Automated Microneedling Versus Fractional CO2 Laser in Treatment of Traumatic Scars: A Clinical and Histochemical Study

Abstract

Background/objectives: Microneedling has shown satisfactory effects in scar rejuvenation. Comparisons of its results with fractional laser are limited. This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of automated microneedling versus fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser in treatment of traumatic scars on clinical and histochemical bases.

Materials and methods: Thirty patients with traumatic facial scars were randomized to treatment with 4 monthly sessions of either automated microneedling or fractional CO2 laser. Assessment of scars was performed at baseline and 3 months after the last treatment session, clinically by the modified Vancouver Scar Scale (mVSS) and histochemically by quantitative assessment of collagen and elastic fibers.

Results: Both groups showed improvement in mVSS, collagen, and elastin contents after treatment. Percentage improvement of collagen and elastin content was higher after treatment by a laser compared with microneedling, in case of the collagen content. Percentage increase in the collagen content after treatment was higher in atrophic scars of the laser group than those of the microneedling group.

Conclusion: In this small study, microneedling was as safe as fractional CO2 laser for rejuvenation of traumatic scars with comparable clinical effects. Fractional CO2 laser is more powerful in stimulating neocollagenesis. Automated microneedling is effective for treatment of hypertrophic scars.