What does this research mean for the field?

Polydioxanone threads, microneedling with platelet-rich plasma, fractional carbon dioxide laser, and subcision are comparably effective in improving atrophic postacne scars, with threads and PRP offering less downtime and fewer side effects. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To compare the efficacy, clinical improvement, and safety profiles of polydioxanone (PDO) threads, microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), fractional CO2 laser, and subcision for treating atrophic postacne scars.

September 3, 2026Journal of the Egyptian Womenʼs Dermatologic SocietyOpen Access

Comparative evaluation of polydioxanone threads, microneedling with platelet-rich plasma, fractional carbon dioxide laser, and subcision in the management of atrophic postacne scars

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Authors

AFAzza G.A. FaragMenoufia University ESEman A.-A.A.-K. SalemMenoufia University RRRanya R. RashadKafrelsheikh University

Discussion

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Implication

Randomized trial demonstrates significant clinical improvement across four treatments in atrophic acne scars, indicating procedural choices depend on desired recovery profiles.

Key Points

To compare the efficacy, clinical improvement, and safety profiles of polydioxanone (PDO) threads, microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), fractional CO2 laser, and subcision for treating atrophic postacne scars.
Conducted a randomized pilot clinical study on 24 participants (12 females and 12 males, aged 18–40 years) with atrophic acne scars, randomly assigned into four parallel groups (n=6 each): PDO threads, microneedling with autologous PRP, fractional CO2 laser, and subcision.
Assessed severity at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months posttreatment using the Goodman and Baron Qualitative Global Scarring Grading System alongside evaluations of side effects and patient satisfaction.
All four interventions achieved statistically significant reductions in Goodman and Baron scar scores at 3 months posttreatment (P < 0.05 for all groups).
Mean percentage improvements at 3 months were 40.0 ± 23.98% for PDO threads, 50.8 ± 18.8% for microneedling with PRP, 50.8 ± 20.6% for fractional CO2 laser, and 55.8 ± 26.3% for subcision, with no statistically significant difference between arms (P = 0.700).
Fractional CO2 laser and subcision achieved the highest absolute percentage gains, whereas PDO threads and microneedling with PRP exhibited fewer adverse effects and shorter recovery downtime.

Cite This Study

Farag et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a993635636c6408cfa7f2cb https://doi.org/10.4103/jewd.jewd_136_25

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Implication

Randomized trial demonstrates significant clinical improvement across four treatments in atrophic acne scars, indicating procedural choices depend on desired recovery profiles.

Comparative evaluation of polydioxanone threads, microneedling with platelet-rich plasma, fractional carbon dioxide laser, and subcision in the management of atrophic postacne scars

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Comparative evaluation of polydioxanone threads, microneedling with platelet-rich plasma, fractional carbon dioxide laser, and subcision in the management of atrophic postacne scars

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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