Microneedling vs Dermabrasion for Facial Scars

Overseen By Candace M Waters, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Wake Forest University Health Sciences

Disqualifiers: Fitzpatrick scale 4-6

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

Duration: 10 weeks

30 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial examines two treatments, microneedling and dermabrasion, to determine which better improves the appearance of surgical scars on the face. Microneedling uses tiny needles to stimulate collagen production, while dermabrasion (also known as surgical skin planing or skin resurfacing) smooths the skin to enhance scar healing. Individuals with facial scars from surgery, particularly on the upper part of the face, may be suitable candidates for these treatments. The trial targets those who have undergone facial surgery and wish to improve their scar's appearance. As an unphased trial, it offers participants a unique opportunity to explore innovative treatments for facial scars.

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.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research has shown that microneedling is generally safe for treating scars. This simple technique improves skin texture by boosting collagen production. Most people experience only mild side effects, such as temporary redness or swelling, which usually subside quickly.

For dermabrasion, studies indicate it is a common and typically safe method for improving scars when performed by a skilled professional. Some individuals might notice small bumps or larger pores after the procedure, but these effects can be managed.

Both treatments are well-tolerated, with minor and short-lived side effects. Qualified practitioners should perform these procedures to reduce risks. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?

Researchers are excited about microneedling and dermabrasion for facial scars because each technique offers a unique approach to improving skin appearance. Microneedling stands out because it stimulates collagen production by creating tiny punctures in the skin, often enhanced with platelet-rich plasma or hyaluronic acid, potentially leading to more efficient skin healing. Dermabrasion, on the other hand, works by physically exfoliating the skin's surface to promote collagen remodeling and reepithelization, which can significantly improve scar texture and appearance. These treatments differ from traditional options, like topical creams or laser therapies, by directly altering the skin structure, offering a promising alternative for those seeking effective scar reduction.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for facial scars?

This trial will compare microneedling and dermabrasion for treating facial scars. Research shows that microneedling, one of the treatments in this trial, safely and effectively treats scars by encouraging the skin to produce more collagen, improving their appearance. A review of 58 studies has found that microneedling helps with various scars, including those from acne and surgery.

Dermabrasion, the other treatment option in this trial, removes the top layer of skin to promote healing and effectively reduces scar visibility. In one study, 88% of patients noticed smoother skin after treatment, with most seeing significant improvement. Both treatments show promising results for improving facial scars. ^{4 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Candace M Water, MD

Principal Investigator

Wake Forest University Health Sciences

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

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.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

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

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Dermabrasion
• Microneedling

Trial Overview

The 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.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: microneedling Active Control 1 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: dermabrasion Active Control 1 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

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Wake Forest University Health Sciences

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,432

Recruited

2,506,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Improvements in dermabrasion techniques have led to better outcomes for treating acne scars and sun-damaged skin, emphasizing the importance of thorough patient evaluation and selection to enhance compliance and therapeutic response.

The optimal dermabrasion procedure now includes advanced techniques such as facial planing, excision of large cysts, and post-procedure filling with liquid collagen or silicone, which collectively help to avoid common pitfalls and improve overall results.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Modern dermabrasion techniques: a personal appraisal. Fulton, JE.[2019]

Dermabrasion is a reliable and well-established method for treating facial scars, while recent advancements in laser technology, such as pulsed-dye lasers (PDLs), erbium:YAG, and CO2 lasers, have expanded treatment options.

Pulsed-dye lasers are particularly effective for hypertrophic scars with lower recurrence rates, whereas erbium:YAG and CO2 lasers are better suited for atrophic and acne scars, highlighting the importance of selecting the appropriate technique based on scar type.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Scar revision via resurfacing. Bradley, DT., Park, SS.[2007]

Chemical peel, dermabrasion, and laser skin resurfacing are all effective methods for skin resurfacing used in both reconstructive and cosmetic procedures.

All three techniques carry similar risks of postoperative complications, which are important to consider when choosing a treatment method.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Diagnosis and treatment of postoperative complications after skin resurfacing. Demas, PN., Bridenstine, JB.[2022]

Dermabrasion is an effective and cost-efficient method for treating scars, wrinkles, and photodamage, showing moderate efficacy and a well-established safety profile.

While dermabrasion can yield results similar to laser resurfacing in skilled hands, it carries a higher risk of bloodborne pathogen exposure and has a longer learning curve, making outcomes less predictable for less experienced practitioners.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dermabrasion. Hruza, GJ.[2005]

Dermabrasion is a minimally invasive skin resurfacing technique effective for treating wrinkles, abnormal scars, and premalignant lesions, making it a valuable option for skin rejuvenation.

The procedure has a low risk of complications, such as pigment changes and infection, and offers a quicker recovery compared to more invasive surgical options, despite the availability of newer treatments like lasers and chemical peels.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dermabrasion. Kim, EK., Hovsepian, RV., Mathew, P., et al.[2011]

Dermabrasion is a highly effective technique for treating scars and acne, offering precise control over the depth of treatment, which can be tailored to individual needs for optimal results.

This method provides early and predictable healing compared to chemical treatments, making it a preferred choice for facial rejuvenation and reconstruction, and it can be safely combined with other surgical procedures.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dermabrasion in facial surgery. Farrior, RT.[2019]

Both electrobrasion and dermabrasion effectively improved scar appearance, with reductions in Manchester Scar Scale scores of 1.6 and 1.3 points, respectively, indicating that both methods are beneficial for scar treatment.

Electrobrasion had the advantage of shorter procedure and bleeding times compared to dermabrasion, although there was no significant difference in overall scar improvement between the two techniques.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Electrobrasion vs. manual dermabrasion: a randomized, double-blind, comparative effectiveness trial. Kleinerman, R., Armstrong, AW., Ibrahimi, OA., et al.[2014]

The described method for managing depressed facial scars involves elevating the scars followed by dermabrasion, which consistently leads to some improvement when the procedure is indicated correctly.

This technique suggests a reliable approach to enhance the appearance of depressed scars, emphasizing the importance of proper patient selection for optimal results.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Correction of depressed scars on the face by a method of elevation. Arouete, J.[2019]

In a prospective study involving four patients, both dermabrasion and high-energy pulsed CO2 laser resurfacing were found to provide similar improvements in the appearance of surgical scars, as assessed through clinical evaluation and textural analysis.

The high-energy pulsed CO2 laser had the advantage of creating a bloodless field and less postoperative crusting compared to dermabrasion, making it a more precise option for scar revision.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Comparison of high-energy pulsed carbon dioxide laser resurfacing and dermabrasion in the revision of surgical scars. Nehal, KS., Levine, VJ., Ross, B., et al.[2019]

Minimally invasive percutaneous collagen induction is a safe and effective treatment for improving the appearance of postsurgical scars, as shown by significant improvements in scar assessment scores in a study of 25 patients.

Starting treatment early (6 to 7 weeks post-surgery) leads to better aesthetic outcomes compared to starting later (13 to 16 weeks post-surgery), highlighting the importance of timing in scar management.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Microneedling Outcomes in Early Postsurgical Scars. Claytor, RB., Sheck, CG., Chopra, V.[2022]

Skin resurfacing procedures like CO2 laser treatments, chemical peels, and dermabrasion have comparable complication rates, with common issues including pigment changes, redness, infections, and scarring.

To minimize these complications, it's crucial for patients to receive thorough preoperative advice and for physicians to ensure proper skin preparation, postoperative care, and adequate training.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Complications of resurfacing. Ragland, HP., McBurney, E.[2019]

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