Combined autologous platelet‐rich plasma with microneedling versus microneedling with non‐cross‐linked hyaluronic acid in the treatment of atrophic acne scars: Split‐face study

Acne scarring causes cosmetic discomfort, depression, low self‐esteem and reduced quality of life. Microneedling is an established treatment for scars. A multimodality approach to scar treatment is usually necessary to achieve the best cosmetic results. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of platelet rich plasma (PRP) combined with microneedling in comparison with microneedling with non‐cross‐linked hyaluronic acid for the treatment of atrophic acne scars. Forty‐one patients of 20‐40 years of age with atrophic acne scars were included. Microneedling was performed on both halves of the face. Topical application of PRP was given on right half of the face, while the left half of the face was treated with topical application of non‐cross‐linked hyaluronic acid. Four treatment sessions were given at an interval of 1 month consecutively. Goodman's Qualitative scale and the quartile grading scale are used for the final evaluation of results. There was a statistically significant improvement in acne scars after treatment among the studied group. Right and left halves showed 85.4% and 82.9% improvement, So the difference of the improvement between the two modalities is statistically insignificant P > 0.05 We conclude that microneedling has efficacy in the management of atrophic acne scars. It can be combined with either PRP or noncross‐linked hyaluronic acid to enhance the final clinical outcomes in comparison with microneedling alone. The difference between the two modalities is insignificant.     

萎缩性痤疮瘢痕治疗进展

萎缩性痤疮瘢痕治疗方法较多,主要包括激光治疗、非激光治疗及联合治疗,其中以现代激光和射频等新技术的研究进展较多。该文就现有方法对萎缩性痤疮瘢痕的治疗进展进行综述。     

Subcision‐suction method: a new successful combination therapy in treatment of atrophic acne scars and other depressed scars

Background Among therapeutic modalities of acne scars, subcision is a simple, safe procedure with a different and basic mechanism for correcting atrophic and depressed scars. Subcision releases scar surfaces from underlying attachments and induces connective tissue formation beneath the scar directly, without injury to the skin surface. Therefore, subcision is a valuable method, but due to high recurrence rate, its efficacy is mild to moderate. Objectives To increase the efficacy of subcision, a new complementary treatment of repeated suction sessions was added at the recurrence period of subcised scars. Methods In this before and after trail, 58 patients with mild to severe acne scars of various types (rolling, superficial and deep boxcar, pitted), chicken pox, traumatic and surgical depressed scars were treated by superficial dermal undermining, with mainly 23‐guage needles. The protocol for suctioning was: start of suction on third day after subcision for flat and depressing subcised scars and its continuation at least every other day for 2 weeks. Results Forty‐six patients followed the protocol completely, had 60–90% improvement in depth and size of scars (significant improvement) with mean: 71.73%. 28.2% of them had ‘80% improvement or more’ (excellent improvement). Twelve patients started suction late and/or had long interval suction‐sessions, had 30–60% improvement (moderate improvement) with mean: 43.75%. Conclusion Frequent suctioning at the recurrence period of subcision increases subcision efficacy remarkably and causes significant and persistent improvement in short time, without considerable complication, in depressed scars of the face. Therefore, subcision‐suction method is introduced as a new effective treatment.     

CO_2点阵激光Deep与Superficial模式联合治疗萎缩性痤疮瘢痕的临床分析

目的:评价CO2点阵激光Deep与Superficial模式联合治疗萎缩性痤疮瘢痕的临床疗效和安全性。方法:对纳入的20例萎缩性痤疮瘢痕患者进行病例对照研究,每例患者治疗2个疗程,治疗后3个月进行疗效和安全性评价,对治疗前后萎缩性痤疮瘢痕严重程度评分,评估临床疗效和不良反应,同时统计患者主观评价。结果:所有患者瘢痕严重程度评分由治疗前(64.3±19.8)分下降至(39.8±14.3)分,改善百分比达(37.6±9.6)%,其中17例患者认为皮损明显或显著改善,无严重不良反应。结论:CO2点阵激光Deep与Superficial模式联合治疗萎缩性痤疮瘢痕,是一种安全有效的新型治疗方法。     

