Evaluation of autologous adipose‐derived stem cells vs. fractional carbon dioxide laser in the treatment of post acne scars: a split‐face study

Abstract

Background Scarring is a distressing outcome of acne, as it causes cosmetic and psychological problems to the patients. Unfortunately no single treatment is satisfactory; instead, employing multiple modalities may have better outcome. Autologous adipose tissue‐derived adult stem cells (AT‐ASCs) and their secretory factors can stimulate collagen synthesis; angiogenesis and migration of fibroblasts thus regenerate damaged tissues. Also, conventional treatments for acne scarring, such as lasers and topical regimens, induce new collagen synthesis via activation of dermal fibroblasts or growth factors. The aim of the study was to verify the effectiveness of AT‐ASCs for the treatment of acne scarring vs. the fractional carbon dioxide laser (FxCR). Subjects and methods Split face comparative study included 10 adult patients with post‐acne scars on both sides of the face. One side received AT‐ASCs single injection while the other received three sessions of FxCR. Scars were then assessed using the global scoring system Goodman and Baron, scar area percent using NIH ImageJ software and functional assessment by measuring the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin hydration. Both sides were followed for three months. Results A significant improvement in the degree of scar severity, scar area percent, skin hydration, and TEWL after 3 months of treatment on both sides of the face with insignificant differences between both treatment modalities, provided that AT‐ASCs treatment was employed once vs. three sessions of FxCR. Conclusion One injection of AT‐ASCs is as effective as three sessions of FxCR in the treatment of atrophic acne scars.

The efficacy of fractional CO 2 laser in acne scar treatment: A meta‐analysis

“…One study used the CO 2 laser pinpoint irradiation technique, which is an effective treatment for atrophic acne scars as fractional photothermolysis, 17 so it could be incorporated into further studies. Thus, a total of 8 studies meeting the inclusion criteria were included in this research, and all the studies are presented in Figure 2 18‐25 . The characteristics of each study are summarized in the following tables (Tables 1 and 2).…”

Fractional carbon dioxide laser combined with intradermal injection of autologous platelet‐rich plasma versus noncross‐linked hyaluronic acid in the treatment of atrophic postacne scars: A split face study

“…In consistence with the idea of our study, Abou Eitta et al 31 included 10 adult patients with postacne scars on both sides of the face in a split face comparative study. One side received autologous adipose tissue‐derived adult stem cells (AT‐ASCs) single injection while the other received three sessions of the fractional CO 2 laser.…”

Update on the role of emerging stem cell technology in head and neck medicine

“…Despite these concerns, autologous fat grafting has been shown to be as effective at treating acne scarring as established techniques such as fractional carbon dioxide laser (FxCR). It was shown that just one treatment using autologous adipose tissue‐derived adult stem cells provided significant global improvement when compared to three treatments involving FxCR over a 3‐month period 70 …”