From the Guidelines
The most effective treatment for acne scars is currently microneedling combined with autologous platelet concentrates (APCs), specifically platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), as it has been shown to be more effective than microneedling alone or with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) 1. This treatment approach has been found to significantly improve acne scars without a significant increase in adverse events. The use of PRF has been reported to be highly effective, safe, and simple, with better outcomes compared to PRP 1.
Key Considerations
- The combination of microneedling with PRF increases the efficacy of the treatment, making it a preferred approach for acne scar management 1.
- The timing of the results should be assessed and analyzed in subsequent research to determine the optimal follow-up interval, but improvements can be noticeable after 2-3 months 1.
- The effectiveness of this treatment varies based on scar severity, skin type, and individual healing response.
Treatment Approach
- Microneedling with PRF can be used for moderate to deep scarring, with 4-6 treatments spaced 4 weeks apart.
- For deep, pitted scars, a combination approach with microneedling, PRF, and possibly subcision may be recommended.
- Topical treatments like retinoids can complement these procedures by promoting cell turnover.
From the Research
Current Treatments for Acne Scars
- Microneedling is a minimally invasive technology that has been shown to be effective in treating atrophic acne scars as a monotherapy or in combination with other treatments 2, 3.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is another therapeutic modality that has been used in combination with microneedling to treat atrophic acne scars, with studies showing that combined treatment gives better results and is better tolerated in all types of atrophic acne scars 4, 5.
Efficacy of Combined Treatments
- A meta-analysis of controlled studies found that combined treatment with microneedling and PRP was associated with increased odds of clinical improvement of >50% in Goodman's qualitative scale, and a significantly improved mean GQS score compared to microneedling therapy without PRP 5.
- A split-face study found that combined autologous platelet-rich plasma with microneedling was more effective than microneedling with non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid in the treatment of atrophic acne scars, although the difference between the two modalities was statistically insignificant 6.
Safety and Tolerability
- Studies have shown that microneedling and PRP are well-tolerated and effective therapeutic modalities in treating atrophic acne scars, with no serious adverse effects reported 2, 3, 4.
- The incidence of severe adverse events such as severe erythema and severe edema was not significantly different between combined treatment with microneedling and PRP and microneedling without PRP 5.