Microneedling Therapy for Atrophic Acne Scar: Effectiveness and Safety in Vietnamese Patients

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of micro-needling therapy in atrophic acne scar treatment. METHOD: A prospective, single centred study was implemented in a total of 31 patients suffering from atrophic acne scar grade 2 to 4 of Goodman and Baron scaring grading system was recruited. They were treated by microneedle derma roller every week in 3 months. The scars were evaluated by a magic system camera and by dermatologists clinically using Goodman and Baron scaring grading system, and Lipper and Perez score at baseline, at final treatment, 1 month and 2 months after the final treatment. RESULTS: The results showed improvement in all patients. The mean of Goodman and Barron’s grade was decreased from 3.29 ± 0.59 at baseline, 2.23 ± 0.56 at final treatment, 1.93 ± 0.58 one month after the completion of therapy and to 1.77 ± 0.57 two months after the completion of therapy (with the p-value < 0.05). Similarly, Lipper and Perez score also dropped significantly from 36.48 ± 12.07 at baseline to 23.16 ± 15.01 at final treatment, to 17.83 ± 7.00 one month after the final treatment and to 16.37 ± 7.29 at two months after the final treatment (p-value < 0.05). Skin roughness and hyperpigmented spots got improved significantly. History of having nodular-cystic or vulgaris acne did not affect the effectiveness of the therapy. Side effects of the therapy were burning sensation, erythema but they were very mild and recovered in 1-2 days. No severe complication and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation were noted. 83.3% of the patients satisfied after the completion of the therapy. CONCLUSION: Skin needling is an effective and safe method for the treatment of atrophic acne scars.