Procedural combination of TCA-CROSS and microneedling in the treatment of grade-III and IV acne scars
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66344/jpad.33.2.2023.2157Abstract
Objective Evaluating the therapeutic response of 100% TCA CROSS technique in combination with microneedling on icepick, rolling, boxcar acne scars and to evaluate the adverse effects of this therapy.  Methods The procedure carried out at the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Baghdad Teaching Hospital during the period from October 2016 to December 2018. A total of Seventeen patients, seven patients defaulted for unknown reasons. Only 10 patients completed full treatment course. Scar assessment was done according to Leeds acne scar grading score system and Goodman’s qualitative global scarring grading system. On subsequent visits, patient’s satisfaction and physician satisfaction were recorded. At the follow up visit visual analogue score was done. Three sessions of TCA 100% (100gm in up to 100ml ethyl alcohol 70%) CROSS in combination with microneedling (microneedle roller were done with 4 week intervals between sessions. Two months after last session, a follow up visits was arranged.  Results According to Leeds acne scar grading score system, two patients had score 4, seven patients had score 5, one patient had score 6 before starting the study with mean and SD 4.9±0.53. At the follow up visits the following results were recorded 1 patient had score 3, seven patients had score 4, two patients had score 5 with mean and SD 4.1±0.53 (P-value=0.002). All patients all patients achieved a satisfaction of (>6/10). Visual analogue score of scar severity was done in which 3 patients had score 7 severity, 5 patients had score 8 severity, 2 patients had score 9 severity at the first visit. After the study was finished, visual analogue score was reported as 1 patient had score 4 severity, 6 patients had score 3 severity, 3 patients had score 2 severity (mean and SD changed from 7.9±0.7 before to 2.8±0.6 on the last visit(P=value 0.0000001). Minimal reversible side effects were recorded.  Conclusion The study showed that 100% of TCA CROSS technique in combination with microneedling is a safe and effective treatment in icepick, rolling, boxcar acne scars with minimal reversible side effects. ÂReferences
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