there was no statistically significant effect on pigmentation. ConclusionsPCI is an enrichment of the armamentarium for scar treatment following thermal injuries in children and adolescents. Further prospective studies are recommended regarding the optimal timing for this treatment and long term outcome in the pediatric population.