Publication:

A study of efficacy of subcision, micro-needling and carbon dioxide fractional laser for treatment of acne scars

Background Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin problem encountered in adolescents. Complication of acne may lead to scar formation. Types of acne scars are atrophic scars (ice pick, rolling scars and box scar), hypertrophic scar and keloidal scar. Multiple modalities for treating acne scars are chemical peeling, derma roller, subcision, punch excision, cryoroller, CROSS (chemical reconstruction of skin scars), fractional lasers, etc. This study is to study the efficacy of derma roller, subcision and CO2 fractional laser in acne scar and complications associated with them.

Methods Total 45 patients with grade 2, 3 and 4 atrophic acne scar (Goodman and Baron grading system) were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned in three groups of 15 patients each. Group A: Derma roller, Group B: Subcision, Group C: CO2 fractional laser. 3 sittings at 28 days interval were done in each group. Evaluation was done by standardized digital photography pre-procedure and at each sitting. Physician’s evaluation was done in terms of excellent, good, fair, poor improvement or worsening. Patient’s self-evaluates as excellent, good, fair, poor improvement or worsening.

Results According to physicians evaluation at the end of 3 sittings excellent response was seen in 20% (n=3), 13.33% (n=2), 6.67% (n=1) in group B, group C, group A respectively. According to self-evaluation by patient at the end of 3 sittings, overall, 44.44% (n=20) patients showed an excellent response (score of 8-10).

Conclusions Time tested procedures; like subcision if done adequately and properly have excellent response and is comparable to newer and costly treatment like CO2 fractional laser.