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

Authors

  • Iqra Ghaus Department of Dermatology, Pakistan Air Force Hospital, Rafiqui, Shorkot Cantt Pakistan
  • Asher Ahmad Mashhood Department of Dermatology, Combined Military Hospital/ National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), Rawalpindi Pakistan
  • Farrah Yousaf Department of Dermatology, Pak Emirates Military Hospital/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), Rawalpindi Pakistan
  • Hassan Sajjad Rathore Department of Ophthalmology, Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology/ National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), Rawalpindi Pakistan
  • Ghazala Yasmin Department of Dermatology, Pak Emirates Military Hospital/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), Rawalpindi Pakistan
  • Shumaila Khan Department of Dermatology, Pak Emirates Military Hospital/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), Rawalpindi Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51253/pafmj.v75i4.10730

Keywords:

Atrophic Acne Scars, Effectiveness of PRP, Microneedling, Platelet-Rich Plasma.

Abstract

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.

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Author Biography

  • Shumaila Khan, Department of Dermatology, Pak Emirates Military Hospital/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), Rawalpindi Pakistan
     

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Published

30-08-2025

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Original Articles

How to Cite

1.
Ghaus I, Mashhood AA, Yousaf F, Rathore HS, Yasmin G, Khan S. Comparison of Microneedling with Platelet-Rich Plasma versus Distilled Water for Atrophic Acne Scar. Pak Armed Forces Med J [Internet]. 2025 Aug. 30 [cited 2025 Sep. 26];75(4):778-82. Available from: https://www.pafmj.org/PAFMJ/article/view/10730