title: Combined autologous platelet-rich plasma with microneedling verses microneedling with distilled water in the treatment of atrophic acne scars: a concurrent split-face study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Acne scarring causes cosmetic discomfort, depression, low self-esteem and reduced quality of life. Microneedling is an established treatment for scars, although the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has not been explored much.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) combined with microneedling for the treatment of atrophic acne scars.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty patients of 17-32 years of age with atrophic acne scars were enrolled. Microneedling was performed on both halves of the face. Intradermal injections as well as topical application of PRP was given on right half of the face, while the left half of the face was treated with intradermal administration of distilled water. Three treatment sessions were given at an interval of 1 month consecutively. Goodman's Quantitative scale and Quantitative scale were used for the final evaluation of results.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Right and left halves showed 62.20% and 45.84% improvement, respectively, on Goodman's Quantitative scale. Goodman's Qualitative scale showed excellent response in 20 (40%) patients and good response in 30 (60%) patients over right half of the face, while the left half of the face showed excellent response in 5 (10%) patients, good response in 42 (6%) patients and poor response in three patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We conclude that PRP has efficacy in the management of atrophic acne scars. It can be combined with microneedling to enhance the final clinical outcomes in comparison with microneedling alone.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy, National Institute of Medical Sciences, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
authors.forename: Mohd
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Asif
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy, National Institute of Medical Sciences, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
authors.forename: Sanjay
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kanodia
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy, National Institute of Medical Sciences, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
authors.forename: Kishor
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Singh
mesh_terms: D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000150:complications; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001284:Atrophy; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009339:Needles; D053657:Platelet-Rich Plasma; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014867:Water; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D014867:Water
keywords: atrophic acne scars; calcium chloride; collagen; microneedling; platelet-rich plasma; roller; wound healing