Efficacy of Polycaprolactone Threads in Treating Atrophic Acne Scars: A Split-face Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND

Polycaprolactone (PCL) threads are a novel treatment option for promoting collagen production and smoothing the skin.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of threads versus microneedling with autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of atrophic acne scars.

METHODS

The study included 24 patients (12 females, 12 males) aged 20 to 37 years with atrophic acne scars. Each patient was treated in a split-face manner; a microneedling pen device was used to treat the right side with microneedling and PRP, whereas the left side was treated with threads. Four microneedling plus PRP sessions were used to treat the right side and a single session of threads was used on the left side. For scoring, a global scarring grading system was utilized. Patients were evaluated every three months following the conclusion of treatment. A six-month follow-up was conducted.

RESULTS

Significant clinical improvement was observed in 95.8 percent of the patients on the threads-treated side of the face and in 83.3 percent of the patients on the microneedling plus PRP side. Patient satisfaction was significantly greater in the threads group than in the microneedling+PRP group (<0.0001). The side effects were tolerable and transient.

CONCLUSION

Based on our results, we conclude that both threads insertion and microneedling with autologous PRP can yield satisfactory results with minor side effects (fine edema and erythema) that resolve rapidly.