Microneedling vs Dermabrasion for Facial Scars
Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Travel: May Be Covered
Time Reimbursement: Varies
Trial Phase: Academic
Recruiting
Sponsor: Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Disqualifiers: Fitzpatrick scale 4-6
No Placebo Group
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
This study aims to determine whether microneedling or dermabrasion in the early post-operative period is superior in improving the appearance of surgical scars on the face.
Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Microneedling vs Dermabrasion for Facial Scars?
Research shows that dermabrasion, a technique that involves carefully removing the top layers of skin, is effective for improving the appearance of acne scars and other facial scars. It is a well-established method that allows precise control over the depth of treatment, leading to predictable healing and improved skin appearance.12345
Is dermabrasion safe for treating facial scars?
How does microneedling differ from dermabrasion for treating facial scars?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment that stimulates collagen production by creating tiny punctures in the skin, making it effective for improving chronic acne scars. Dermabrasion, on the other hand, involves surgical skin planing to precisely remove layers of skin, which can be controlled for depth and is favored for treating scars and fine wrinkles without the use of chemicals.1251011
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for individuals with recent surgical scars on their face. Participants should be in good health and not have any skin infections or conditions that could interfere with healing.Inclusion Criteria
Volunteer adult patients will be identified by visiting the Facial Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery Clinic at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist.
I am over 18 and have a surgical scar on the upper part of my face.
I am willing to enroll in the clinic's research registry and participate in the study.
Exclusion Criteria
I meet the inclusion criteria without regard to my gender, race/ethnicity, or age.
My skin type is not between 4 to 6 on the Fitzpatrick scale.
Trial Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
2-4 weeks
Treatment
Participants receive either microneedling or dermabrasion treatment for scar improvement
10 weeks
2 visits (in-person)
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
7 months
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Dermabrasion (Procedure)
- Microneedling (Procedure)
Trial OverviewThe study is testing two techniques to improve the appearance of facial scars: microneedling, which uses fine needles, and dermabrasion, which sands down the skin. The goal is to see which method works better right after surgery.
Participant Groups
2Treatment groups
Active Control
Group I: microneedlingActive Control1 Intervention
microneedling is a form of collagen induction therapy, often used in conjunction with platelet-rich plasma or hyaluronic acid - Patients will receive two treatments, once at 6-8 weeks following facial surgery, and the second at 12-16 weeks following facial surgery
Group II: dermabrasionActive Control1 Intervention
dermabrasion is a technique that improves the skin structure, quality, and appearance of scars through collagen remodeling and reepithelization - Patients will receive the standard of care treatment 6-10 weeks following facial surgery
Dermabrasion is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada for the following indications:
🇺🇸 Approved in United States as Dermabrasion for:
- Deep acne scars
- Scars from surgery or injury
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Sun damage
- Age spots
- Rhinophyma
- Tattoo removal
🇪🇺 Approved in European Union as Dermabrasion for:
- Acne scars
- Surgical scars
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Sun damage
- Age spots
- Skin irregularities
🇨🇦 Approved in Canada as Dermabrasion for:
- Deep acne scars
- Scars from surgery or injury
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Sun damage
- Age spots
Find a Clinic Near You
Research Locations NearbySelect from list below to view details:
Wake Forest University Health SciencesWinston-Salem, NC
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Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Wake Forest University Health SciencesLead Sponsor
References
Modern dermabrasion techniques: a personal appraisal. [2019]Improvements in dermabrasion techniques have upgraded the therapeutic results for the removal of acne scars, sun-damaged skin, and related skin lesions in selected patients. To help patient compliance and therapeutic response, and to avoid pitfalls, extensive step-by-step predermabrasion evaluation and patient selection procedures are helpful. Standard checklists, operative techniques, and patient follow-up procedures have improved the results. Currently, the optimal dermabrasion procedure consists not only of an extensive facial planing, but the use of Loo punch or scalpel excision and the suturing of large cysts and scars during the procedure and the filling of valley-like depressions with liquid collagen or silicone after the procedure. These methods of extensive standard procedures and protocols, rigid patient selection, and pre-, during, and postdermabrasion follow-ups are presented so medical staffs can avoid common pitfalls.
