Subcision is one of the popular techniques for treating acne scars or stromal-vascular fraction (SVF), and combined therapy can improve the treatment strategy.

The present study used subcision method along with SVF for the treatment of acne scars and compared with alone subcision method.

The study enrolled 10 patients with acne scars and randomly performed subcision technique on one side of the face and subcision technique plus SVF on the opposite side of the face. It examined the patients before treatment and after 3 months by Visioface for volume, area and depth of scars, as well as thickness and density of the epidermis and dermis of the scars in question. It also recorded doctors′ and patients′ satisfaction, tolerability and safety after 3 months of treatment. 

The study observed:

• The mean percent change, regarding volume and area of scars, was 46.55 ± 13.92 and 44.60 ± 5.76 for the case group and 13.31 ± 9.27 and 11.28 ± 9.64 for the control group, respectively.
• Significant recovery in the combined therapy compared with the alone subcision method.
• Both interventions proved the increase in density and thickness after the treatment.
• A significant difference in complete, epidermal and dermal thickness and epidermal density variables between combined therapy and alone subcision.
• Significantly higher mean doctor′s and patient′s satisfaction score in combined therapy than subcision alone.
• No complications in the patients.

This data proves that combined therapy is effective and safe for treating acne scars with significantly higher efficacy than subcision alone.

Source: Roohaninasab M, Seifadini A, Atefi N, Sadeghzadeh-Bazargan A, Goodarzi A, Hanifnia AR, et al. Evaluating the effectiveness of stromal-vascular fraction (SVF) cells along with subcision method in the treatment of acne scars: a double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial study. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022 Sep 10. [Epub ahead of print]