Percutaneous collagen induction: an effective and safe treatment for post-acne scarring in different skin phototypes. (April 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fabbrocini, Gabriella; De Vita, Valerio; Monfrecola, Ambra; De Padova, Maria Pia; Brazzini, Benedetta; Teixeira, Fernanda; Chu, Anthony
• Is Part Of: Journal of dermatological treatment. Volume 25:Number 2(2014:Apr.)
• Page Start: 147
• Page End: 152
• Publication Date: 2014-04
• Subjects: Skin -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Skin Diseases -- drug therapy -- Periodicals; Skin Diseases -- therapy -- Periodicals; 616.5
• DOI: 10.3109/09546634.2012.742949
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0954-6634

Abstract

<abstract> <title /> <p> <italic>Background: </italic>Atrophic scars can complicate moderate and severe acne. There are, at present, several modalities of treatment with different results. Percutaneous collagen induction (PCI) has recently been proposed as a simple and effective therapeutic option for the management of atrophic scars. <italic>Objective</italic>:The aim of our study was to analyze the efficacy and safety of percutaneous collagen induction for the treatment of acne scarring in different skin phototypes. <italic>Methods & materials: </italic>A total of 60 patients of skin types phototype I to VI were included in the study. They were divided into three groups before beginning treatment: Group A (phototypes I to II), Group B (phototypes III to V), and Group C (phototypes VI). Each patient had three treatments at monthly intervals. The aesthetic improvement was evaluated by using a Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS), and analyzed statistically by computerized image analysis of the patients' photographs. The differences in the GAIS scores in the different time-points of each group were found using the Wilcoxon's test for nonparametric-dependent continuous variables. Computerized image analysis of silicone replicas was used to quantify the irregularity of the surface micro-relief with Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT); average values of gray were obtained along the x- and y-axes. The calculated indexes were the integrals of areas arising from the distribution of pixels along the axes. <italic>Results</italic>:All patients completed the study. The Wilcoxon's test for nonparametric-dependent continuous variables showed a statistically significant (<italic>p</italic> < 0.05) reduction in severity grade of acne scars at T<sub>5</sub> compared to baseline (T<sub>1</sub>). The analysis of the surface micro-relief performed on skin replicas showed a decrease in the degree of irregularity of skin texture in all three groups of patients, with an average reduction of 31% in both axes after three sessions. No short- or long-term dyschromia was observed. <italic>Conclusion: </italic>PCI offers a simple and safe modality to improve the appearance of acne scars without risk of dyspigmentation in patient of all skin types.</p> </abstract>