Autologous platelet-rich plasma ‘fluid’ versus ‘gel’ form in combination with fractional CO₂ laser in the treatment of atrophic acne scars: a split-face randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Background

The treatment of atrophic acne scars represents a therapeutic challenge. Recently, plasma gel has been introduced among treatment modalities.

Objective

To compare the efficacy of platelet-rich-plasma ‘fluid’ versus ‘gel’ form combined with fractional CO₂ laser in the treatment of atrophic acne scars.

Methods

Twenty-seven patients with atrophic acne scars were included. Treatment with fractional CO₂ laser plus plasma fluid/gel was randomly assigned to the right/left sides of the face. Clinical and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) assessments were scheduled at baseline, one month, and three months after the last session.

Results

There was a significant improvement in clinical assessment scores at third-month follow-up on the plasma gel- and plasma fluid-treated sides compared to those at the first-month follow-up (p < .001). Scar depth decreased significantly at third-month follow-up when compared to baseline on both plasma gel- and plasma fluid-treated sides (p < .001). The numerical pain score was significantly lower on the plasma fluid-treated side compared to the plasma gel-treated side (p = .004).

Conclusion

The use of platelet-rich plasma in combination with fractional CO₂ laser, both in fluid and gel form, produced significant results in the treatment of atrophic acne scars. Patients reported an immediate more noticeable effect with plasma gel. However, the fluid injection was less painful.

Keywords:

• Acne scars
• platelet-rich plasma
• plasma gel
• fractional CO₂ laser

Acknowledgment

The patients in this manuscript have given written informed consent to publication of their case details.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).