Split-face comparison of subcision with PDRN versus subcision with non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid for rolling acne scars
Subcision With Injection of Poly Deoxyribonucleotide Versus Subcision With Injection of Non-cross Linked Hyaluronic Acid in Rolling Acne Scars Treatment : A Split Face Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
NA · Cairo University · NCT07547956
This compares whether adding injections of PDRN or non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid to subcision works better to improve rolling acne scars in adults with bilateral moderate-to-severe scars.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Cairo University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Cairo) |
| Trial ID | NCT07547956 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults with bilateral moderate-to-severe rolling (atrophic) acne scars receive subcision on both sides of the face; one side is injected with polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) and the other with non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA). Clinical photographs and validated scar scales are used to measure changes in scar appearance and to record safety outcomes during follow-up visits. Eligible participants have stable acne, no scar treatments in the prior 12 months, and are aged 18 or older. The trial directly compares efficacy and adverse events between the two injectable agents when combined with subcision.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults 18 and older with bilateral moderate-to-severe rolling acne scars, stable acne for at least six months, and no scar procedures in the past year are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with active inflammatory acne, recent systemic retinoid use, pregnancy or breastfeeding, tendency to keloid, active infections (including HBV/HCV/HIV or herpes), lidocaine sensitivity, unapproved anticoagulant/antiplatelet use, or fish/salmon allergy are likely to be excluded and may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could identify which injectable gives better scar improvement when combined with subcision, helping patients choose a more effective treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Subcision combined with hyaluronic acid or other fillers is an established approach for rolling scars, while PDRN injections are less studied but have shown promising regenerative effects in small reports.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Moderate to severe mainly rolling acne scars per validated scale (Goodman \& Baron Grade 3-4) 2. Scars must be bilaterally distributed, allowing for split-face comparison 3. Stable acne (no active nodulocystic lesions, pustules, or recent outbreaks for ≥6 months) 4. No scar treatments (e.g., fillers, laser, microneedling) within the past 12 months 5. All skin types. 6. Both genders above 18 years old Exclusion Criteria: 1. Systemic retinoid treatment within the last 6 months 2. Active inflammatory acne 3. Lidocaine sensitivity 4. Pregnancy and lactation 5. Severe systemic illness or malignancy 6. Use of anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications (unless cleared) Use of oral isotretinoin within the past 6 month 7. Herpes libialis, bacterial infection, other infections such as HBV, HCV or HIV 8. Tendency to keloid formation 9. Allergy to fish and salmon
Where this trial is running
Cairo
- Cairo University, Dermatology Department — Cairo, Egypt (RECRUITING)
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.
Conditions: Rolling Acne Scars, subcision, PDRN, Hyakuronic acid, atrophic acne scars