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Microneedling vs Dermabrasion for Early Facial Scar Resurfacing

Not Applicable
Recruiting
Conditions
Scar
Interventions
Procedure: Microneedling
Procedure: Dermabrasion
Registration Number
NCT06171386
Lead Sponsor
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Brief Summary

This study aims to determine whether microneedling or dermabrasion in the early post-operative period is superior in improving the appearance of surgical scars on the face.

Detailed Description

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.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
30
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.

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
microneedlingMicroneedlingmicroneedling is a form of collagen induction therapy, often used in conjunction with platelet-rich plasma or hyaluronic acid - Patients will receive two treatments, once at 6-8 weeks following facial surgery, and the second at 12-16 weeks following facial surgery
dermabrasionDermabrasiondermabrasion is a technique that improves the skin structure, quality, and appearance of scars through collagen remodeling and reepithelization - Patients will receive the standard of care treatment 6-10 weeks following facial surgery
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in Vancouver Scar Scale ScoresMonth 7

Four characteristics of the scar are assessed. These are: vascularity, height, pliability, and pigmentation. Each characteristic is given a score, which are added together to give an overall score between 0 and 13 - lower scores denoting normal skin

Change in Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale ScoresMonth 7

Items and total scale scores for the patient and observer: Each item on both scales has a score of 1 to 10. The lowest score is 1 and corresponds to the normal skin situation. The total score of both scales can be calculated simply by adding the scores of each of the six items. The total score will range from 6 to 60 - lower scores denoting normal skin

Change in Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale ScoresMonth 7

5-point scale wherein 2 = much improved (marked improvement in appearance), 1 = improved (improvement in appearance but a touch-up or re-treatment is indicated - lower scores denoting normal skin

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Patient perceived benefitAt time of procedure (pain scale); at 6 months (yes/no)

At the time of intervention, patients will be asked to rank pain of procedure on a scale of 1-10 (1: minimal discomfort, 10: severe pain). At 6 months, they will also give a yes/no response as to whether they would undergo the study protocol (procedure) again.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Wake Forest University Health Sciences

🇺🇸

Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States

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