PRP with fractional CO₂ laser to improve acne scars
Official title: 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
Run by Gujranwala medical college District Headquarters Hospital, Gujranwala · NCT07352215 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Gujranwala medical college District Headquarters Hospital, Gujranwala Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Gujranwala, Punjab Province) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 31, 2025 |
| Main results expected | January 12, 2026 |
| Study ends | April 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | January 20, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07352215 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Using a patient’s own fat mixed with platelet-rich fibrin to rebuild the breast after conservation surgery
Aiming to see if a patient’s own fat mixed with platelet-rich fibrin can help restore breast shape after breast-conserving cancer surgery.
-
Platelet-Rich Plasma from Two Different Systems in Knee Osteoarthritis
This study compares PRP made by two FDA-approved machines to see if the platelets differ and whether injections help knee symptoms.
-
Comparing microneedling treatments for acne scars
This study is testing whether microneedling with Platelet Rich Plasma or with topical insulin works better to improve acne scars in people who haven't had treatment in the last six months.
-
Using pulsed radiofrequency and platelet-rich plasma to treat glossopharyngeal neuralgia
This study is testing if combining pulsed radiofrequency treatment with platelet-rich plasma can help adults with glossopharyngeal neuralgia who haven't found relief from medications.
-
Combining pulsed radiofrequency and platelet-rich plasma for treating facial pain
This study is testing whether combining a special type of injection with a new pain treatment can help people with stubborn facial pain who haven't found relief from other methods.
-
Combining microfracture surgery with platelet-rich plasma injection for ankle cartilage repair
This study is testing if adding a platelet-rich plasma injection to microfracture surgery can help people with ankle cartilage damage feel better and recover more effectively.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.