What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Common treatments for acne scars, such as subcision combined with suction, laser therapy, and chemical peels, have various side effects. Subcision and suction can lead to bruising, swelling, and discomfort at the treatment site. Laser therapy often causes postoperative purpura (bruising), edema (swelling), and requires strict sun avoidance to prevent pigment alteration. Chemical peels may result in temporary redness, peeling, and sensitivity of the skin. These side effects are generally temporary but can vary in severity depending on the individual and the specific treatment used.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

The FDA has approved several treatments for acne scars that focus on enhancing debris removal, promoting blood flow, and reducing inflammation. Notably, ablative laser resurfacing, such as CO2 and Er:YAG lasers, has been approved for its efficacy in improving skin tone, texture, and scar appearance by promoting collagenesis and dermal remodeling. Additionally, silicone gel sheeting has been approved for its role in improving hypertrophic scars and keloids by providing pressure and hydration, which inhibits collagen production and reduces inflammation. These treatments align with the goals of enhancing debris removal and promoting blood flow, similar to the suction method being studied.

What other types of research exist?

Promising novel alternatives to suction for treating acne scars include: 1) Transcutaneous electrostimulation, which increases neutrophil granulocytes in skin exudate, potentially aiding in inflammation reduction and wound healing. 2) Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy, which accelerates wound closure, increases pro-angiogenic growth factor production, and improves collagen deposition. 3) Needle-free jet injection of hyaluronic acid, which uses kinetic energy to enhance skin remodeling and improve facial sagging by initiating microtraumatic wound healing.

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Subcision + Suction 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

Age 18 and over

Have bilateral rolling acne scars

Must not have

Under 18 years of age

Unable to understand the protocol or give informed consent

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up baseline and 4 months

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial is testing whether using a suction device along with regular acne scar treatments helps improve the scars more than using the regular treatment alone. It targets people with acne scars and aims to see if suction can make the treatment work better by enhancing healing and cleaning.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for adults over 18 in good health with bilateral rolling acne scars. Participants must understand and consent to the study's use of their tissue. It excludes those under 18, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, anyone unable to consent, people with mental illness, recent Accutane users, and those prone to severe scarring.

What is being tested?

The study aims to see if combining standard treatment (subcision) for acne scars with suction improves outcomes compared to subcision alone. Subcision involves breaking up scar tissue beneath the skin; suction may enhance this effect.

What are the potential side effects?

Potential side effects could include temporary redness, swelling at the treatment site, bruising from subcision or suction procedures, and a risk of additional scarring or infection.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

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

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I am 18 years old or older.

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I have acne scars on both sides of my face that are deep and rolling.

Exclusion Criteria

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

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I am under 18 years old.

Select...

I understand the study details and can give informed consent.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ baseline and 4 months

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~baseline and 4 months

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and baseline and 4 months 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: Subcision & SuctionExperimental Treatment2 Interventions

Standard treatment for acne scars followed by suction.

Group II: SubcisionActive Control1 Intervention

Standard treatment for acne scars only

Treatment

First Studied

Drug Approval Stage

How many patients have taken this drug

Subcision

2010

N/A

~60

Suction

2020

N/A

~110

0 / 4Eligibility 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 include laser therapies, chemical peels, and suction-based methods. Laser therapies, such as nonablative fractional lasers, work by emitting microscopic columns of laser light that promote collagen remodeling and skin rejuvenation, reducing scar appearance with minimal side effects. Chemical peels use agents like glycolic or salicylic acid to exfoliate the skin, promoting the resolution of comedones and improving skin texture. Suction-based methods enhance debris removal, promote blood flow, and reduce inflammation, which can accelerate healing and improve scar appearance. These mechanisms are crucial for patients as they target the underlying issues of scar formation, leading to more effective and lasting improvements in skin appearance.

Selective Sebaceous Gland Electrothermolysis Using a Single Microneedle Radiofrequency Device for Acne Patients: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study.Randomised controlled multiple treatment comparison to provide a cost-effectiveness rationale for the selection of antimicrobial therapy in acne.Ultrastructural evidence for thermal injury to pilosebaceous units during the treatment of acne using photopneumatic (PPX) therapy.