A Comparative Study on Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Secretome Delivery Using Microneedling and Fractional CO(2) Laser for Facial Skin Rejuvenation

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) secretome for skin aging has been established, yet no studies hitherto directly investigated the best administration method for such purpose. PURPOSE: We aimed to compare microneedling (MN) versus fractional CO(2) laser (FL) as methods of delivery for ADMSCs secretome in the treatment of aging skin. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A single-blind, randomized split-face clinical trial was conducted on 30 Indonesian women (aged 35–59 years old) with signs of facial cutaneous senescence. Their initial aging status was assessed by dermoscopy photoaging scale (DPAS) and Janus-III measurement system. In the second and fourth weeks, all participants were treated with both MN and FL, followed by the application of a four-fold concentrated ADMSC secretome. The assignment of which side of the face received MN or FL was done by computer-based randomization. Skin parameters were reevaluated on the fourth and sixth weeks, along with patient satisfaction, level of comfort, preference for administration techniques, and also adverse events experienced during the study. Appropriate statistical analyses were subsequently performed at a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: Significant improvements in total DPAS and wrinkles were found in the MN and FL groups at the end of the trial. In contrast, no statistical differences in all parameters were observed between groups in the fourth and sixth weeks. FL scored higher than MN for satisfaction and preference, but lower in terms of comfort. Pain, burning sensation, and itch were the side effects experienced by subjects upon treatment. Two patients had prolonged reddish skin succeeding FL treatment, which relieved with moisturizer application. CONCLUSION: Both MN and FL yielded comparable results for improving several skin aging features. However, subjective preference for ADMSCs secretome administration method may differ when considering satisfaction, comfort, and possible adverse events.