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A Single-Center, Randomized, Split Surgical Scar Evaluation of Efficacy and Tolerability of Microneedling Modalities.
Grace C. Tolan
1*, Patricia Fuentes
1,
2, Brannon Claytor
1
1Claytor Noone Plastic Surgery, Bryn Mawr, PA. 2Florida International University, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Miami, FL
Background: After incisions, fibroblasts in the papillary dermis synthesize poorly organized collagen fibers, leading to scar formation. Various treatments exist for scar management, including topicals, intralesional, surgical, and energy-based devices. Early postoperative treatment with microneedling can help reduce the formation of disorganized collagen fibers, softening the appearance of post-surgical scars. Microneedling perforates the epidermis and when combined with radiofrequency, it delivers thermal energy into the dermis, further stimulating neocollagenesis effectively minimizing the appearance of scars. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of radiofrequency microneedling (RFMN) to standard microneedling in the treatment of postsurgical scars.
Methods: Patients included in the study were those who were 6 weeks to 4 months post-abdominoplasty, belt lipectomy, or brachioplasty. Surgical scars were measured, with one half of the scar was treated using microneedling and radiofrequency, while the other half was treated with microneedling alone. Each patient underwent 3 treatments, spaced 4-6 weeks apart. At each visit, patients completed the patient scar assessment form, and one blinded evaluator completed the observer scar assessment scale, Vancouver Scar Scale, and the Clinician Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale.
Results: Patients reported improvements in scar texture, elasticity, and complexion with RFMN, compared to standard microneedling treatment. Patient scar assessment scores showed greater improvement with RFMN compared to the control group. Observer scar assessment scores also showed a greater improvement in treatment with RFMN compared to treatment with microneedling alone.
Conclusion: Treating postsurgical scars with microneedling promotes collagen formation and improves organization, resulting in softened appearances. Augmenting treatment with radiofrequency permits delivery of thermal energy into the dermis, stimulating neocollagenesis and further minimizing the appearance of postsurgical scars.
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