Combined micro-needling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) remains an effective treatment option for atrophic post-acne scars. Lyophilized PRP (L-PRP) represents a novel, simpler, standardized preparation of PRP. However, there is a lack of studies on the combined treatment of post-acne scars with micro-needling and L-PRP.

The present study compared the effectiveness of the combined use of micro-needling and L-PRP versus micro-needling only, in treating atrophic post-acne scars. This split-face study included 20 adult patients with post-acne atrophic scars. It treated one side of the face with micro-needling and the other side with micro-needling and L-PRP. It rendered treatment at two weeks intervals for three sessions and assessed the results with an Antera 3D® camera analyzer. The study calculated the mean indentation index of each side of the face before and two weeks after the last treatment.

The study observed the following-

•  The mean age of patients was 28.35 ± 4.87 years.
• 90% of the enrolled participants were females. 
• 50% of the patients displayed Fitzpatrick skin type III, while the other half displayed skin type IV. 
• Both micro-needling monotherapy and combined micro-needling with L-PRP significantly improved the mean indentation index of atrophic post-acne scars. 
• However, the combined treatment group enjoyed a higher mean percentage of improvement.
• Minimal and transient side effects with both treatment modalities.

This study shows that combined treatment with micro-needling and L-PRP grants superior results in improving atrophic post-acne scars and is regarded as a safe, simple, and cost-effective treatment modality.

The Egyptian Journal of Hospital Medicine. 2023;90(1):1162-1168. DOI: 10.21608/EJHM.2023.280995