Microneedling vs. chemical reconstructon of skin scars with trichloroacetic acid: a comparative study

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Acne scars are a cause of major psychological morbidity in the young population. Microneedling using dermarollers which uses the principle of percutaneous collagen induction and Chemical reconstruction of skin scars (CROSS) using Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) are both widely used methods for the treatment of acne scars and are cheaper alternatives to LASER resurfacing. The aim of our study is to objectively compare the efficacy of microneedling using dermaroller with CROSS using 100% TCA in the management of acne scars.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> 30 patients with acne scars were divided into 2 groups A and B with 15 patients each. Group ‘A’ underwent microneedling using 1.5 mm dermaroller and Group ‘B’ underwent CROSS technique with 100% TCA. A total of 4 sessions at monthly intervals were performed on both groups. The percentage improvement in the acne scar grade between the two groups was compared using the student ‘t’ test.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Among the 30 patients, 13 (86%) patients in Group A (Microneedling) and 11 (78%) patients in group B (CROSS) noted significant reduction in their acne scar grade. The difference between the 2 groups was statistically insignificant. 3 patients had significant post inflammatory hyperpigmentation in group ‘B’.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> The techniques of microneedling and CROSS are both effective in acne scars But microneedling scores in other aspects such as faster wound healing, better skin rejuvenation and safety in dark skinned individuals.</p>

Efficacy of Microneedling with Dermaroller Alternating with CROSS Peeling with 30% TCA in Management of Acne Induced Scarring

“…Microneedling with either derma-pen or dermaroller combined with various chemical peels and other agents like platelet rich plasma (PRP) and glycolic acid has been researched extensively to find out the right combination with best results. [11][12][13] We also used such a combination that included microneedling with dermaroller, alternating with a medium depth chemical peel 30% TCA and the results have turned out be highly significant for improvement in acne scar grading from baseline. The improvement was observed more in the acne scars having grade IV at baseline (week=0) as compared to the ones having grade III.…”

Evidence-based surgical management of post-acne scarring in skin of color

“…Boxcar and rolling scars responded well to microneedling and ice pick scars to the CROSS technique. [ 23 ] Ramadan et al [ 24 ] found TCA CROSS to be inferior to subcision in decreasing the size of scars with TCA having more pigmentary alteration. It has been found to have comparable efficacy with 1550 nm Er:glass fractional laser in patients of type IV and V skin.…”