PRP with fractional CO₂ laser to improve acne scars
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma as an Adjunct to Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser Therapy in Improving Facial Acne Scar Appearance: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This will test whether adding your own platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to fractional CO₂ laser treatment can improve moderate-to-severe acne scars in adults aged 18–40.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Gujranwala medical college District Headquarters Hospital, Gujranwala Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Gujranwala, Punjab Province) |
| Trial ID | NCT07352215 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a single-blinded randomized controlled trial enrolling 70 adults with moderate-to-severe facial atrophic acne scars to compare fractional CO₂ laser plus topical PRP versus fractional CO₂ laser alone. Participants are randomly assigned to two groups and will receive three treatment sessions spaced four weeks apart, with PRP prepared using a standardized double-spin centrifugation method. The primary outcome is change in scar severity on the Goodman and Baron Quantitative Acne Scar Scale; secondary outcomes include redness, swelling, pain scores, and patient satisfaction. Patients are blinded using a placebo-filled syringe in the control arm and data will be analyzed using appropriate statistical tests.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–40 with moderate-to-severe facial atrophic (post-acne) scars, Fitzpatrick skin types I–V, who can attend three treatment sessions and follow-up and do not have active infections, pregnancy, uncontrolled diabetes, or a history of keloids.
Not a fit: People with active acne or skin inflammation, a history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring, photosensitive disorders, melasma, bleeding disorders or anticoagulant use, recent resurfacing procedures, pregnancy/breastfeeding, or those unable to comply with follow-up are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding PRP could produce greater scar reduction, speed healing, and reduce post-laser redness and downtime.
How similar studies have performed: Prior small trials and pooled analyses have reported improved scar outcomes and faster recovery with PRP combined with laser versus laser alone, but high-quality large randomized evidence is limited and results have been variable.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:Adults aged 18 to 40 years Male and female participants Fitzpatrick skin types I to V Presence of moderate-to-severe acne scars Willing to undergo 3 treatment sessions and follow-up visits Able to provide informed consent - Exclusion Criteria:Use of topical anti-acne medications in the past 1 month History of keloid formation or hypertrophic scarring Active acne or active skin inflammation at treatment area Diabetes mellitus Photosensitive disorders (e.g., lupus, dermatomyositis) Melasma Active infections (e.g., Herpes simplex) Recent laser resurfacing or similar procedures Outdoor workers with high sun exposure Vitiligo Pregnancy or breastfeeding Bleeding disorders or anticoagulant therapy Unrealistic expectations or inability to comply with follow-up \-
Where this trial is running
Gujranwala, Punjab Province
- Destrict Head Quarter Hospital, Gujranwala — Gujranwala, Punjab Province, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Yasaan Saaqib — Gujranwala Medial College Gujranwala
- Study coordinator: Yasaan Saaqib, Mbbs
- Email: saani1992222@gmail.com
- Phone: 0923234525277
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.