Combination therapy in the management of atrophic acne scars.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Atrophic acne scars are difficult to treat. The demand for less invasive but highly effective treatment for scars is growing.

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the efficacy of combination therapy using subcision, microneedling and 15% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel in the management of atrophic scars.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Fifty patients with atrophic acne scars were graded using Goodman and Baron Qualitative grading. After subcision, dermaroller and 15% TCA peel were performed alternatively at 2-weeks interval for a total of 6 sessions of each. Grading of acne scar photographs was done pretreatment and 1 month after last procedure. Patients own evaluation of improvement was assessed.

RESULTS:

Out of 16 patients with Grade 4 scars, 10 (62.5%) patients improved to Grade 2 and 6 (37.5%) patients improved to Grade 3 scars. Out of 22 patients with Grade 3 scars, 5 (22.7%) patients were left with no scars, 2 (9.1%) patients improved to Grade 1and 15 (68.2%) patients improved to Grade 2. All 11 (100%) patients with Grade 2 scars were left with no scars. There was high level of patient satisfaction.

CONCLUSION:

This combination has shown good results in treating not only Grade 2 but also severe Grade 4 and 3 scars.

• Authors: Shilpa Garg, Sukriti Baveja
• Journal: Journal of cutaneous and aesthetic surgery (J Cutan Aesthet Surg) Vol. 7 Issue 1 Pg. 18-23 (Jan 2014) ISSN: 0974-2077 [Print] India
• PMID: 24761094 (Publication Type: Journal Article)