Time-Dependent Effects of Polydeoxyribonucleotide on Vascularity, Pigmentation, Texture, and Height of Facial Surgical Scars: A Longitudinal Analysis

Background Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) has shown promise in wound healing, but the temporal dynamics of its effects on individual scar parameters remain unclear. This study aimed to analyze the time-dependent changes in vascularity, pigmentation, texture, and height of facial surgical scars following intradermal PDRN injections. Methods A prospective, assessor-blinded, split-scar controlled study was conducted on 15 patients (30 symmetrical facial surgical incisions). One scar received four intradermal PDRN injections (5.625 mg/3 mL) at day 0, day 2, day 7, and day 21, while the contralateral scar received standard care. Scar parameters were assessed using the modified Vancouver Scar Scale (mVSS) at three time points: session 1 (1 week), session 2 (1 month), and session 3 (3 months). Longitudinal changes within each scar group were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results In PDRN-treated scars, significant improvements were observed between session 1 and session 2 in vascularity (2.00 ± 0.655 to 1.20 ± 0.676; p = 0.006) and total mVSS (6.47 ± 0.640 to 5.40 ± 0.737; p = 0.003). Between session 2 and session 3, all parameters showed significant improvement: vascularity (1.20 ± 0.676 to 0.60 ± 0.507; p = 0.007), pigmentation (1.67 ± 0.488 to 1.07 ± 0.258; p = 0.003), texture (1.33 ± 0.488 to 1.00 ± 0.535; p = 0.025), height (1.20 ± 0.414 to 0.47 ± 0.516; p = 0.001), and total mVSS (5.40 ± 0.737 to 3.13 ± 0.990; p = 0.001). In control scars, significant improvements between session 2 and session 3 were observed in all parameters except texture. Conclusion PDRN demonstrates a time-dependent enhancement of facial scar quality, with early effects on vascularity followed by progressive improvements in pigmentation, texture, and height. The most pronounced improvements occur between the first and third months post-treatment.