Adjuvant alternative treatment with chemical peeling and subsequent iontophoresis for postinflammatory hyperpigmentation,erosion with inflamed red papules and non‐inflamed atrophic scars in acne vulgaris

The standard management of acne vulgaris in Japan includes a combination of topical treatment with benzoyl peroxide (BPO) and BPO/clindamycin (CLDM), topical adapalene and systemic antimicrobials. However, the treatment of therapy‐resistant complications such as postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), erosions with inflamed red papules and atrophic scars has not been established. We performed chemical peeling with glycolic acid and iontophoresis with ascorbyl 2‐phosphate 6‐palmitate and DL‐α‐tocopherol phosphate for the treatment of PIH, erosions with inflamed red papules and non‐inflamed atrophic scars in 31 patients with acne vulgaris (mild to severe severity), and evaluated the efficacy and safety of these interventions. In most of cases, there was remarkable improvement in PIH and erosions with inflamed red papules after treatment. There was also some improvement in non‐inflamed atrophic scars without erythema. Mild redness and irritation was observed in four cases as adverse reactions. Early initial treatment of PIH and erosions with red papules by chemical peeling and iontophoresis is an effective and safe method to prevent the formation of atrophic scars in patients with acne vulgaris.     

黄金微针射频联合自体富血小板血浆治疗面部痤疮凹陷性瘢痕的疗效评估

目的 探讨黄金微针射频联合自体富血小板血浆(PRP)治疗面部痤疮凹陷性瘢痕的疗效。方法 选择河南大学第一附属医院皮肤科门诊2019年4月—2021年4月接收且诊治的74例凹陷性痤疮瘢痕患者为对象,随机分为2组。观察组采用黄金微针射频联合PRP治疗,对照组采用滚轮微针联合PRP治疗,两组均治疗间隔4周,连续治疗3次,3次为1疗程。1个疗程结束后6个月随访,比较两组ECCA权重评分和临床疗效分析、记录治疗引起的皮肤损伤相关时间指标。结果 观察组治疗前ECCA权重评分为53.38±19.15,对照组为52.43±25.94,两组差异无统计学意义(Z=-0.64,P=0.524);治疗后观察组ECCA权重评分降低为24.46±14.38,对照组降低为36.08±20.38,观察组低于对照组(Z=-2.20,P<0.05)。观察组和对照组总体有效率分别为91.89%和72.97%,两组差异有统计学意义(χ²=4.57,P<0.05)。观察组患者的红肿持续时间、愈合时间和停工时间均短于对照组患者,差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.05)。结论 黄金微针射频联合P...     

Clinical studies of the treatment of facial atrophic acne scars and acne with a bipolar fractional radiofrequency system

Few clinical studies have examined the utility of bipolar fractional radiofrequency (FRF) therapy as a treatment for atrophic acne scars and active acne in people with darker skin. This study was designed to compare the safety and efficacy of bipolar FRF therapy as a treatment for atrophic acne scars and acne vulgaris. Twenty‐three Japanese patients with atrophic acne scars and mild to severe acne on both cheeks were treated with a bipolar FRF system (eMatrix; Syneron, Yokneam Illit, Israel). Five treatment sessions were carried out at 1‐month intervals, and the patients were followed up for 3 months after the final treatment. Assessments of scar severity and the number of acne lesions and 3‐D in vivo imaging analysis were performed. Evaluations of the treatment outcomes and their effects on the patients’ quality of life (QOL) were also carried out. We demonstrated that the improvement in scar volume was marked in the patients with mild scars and was at least moderate in 23 (57.5%) of the treated areas. With regard to the number of acne lesions, the treated areas exhibited significantly fewer lesions compared with the baseline at each time point (P < 0.05). The patients’ assessments of the treatment outcomes and their QOL indicated that both had improved significantly by the end of the study. Furthermore, significant reductions in the patients’ sebum levels, skin roughness and scar depth were observed. Bipolar FRF treatment significantly improved the atrophic acne scars and acne of Japanese patients and had minimal side‐effects.     

