Evaluating the Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma as an Adjunct to Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser Therapy in Improving Facial Acne Scar Appearance: A Randomized Controlled Trial
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66344/jpad.v36i1.3326Keywords:
Fractional Co2 laser, Ablative laser, Platelet rich plasma, Post acne atrophic scarsAbstract
Background: Acne scars are a significant cosmetic concern, as they negatively impact self-esteem of the affected individuals. Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing is widely used to treat acne scars by stimulating collagen remodeling, but outcomes are variable with potential side effects such as post-procedural hyperpigmentation and erythema. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) combined with fractional CO2 laser may enhance healing and reduce side effects due to anti-inflammatory properties. However, more evidence is needed to support the use of this combination therapy . Objective: To evaluate whether platelet-rich plasma (PRP) enhances the efficacy of fractional CO2 laser resurfacing in reducing moderate-to-severe acne scars and minimizes laser-induced complications like erythema, oedema and pain thereby enhancing patient satisfaction Methods: The study was conducted at DHQ Gujranwala over a period of 6 months. Participants (18-40 years) were patients moderate-to-severe acne scars admitted for FCLR with or without PRP; Both groups recieved a series of three treatments, administered at four-week intervals.Primary outcome was reduction in acne scars. Secondary outcome was FCLR complications. Assessments were conducted at baseline and four weeks post-treatment. Patient-reported pain and satisfaction were assessed by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Likert scale . Results: Seventy patients were enrolled and 60 completed (30 per arm), randomized to fractional CO₂ laser (FCL) with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) versus FCL alone.The primary outcome—scar severity—improved significantly in both groups. In Group A (FCL + PRP), the mean scar score reduced from 12.4 ± 3.8 at baseline to 8.2 ± 3.5 at 12 weeks. In Group B (FCL only), the mean score reduced from 11.8 ± 4.1 to 8.6 ± 4.5. Although the mean reduction was greater in the combination group (4.2 points vs 3.2 points), this difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.129).References
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