What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Subcision, a procedure that involves breaking up fibrous bands under the skin to improve scar appearance, can lead to side effects such as bruising, swelling, and pain at the treatment site. Other common treatments for acne scars include laser therapies, which may cause post-treatment erythema, hyperpigmentation, and edema; chemical peels, which can result in temporary redness, peeling, and sensitivity; and injectable fillers, which might lead to temporary swelling, redness, and, in rare cases, allergic reactions. It is important to discuss these potential side effects with a healthcare provider to determine the most suitable treatment option.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

The provided context does not specify FDA approvals for subcision or similar treatments for acne scars. However, it mentions several effective treatments for acne scars, including injectable poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), fractional resurfacing, and combined subcision with autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP). These treatments have shown efficacy in improving the appearance of atrophic acne scars. Additionally, topical retinoids and chemical peels are commonly used for managing acne scars, although their FDA approval status for this specific indication is not detailed in the context.

What other types of research exist?

Promising, novel alternatives to subcision for treating acne scars in 2024 include nonablative fractional laser resurfacing, microneedle radiofrequency, and photodynamic therapy. These treatments offer effective scar improvement with minimal downtime and side effects.

← Back to Search

Other

Subcision for Acne Scars

N/A

Waitlist Available

Led By Murad Alam, MD

Research Sponsored by Northwestern University

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Have bilateral rolling acne scars on each side of their face

Age 18 to 65

Must not have

Subjects who are unable to understand the protocol or to give informed consent

Under 18 years of age

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up baseline and 36 weeks

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial is testing whether doing a minor surgical procedure called subcision can improve rolling acne scars. Subcision involves using a needle to cut through tough bands under the skin that cause scarring. The goal is to see if this method makes the skin look smoother compared to no treatment.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for adults aged 18 to 65 with rolling acne scars on both sides of their face, who are in good health and have no active acne. Participants must understand the study and give informed consent. It's not for those under 18, pregnant or breastfeeding women, recent Accutane users, individuals prone to severe scarring or with blood diseases like HIV or Hepatitis, or a history of Herpes.

What is being tested?

The trial is testing if multiple subcision treatments can improve the look of rolling acne scars compared to no treatment at all. This pilot study will assess how feasible this procedure is over several visits.

What are the potential side effects?

While specific side effects aren't listed here, subcision procedures may typically cause temporary bruising, swelling, pain at the treated area and risk of infection.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below

Select...

I have deep acne scars on both sides of my face.

Select...

I am between 18 and 65 years old.

Select...

I do not have active acne.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:

Select...

I understand the study and can give my consent.

Select...

I am under 18 years old.

Select...

I have a blood disease like HIV or Hepatitis.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ baseline and 36 weeks

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~baseline and 36 weeks

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and baseline and 36 weeks for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Change in acne scarring compared to baseline after treatments

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Multiple SubcisionExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Subjects will receive multiple subcision treatments to their randomized side of the face 5 times total spaced 4 weeks apart.

Group II: ControlActive Control1 Intervention

Subjects will receive no intervention control on the other side of the face.

0 / 6Eligibility criteria met

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

Common treatments for acne scars, such as subcision, work by physically disrupting the fibrous bands that tether the skin down, thereby improving the appearance of depressed scars. Subcision involves inserting a needle under the skin to break up these bands, which allows the skin to lift and smooth out. This mechanism is crucial for patients because it directly targets the structural cause of atrophic scars, leading to more noticeable and lasting improvements. Other treatments like microneedling and fractional lasers also promote collagen remodeling by creating controlled micro-injuries, which stimulate the skin's natural healing processes. These methods are important as they enhance skin texture and reduce scar depth, offering significant cosmetic benefits for those affected by acne scars.

Combined subcision, autologous platelet-rich plasma, and CROSS technique in the treatment of atrophic acne scars: Prospective split face study.Safety of Combined Fractional Microneedle Radiofrequency and CO2 as an Early Intervention for Inflammatory Acne and Scarring Treated With Concomitant Isotretinoin.Randomised controlled multiple treatment comparison to provide a cost-effectiveness rationale for the selection of antimicrobial therapy in acne.