黄金微针射频联合低能量超脉冲CO2点阵激光治疗面部痤疮凹陷性瘢痕的疗效观察

 目的 观察黄金微针射频联合低能量超脉冲CO2点阵激光治疗面部痤疮凹陷性瘢痕的疗效。方法选取2018年4月—2020年4月就诊于河南大学第一附属医院的74例凹陷性痤疮瘢痕患者为对象,随机分为2组,每组各37例。治疗组采用黄金微针射频联合低能量超脉冲CO2点阵激光治疗;对照组采用黄金微针射频治疗。比较2组治疗前后痤疮瘢痕权重评分（ECCA）、瘢痕改善程度IGA评估及术后不良反应。结果2组治疗后ECCA评分均明显降低,但治疗组评分降低更明显(Z=-2.65,P＜0.05);治疗组IGA评估有效率较对照组高。2组不良反应发生率无统计学差异。结论黄金微针射频联合低能量超脉冲CO2点阵激光能更好地改善痤疮后凹陷性瘢痕,两种方法联合能够起到协同作用且不增加治疗相关副作用。     

Histological studies of facial acne and atrophic acne scars treated with a bipolar fractional radiofrequency system

Various fractional radiofrequency (FRF) treatments have demonstrated significant beneficial effects and minor side‐effects on atrophic acne scars and acne vulgaris by creating micro‐thermal injuries in the skins. However, histological studies to identify the precise mechanism responsible for the success of bipolar FRF treatments are lacking. In this study, six human subjects with these diseases were histologically analyzed after treatment with a bipolar FRF system (eMatrix; Syneron, Yokneam, Israel) and the effects of multiple passes were compared. Histopathological results showed that two‐pass FRF treatment created deeper dermal thermal injury zones compared to one‐pass treatment. Periadnexal collagen was coagulated, as well as that in the sebaceous glands, as evaluated in all cases with two‐pass FRF treatment. No severe side‐effects were observed after treatment. Our experience suggests that the level of dermal thermal injury is directly related to the number of passes, and that a large benefit of this treatment for these diseases is the preservation of adnexal structures.     

铒激光联合E光治疗痤疮凹陷性瘢痕的临床效果评价

目的：评价铒激光联合E光治疗痤疮凹陷性瘢痕的临床疗效和安全性。方法：将大连市皮肤病医院美容皮肤科2013年1月至2016年6月就诊患者采用双色球方法随机分成治疗组和对照组,治疗组为铒激光联合E光治疗组;对照组为铒激光治疗组,每个月治疗一次,共3次。对照组与治疗组均于疗程结束1个月后比较两组患者治疗前后皮肤红斑、色沉,瘢痕,皱纹,粗糙度,光滑度的变化。结果：共就诊62例痤疮凹陷性瘢痕患者,治疗组31例,对照组31例,治疗组与对照组患者皮损治疗前光滑度、瘢痕、皱纹、粗糙度、色沉、红斑比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05)。治疗后,治疗组,患者皮肤的光滑度,瘢痕,皱纹,粗糙度,红斑,色沉评分分别为73.32±0.236、2.21±0.152、168.6±0.177、63±0.128、8.63±0.122、5.20±0.232,对照组分别为70.45±0.354、3.28±0.138、180.6±0.412、66±0.422、13.62±0.121、11.22±0.121,两组比较差异有统计学意义(均P<0.05)。所有患者未见严重不良反应。结论：铒激光联合E光治疗痤疮凹陷性瘢痕较单独应用铒激光治疗组疗效明显提升。     

Twenty-four-month persistence of hyaluronic acid filler for an atrophic scar

A 24-month follow up of a previously reported case of successful hyaluronic acid filler use in steroid atrophy is presented. The patient had persistence of the volume and appearance of her scar with sustained satisfaction 24 months after hyaluronic acid treatment, without the need for repeat injection. This case suggests expansion of the use of hyaluronic acid fillers to include scar atrophy, as persistence of a desired cosmetic appearance for 2 years is demonstrated.     

