Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

Comparing microneedling and dermabrasion for treating facial scars

Official title: Microneedling vs Dermabrasion for Early Facial Scar Resurfacing

Run by Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NCT06171386 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment30 (estimated)
SponsorWake Forest University Health Sciences
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Winston-Salem, North Carolina)
StatusRecruiting
StartedApril 1, 2024
Main results expectedApril 2027
Study endsApril 2027
Registry record updatedMay 7, 2026
Trial IDNCT06171386 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

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

Probably 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.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

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

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

  • Wake Forest University Health Sciences
    Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Candace M Water, MD — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
  • Study coordinator: Candace M Waters, MD
  • Email: cmwaters@wakehealth.edu
  • Phone: 336-716-4000

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.