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NCT Number: NCT07775092

Poly-L-Lactic Acid Threads Versus Platelet-Rich Plasma for Post-Traumatic Atrophic Scars

This study compares the efficacy and safety of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) threads versus platelet-rich plasma (PRP), both combined with subcision, in the treatment of post-traumatic atrophic scars. Patients with post-traumatic atrophic scars were allocated to either a single session of subcision followed by PLLA thread insertion or four monthly sessions of subcision combined with PRP injection. Clinical improvement, patient satisfaction, adverse effects, and histopathological changes were assessed during a 3-month follow-up period.

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Key information

Conditions

Acne Atrophica PRP

Age range

16 year–55 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Tanta University Hospitals

Tanta, Egypt

About this study

Post-traumatic atrophic scars result from abnormal healing following skin injury and may cause significant cosmetic and functional impairment. Subcision releases the fibrous bands tethering the scar to deeper tissues and may improve the response to additional treatments. PLLA threads are biodegradable materials that can stimulate collagen production, while PRP contains concentrated platelets and growth factors that may enhance tissue repair and remodeling.

This comparative study was conducted at the Dermatology and Venereology Department, Tanta University Hospital. Patients diagnosed with post-traumatic atrophic scars for at least one year and who had not received treatment during the preceding six months were enrolled. Patients with keloids, immunosuppression, coagulative or thrombophilic disorders, or chronic diseases were excluded.

Participants were divided into two equal treatment groups. Group A received a single session of subcision followed by insertion of poly-L-lactic acid threads. Group B received subcision combined with PRP injection for four sessions at one-month intervals. Clinical photographs were obtained before treatment and three months after treatment. Clinical improvement was assessed by two blinded dermatologists using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale, while patient satisfaction and treatment-related complaints or adverse effects were also recorded.

Skin biopsies were obtained from six patients before treatment and three months after treatment and evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin and trichrome staining to assess histopathological changes. All patients were followed for three months.

The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, with approval number 32889/01/19, and informed consent was obtained from all participants.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Patients with post-traumatic atrophic scars. Scar duration of at least 1 year. No treatment received during the previous 6 months.

Exclusion criteria

  • Keloids Immunosuppression Coagulative disorders Thrombophilic disorders Any chronic diseases

Treatment and study plan

subcision and PLLA threads' insertion

Procedure

subcision and PLLA threads' insertion at the same session

PRP and subcision (PRP-S)

Procedure

PRP and subcision (PRP-S) injection monthly for four sessions

Primary outcomes

  1. Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) score

    Time frame: 3 months after treatment

    Clinical improvement of post-traumatic atrophic scars was assessed using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale by two dermatologists blinded to the treatment group. The scale was graded from 1 to 4: Grade 1 = mild/no improvement (0-25%), Grade 2 = moderate improvement (26-50%), Grade 3 = marked improvement (51-75%), and Grade 4 = excellent improvement (>75%).

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Tanta University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

A Comparative Study of Poly-L-Lactic Acid Threads Versus Platelet-Rich Plasma, Both Combined With Subcision, in the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Atrophic Scars

Acronym: PLLA-PRP PTAS

Important dates

Study start
2023
Primary completion
2023
Study completion
2024
First posted
Aug 20, 2026
Registry last updated
Aug 20, 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.

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