Microneedling vs Dermabrasion for Early Facial Scar Resurfacing

Microneedling and dermabrasion are two common modalities that may be performed in-office to treat surgical scars.

Microneedling is a form of collagen induction therapy, often used in conjunction with platelet-rich plasma or hyaluronic acid.

Dermabrasion is a technique that improves the skin structure, quality, and appearance of scars through collagen remodeling and reepithelization.

To determine which modality is most effective, a prospective study; randomizing a volunteer sample of adult patients with new surgical vertical forehead scars will receive either dermabrasion or microneedling in the early postoperative period.

Inclusion criteria

• Volunteer adult patients will be identified by visiting the Facial Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery Clinic at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist.
• Patients will be 18 years old+ and have a vertical surgical scar in the superior 1/3 of the face (trichion to glabella).
• Patients will enroll in the clinic research registry and indicate an interest in being involved in the study.

Exclusion criteria

• Patients who rate Types 4-6 on the Fitzpatrick scale will be excluded due to risk of poor outcome from dermabrasion.
• There are no other planned exclusion criteria. Patients will not be excluded on the basis of gender, race/ethnicity, or age, provided that they meet the described inclusion criteria.