Microneedling of Irradiated Amniotic Gel versus Platelet Rich Plasma Gel in the Treatment of Atrophic Post Acne Scars

Abstract

Background : Post-acne scarring remains a current challenge to prevent and treat despite advancement in acne treatment. There are two types of scars, atrophic and hypertrophic scars, depending on whether there is a net loss or gain of collagen. Objective: The main objectives of this study were to compare the efficacy of using microneedling combined with either plasma gel or amniotic fluid gel in treatment of atrophic post acne scars with clinical and histological evaluation. Methods : This study included Twenty-three cases with atrophic post acne scars. The treated area on the face was divided equally into two halves. Before the procedure, we applied thick layer of local anesthetic cream for approximately 45 to 60 minutes. Microneedling using dermapen combined with irradiated amniotic gel topically was applied to left side of the face and platelet rich plasma gel was applied to the right side. Patients received four sessions with 3 weeks interval between sessions. Clinical examination with histopathological analysis was carried out one month after the last session. Results : There was a significant increase in the improvement percentage of acne scars on right side (dermarpen and platelet rich plasma gel) than left side of face (dermapen and irradiated amniotic gel). Histologically, improvement of character of collagen and elastic fibers was noticed, especially on right side. Meanwhile, a significant increase in epidermal thickness on both sides of face was detected. Conclusion : Dermapen combined with either plasma gel or amniotic gel are promising effective therapeutic modalities for atrophic acne scars. However, combination of platelet rich plasma gel with dermapen has a higher therapeutic efficacy than that of amniotic gel with dermapen.