Subcision for Acne Scars

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Northwestern University

Must not be taking: Accutane

Disqualifiers: Pregnancy, Mental illness, Blood diseases, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 5

Duration: 20 weeks

5 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot participate if you have used Accutane in the past 6 months.

How does the treatment subcision for acne scars differ from other treatments?

Subcision is a unique treatment for acne scars because it involves a simple surgical technique that releases the fibrous bands pulling down the skin, which helps to lift and smooth out depressed scars. Unlike other treatments, it can be combined with procedures like laser therapy and dermarolling for enhanced results. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial is testing whether doing a minor surgical procedure called subcision can improve rolling acne scars. Subcision involves using a needle to cut through tough bands under the skin that cause scarring. The goal is to see if this method makes the skin look smoother compared to no treatment.

Research Team

Murad Alam, MD

Principal Investigator

Northwestern University

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults aged 18 to 65 with rolling acne scars on both sides of their face, who are in good health and have no active acne. Participants must understand the study and give informed consent. It's not for those under 18, pregnant or breastfeeding women, recent Accutane users, individuals prone to severe scarring or with blood diseases like HIV or Hepatitis, or a history of Herpes.

Inclusion Criteria

I am willing and able to give permission for my tissue to be used and to communicate with the research team.

I have deep acne scars on both sides of my face.

I do not have active acne.

Exclusion Criteria

I understand the study and can give my consent.

I am under 18 years old.

I have a blood disease like HIV or Hepatitis.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive multiple subcision treatments to their randomized side of the face 5 times total spaced 4 weeks apart

20 weeks

5 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

16 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Multiple Subcision

Trial Overview The trial is testing if multiple subcision treatments can improve the look of rolling acne scars compared to no treatment at all. This pilot study will assess how feasible this procedure is over several visits.

Participant Groups

Group I: Multiple Subcision Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Subjects will receive multiple subcision treatments to their randomized side of the face 5 times total spaced 4 weeks apart.

Group II: Control Active Control 1 Intervention

Subjects will receive no intervention control on the other side of the face.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Northwestern University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,674

Recruited

989,000+

References

1. India pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Acne scar subcision. [2021]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Subcision in acne scar with and without subdermal implant: a clinical trial. [2022]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Surgical Subcision for Acne Scars: A Review of Instrumentation. [2023]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Comparison of two methods of subcision Nokor and blunt blade in acne scars treatment. [2020]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Subcision for acne scarring: technique and outcomes in 40 patients. [2019]