富血小板血浆联合CO2点阵激光治疗萎缩性痤疮瘢痕疗效和安全性Meta分析

目的：系统评价富血小板血浆联合CO₂点阵激光治疗面部萎缩性痤疮瘢痕的有效性及安全性。方法：检索从建库到2019年7月Cochrane Library、Embase、Medline、中国知网、万方数据库及维普数据库中富血小板血浆联合CO₂点阵激光治疗面部萎缩性痤疮瘢痕的随机对照试验,筛选符合要求的文献并根据Cochrane偏倚风险评估方法评价纳入文献质量, 采用Revman5.3软件进行Meta分析。结果：最终纳入5个RCTs和Meta分析,结果显示：①联合疗法的总有效率和治愈率均高于单用激光组（P=0.008,0.0002）;②联合疗法和单用激光组的红斑、水肿持续时间及疼痛评分无统计学差异（P=0.21,0.35,0.50）。结论：富血小板血浆联合CO₂点阵激光治疗萎缩性痤疮瘢痕的疗效优于单独使用CO₂点阵激光,不良反应无明显差异。     

Fractional CO2 lasers for the treatment of atrophic acne scars: A review of the literature

Abstract

This review examines the efficacy and safety of fractional CO₂ lasers for the treatment of atrophic scarring secondary to acne vulgaris. We reviewed 20 papers published between 2008 and 2013 that conducted clinical studies using fractional CO₂ lasers to treat atrophic scarring. We discuss the prevalence and pathogenesis of acne scarring, as well as the laser mechanism. The histologic findings are included to highlight the ability of these lasers to induce the collagen reorganization and formation that improves scar appearance. We considered the number of treatments and different laser settings to determine which methods achieve optimal outcomes. We noted unique treatment regimens that yielded superior results. An overview of adverse effects is included to identify the most common ones. We concluded that more studies need to be done using uniform treatment parameters and reporting in order to establish which fractional CO₂ laser treatment approaches allow for the greatest scar improvement.     

Fractional CO2 laser for the treatment of acne scars

Background Numerous reports have been published on skin rejuvenation by the so‐called fractional laser device that delivers a laser beam in a dot form over a grid pattern. Aims In this study, we characterized the effects of a fractional CO₂ laser on atrophic acne scars at the clinical and ultrastructural levels. Methods Seven healthy adult Japanese volunteers (aged 32–46 years, mean 37.6, five men and two women of Fitzpatrick skin type III) were recruited for this study. A fractional CO₂ laser device, SmartXide DOT (DEKA, Florence, Italy), was used with irradiation parameters set as follows: output power 10 W, pulse width 600 μs, dot spacing 800 μm, and stack 2 (irradiation output power 0.91 J/cm²). A clinical examination and punch biopsy of each subject was performed before and just after the irradiation, and also at week 3 after three irradiation sessions. The biopsy specimens were stained with toluidine blue and were examined ultrastructurally. Results Clinical improvement of the atrophic acne scars was observed at week 3 after the third irradiation session in all cases compared with the condition before treatment. Histologically, outgrowths of many degenerated elastic fibers were observed as irregular rod‐shaped masses in the superficial dermis prior to the treatment in the region of the acne scars. At week 3 after the third irradiation, the degenerated elastic fibers were no longer observed, and the elastic fibers were elaunin‐like. Conclusions The fractional CO₂ laser is considered to be very effective for treating atrophic acne scars.