Split face comparative study of microneedling with platelet rich plasma versus Fractional carbon dioxide laser with platelet rich plasma in treatment of atrophic post acne scars

Background Acne scars, is a challenge for dermatologists, despite having multiple treatment modalities like microneedling, dermabrasion, Fractional CO2 Laser, dermal fillers, etc. However, monotherapy has been hardly satisfactory because of the polymorphism seen with the scars. Objective Comparison between microneedling with platelet rich plasma versus Fractional carbon dioxide laser with platelet rich plasma in treatment of atrophic post acne scars. Patients and methods This study was carried out in department of dermatology, venereology and andrology, in Kobry El-Kobba Military complex during the period (from September 2018 to July 2020 ) on 20 patients of both sexes aged from 20 to 60 years old presenting with Goodman and Baron Grade II, III, IV acne scars . Results The study revealed a statistically significant difference (p = 0.017) between Goodman and Baron scar grades on the right side of the face before and after treatment indicating that microneedling with platelet rich plasma was effective in improving acne scars. Also, there is a statistically significant difference (p = 0.010) between Goodman and Baron scar grades on the left side of the face before and after treatment, indicating that fractional CO2 laser with platelet rich plasma was effective in improving acne scars. Conclusion and recommendation Further controlled and randomized studies are needed to validate our findings in a larger cohort of patients and longer follow up. Also, number of sessions might be more than 3 sessions.