Comparative study between therapeutic effects of microneedling versus CO2 laser in acne scars

Abstract

Objectives: To study the clinical aspect of acne scars while grading them on the basis of severity as well as to study and compare the therapeutic effects of CO2 laser and microneedling in their management. Methods: This study used prospective comparison as its method of study. Over the course of two years, from June 2021 to June 2023, 100 patients above 18 years of age having post-acne atrophic scars will be enrolled. Patients will be split into two groups and each group will be selected for fractional CO2 laser (non-ablative) and microneedling respectively. Four treatments will be administered to each group of patients with a four-week gap between each session. All clinical findings will be recorded for data analysis and comparision. “Goodman and Baron’s Qualitative and Quantitative grading system for scars” will be used after each session in order to compare the therapeutic effects for each group. Results: At the end of each session, acne scar grading will be done in each group and data will be compiled to assess and compare the therapeutic effects between CO2 laser and microneedling. Conclusions: The findings of the protocol research will be used to form the conclusions. Trial Registration: Submitted for registration to Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI).