Comparison of Microneedling with Platelet-Rich Plasma versus Distilled Water for Atrophic Acne Scar

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and distilled water for the treatment of atrophic acne scars. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Dermatology, Pakistan Air Force Hospital, Rafiqui, Shorkot Cantt Pakistan, from Jan to Jun 2023. Methodology: The study included 80 patients, aged 15 to 40 years, of both genders with atrophic acne scars. An equal patients were divided into 2 groups. In Group-A, 2 mL of PRP was applied simultaneously over the face, along with micro-needling. In Group-B, distilled water was used instead of PRP. A total of 3 sessions of micro-needling were performed at monthly intervals in both groups. Each patient was followed up for 3 months after the final session. Effectiveness was noted after 6 months of the 1st treatment session. Results: The mean age of 26.825±3.32 years in Group-A and the mean age of 26.80±3.26 years in Group-B. Effectiveness was observed in 20(50.0%) patients in Group-A as compared to 5(12.5%) patients in Group-B (p-value <0.001). Conclusion: The study concluded that platelet-rich plasma has proven to be more effective in the management of atrophic acne scars as compared to the distilled water microneedling process.