Comparing microneedling and dermabrasion for treating facial scars

Microneedling vs Dermabrasion for Early Facial Scar Resurfacing

NA · Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NCT06171386

This study tests whether microneedling or dermabrasion works better to improve the look of new surgical scars on the face for adults.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorWake Forest University Health Sciences (other)
Locations1 site (Winston-Salem, North Carolina)
Trial IDNCT06171386 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of microneedling versus dermabrasion in improving the appearance of surgical scars on the face during the early postoperative period. Adult patients with new vertical surgical scars will be randomly assigned to receive either treatment. Microneedling involves collagen induction therapy, while dermabrasion focuses on skin structure and quality improvement. The study will assess which method yields better results in scar appearance.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adult patients aged 18 and older with new vertical surgical scars on the upper third of the face.

Not a fit: Patients with skin types rated 4-6 on the Fitzpatrick scale may not benefit due to a higher risk of poor outcomes from dermabrasion.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide patients with a more effective treatment option for improving the appearance of surgical scars.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with both microneedling and dermabrasion, but this specific comparison is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Volunteer adult patients will be identified by visiting the Facial Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery Clinic at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist.
* Patients will be 18 years old+ and have a vertical surgical scar in the superior 1/3 of the face (trichion to glabella).
* Patients will enroll in the clinic research registry and indicate an interest in being involved in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who rate Types 4-6 on the Fitzpatrick scale will be excluded due to risk of poor outcome from dermabrasion.
* There are no other planned exclusion criteria. Patients will not be excluded on the basis of gender, race/ethnicity, or age, provided that they meet the described inclusion criteria.

Where this trial is running

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Scar, Dermabrasion, Microneedling, Surgical scars

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.