Scar revision via resurfacing. [2007]Numerous techniques exist to treat noticeable facial scars. Techniques range from surgical excision to resurfacing. In this review of dermabrasion and laser resurfacing, we address the clinical considerations, techniques, adjuncts, and peri-operative management of scar resurfacing. Dermabrasion offers the advantage of being a tried-and-true technique familiar to surgeons. Recent advances in laser technology have resulted in the increased use of pulsed-dye lasers (PDLs), erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) lasers, and CO(2) lasers. PDLs are effective for hypertrophic scars and show lower rates of recurrence compared with erbium:YAG and CO2 lasers. In contrast, erbium:YAG and CO(2) lasers are well suited to treating atrophic and acne scars. Chemical peels play a minor role in scar resurfacing and function primarily as an adjunct. Scar resurfacing is an integral part of scar camouflage and is often used in conjunction with excision and irregularization techniques.
Correction of depressed scars on the face by a method of elevation. [2019]A method of managing depressed scars on the face by elevation of scars and subsequent dermabrasion is described. If the indications for this procedure are correctly established, this method always results in some degree of improvement.
Comparison of high-energy pulsed carbon dioxide laser resurfacing and dermabrasion in the revision of surgical scars. [2019]Both dermabrasion and high-energy pulsed carbon dioxide (CO2) laser resurfacing can improve the appearance of surgical scars. Although the results of these two procedures have been compared using historical data, a prospective evaluation has never been performed in humans.
Dermabrasion in facial surgery. [2019]Surgical planing or dermabrasion has many uses in facial aesthetic and reconstructive surgery but often is an underutilized technique. The purpose of this paper is to familiarize the head and neck and facial plastic surgeon with some of these uses extending from trauma to rejuvenation of the aging face. Detail will be presented regarding analysis for conditions where dermabrasion is indicated and in dealing with modifications of surgical technique. The author feels that dermabrasion is the treatment of choice for scars and acne and favors it over chemabrasion or chemical peel even for fine rhytids because the depth of dermabrasion can be precisely controlled and varied according to the location of and the degree of scarring or facial wrinkles. It offers early and predictable healing without concern for the penetration and absorption of chemical elements (especially phenol). Dermabrasion may be combined with other procedures such as scar revisions, dermal shaves, and de-epithelization of flaps.
Diagnosis and treatment of postoperative complications after skin resurfacing. [2022]Chemical peel, dermabrasion, and laser skin resurfacing are alternative methods to achieve skin resurfacing for reconstructive or cosmetic applications. The potential postoperative complications are similar with all of these techniques. These postoperative complications and their therapy are reviewed.
Dermabrasion. [2005]Dermabrasion is a time-tested and cost-effective resurfacing technique for scars, wrinkles, and photodamage with a track record of moderate efficacy and well-known safety profile. The risk of bloodborne pathogens to the operator is far greater with dermabrasion than other resurfacing techniques. The learning curve is significantly longer with dermabrasion than laser resurfacing or chemical peels. In expert hands, dermabrasion can achieve results comparable with laser resurfacing. When performed by an infrequent user of the procedure, however, the results achieved can be expected to be far less predictable than laser resurfacing.
Complications of resurfacing. [2019]Skin resurfacing procedures with the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser, chemical peels, and dermabrasion have similar complication profiles. The most frequent complications are pigmentary disturbances, erythema, infection, and scarring. Patients should be well advised of the potential untoward side effects. Proper preoperative skin preparation, postoperative wound care, adequate physician training, and physician alertness will reduce the frequency and severity of these complications.
Dermabrasion. [2011]This review presents skin anatomy, dermabraders, indications for dermabrasion and microdermabrasion, and dermabrasion techniques for the face, along with potential complications. Dermabrasion is a minimally invasive technique used for skin resurfacing. Its applications include treatment of rhytids, abnormal scarring, and premalignant lesions. The risks of complications are low and include pigment changes, hypertrophic scarring, and infection. Despite the introduction of newer therapies, such as lasers and chemical peels, dermabrasion remains an effective tool for physicians to combat the effects of aging without the downtime required for surgery.
Microneedling Outcomes in Early Postsurgical Scars. [2022]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.
Electrobrasion vs. manual dermabrasion: a randomized, double-blind, comparative effectiveness trial. [2014]Electrobrasion, like dermabrasion, is a method of surgical planing that is purported to improve postoperative scarring. Data regarding its benefits and harms relative to dermabrasion are absent.