Skip to main content
OpenTrials
Completed

NCT Number: NCT07752186

Comparison of Efficacy of Carbon Dioxide Laser With Subcision Versus Platelet-Rich Plasma Bio-Fillers With Subcision for the Treatment of Atrophic Acne

This randomized controlled trial compared two combined treatment approaches for atrophic acne scars. A total of 100 patients aged 15-45 years were enrolled from the Department of Dermatology, Lahore General Hospital, Lahore, and were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. All participants underwent subcision, a minor procedure in which fibrous bands beneath depressed acne scars were released to elevate the scarred skin.

Participants in one group received platelet-rich plasma bio-filler injections after subcision. The bio-filler was prepared from each participant's own blood and was injected beneath the acne scars to provide volume and promote collagen formation. Participants in the other group received fractional carbon dioxide laser treatment after subcision. The laser created controlled microscopic skin injuries intended to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture. Three treatment sessions were administered at 4-week intervals.

Treatment outcomes were assessed using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale at baseline and during follow-up. Treatment-related adverse effects, including pain, erythema, bruising, and changes in skin pigmentation, were also recorded. Treatment efficacy was defined as a reduction of more than 50% in acne scar severity.

Completed

Looking for future studies?

Notify Me

Key information

Conditions

Atrophic Acne Scars

Age range

15 year–45 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Lahore General Hospital, Lahore

Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000, Pakistan

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Patients of age 15-45 years,
  • both genders,
  • presenting with atrophic acne scars

Exclusion criteria

  • Patients with photosensitive dermatosis, keloids, active acne, already taking steroidal, laser or trial treatment in last 6 months, hepatitis B or hepatitis C, hypothyroidism (TSH>5IU), pregnant or breast feeding, skin infection or inflammatory skin disorders requiring systemic antimicrobials (on medical record).
  • Patients with connective tissue disorders or hypersensitivity to lidocaine, taking antiplatelet therapy, bleeding tendencies (on clinical examination)

Treatment and study plan

Platelet-Rich Plasma Bio-Filler With Subcision

Biological

Autologous plasma bio-filler was prepared from 20 mL of venous blood. The blood was centrifuged at 1,500 revolutions per minute for 10 minutes, followed by a second centrifugation at 3,000 revolutions per minute for 10 minutes. Approximately 4-5 mL of the upper plasma layer was collected, heated at 80-100°C for 5 minutes, and subsequently cooled at 0-6°C for 5 minutes to produce a viscous bio-filler. Following subcision, 0.1 mL of the bio-filler was injected beneath each marked scar. Three treatment sessions were provided at 4-week intervals.

Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser With Subcision

Device

After subcision, the treatment area received a single pass of fractional carbon dioxide laser using a pulse energy of 25 mJ, spot density of 144 spots/cm², pulse interval of 0.5 mm, and pulse duration of 0.1 milliseconds. Three treatment sessions were provided at 4-week intervals.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale Score

    Time frame: Baseline and 4, 8, and 12 weeks after initiation of treatment.

    Atrophic acne scar severity was assessed using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale. The scale was completed at baseline and at each follow-up assessment. The change in score from baseline was calculated for each participant and compared between the two treatment groups. A greater reduction from the baseline score represented greater improvement in acne scar severity.

  2. Proportion of Participants Achieving Treatment Efficacy

    Time frame: 12 weeks after initiation of treatment.

    Treatment efficacy was defined as a reduction of more than 50% in atrophic acne scar severity compared with baseline. The reduction was determined using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale. The number and percentage of participants achieving treatment efficacy were calculated for each treatment group.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Incidence of Treatment-Related Pain

    Time frame: At 4, 8, and 12 weeks after initiation of treatment.

    Treatment-related pain was assessed at each follow-up visit and recorded as present or absent. The number and percentage of participants experiencing pain were compared between the two treatment groups

  2. Incidence of Treatment-Related Pigmentary Changes

    Time frame: At 4, 8, and 12 weeks after initiation of treatment.

    Hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation occurring in the treated area was assessed by clinical examination and recorded as present or absent. The number and percentage of participants developing pigmentary changes were calculated for each treatment group.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Lahore General Hospital

Other Gov

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Aug 7, 2026
Registry last updated
Aug 7, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Related clinical trials

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.