Subcision + Suction for Acne Scars

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Northwestern University

Must not be taking: Accutane

Disqualifiers: Pregnancy, Mental illness, Scarring, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 4 months

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if adding suction to a common acne scar treatment, known as subcision, improves results. Subcision already treats rolling acne scars, which are soft and wave-like. The trial compares the effects of subcision alone to subcision with suction. It suits individuals over 18 with rolling acne scars on both sides of the face who are generally healthy. As an unphased trial, this study allows participants to contribute to innovative research that could enhance acne scar treatments.

Do I need to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

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.

What prior data suggests that this method is safe for treating acne scars?

Research has shown that using both subcision and suction together is generally safe for treating acne scars. Studies have found that adding suction to subcision can improve results without causing additional safety issues. In one study, patients who received both treatments saw a 71.73% improvement in their scars. Another study demonstrated that this combination was well-tolerated and more effective than subcision alone. Overall, this approach appears effective and safe for people with acne scars. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about combining subcision with suction for treating acne scars because this method aims to enhance the standard subcision process. Subcision alone breaks up the fibrous tissue bands causing scars, but when followed by suction, it might improve healing by preventing the reattachment of these bands. This approach could potentially lead to smoother skin texture and faster recovery, offering a promising alternative to traditional treatments like chemical peels and laser therapies.

What evidence suggests that subcision and suction could be effective for acne scars?

This trial will compare the effectiveness of subcision alone versus subcision combined with suction for treating acne scars. Research has shown that combining subcision, a method that loosens scar tissue under the skin, with suction can improve acne scars more than subcision alone. In one study, participants who received both treatments experienced a 37% improvement in their scars after one month, compared to 24% for those who only had subcision. Another study found even better results, with a 71.73% improvement for those who received the combined treatment versus 43.75% with just subcision. Dermatologists observed a 65% improvement with the combination, compared to 33.3% for subcision alone. Overall, adding suction significantly boosts the effectiveness of subcision for treating acne scars. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Murad Alam, MD

Principal Investigator

Northwestern University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults over 18 in good health with bilateral rolling acne scars. Participants must understand and consent to the study's use of their tissue. It excludes those under 18, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, anyone unable to consent, people with mental illness, recent Accutane users, and those prone to severe scarring.

Inclusion Criteria

You must be in good physical condition.

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

I have acne scars on both sides of my face that are deep and rolling.

Exclusion Criteria

I have not used Accutane in the last 6 months.

I am under 18 years old.

Prone to hypertrophic and keloidal scarring

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive standard treatment for acne scars, with one group also receiving suction

4 months

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Subcision
• Suction

Trial Overview The study aims to see if combining standard treatment (subcision) for acne scars with suction improves outcomes compared to subcision alone. Subcision involves breaking up scar tissue beneath the skin; suction may enhance this effect.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Subcision & Suction Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Standard treatment for acne scars followed by suction.

Group II: Subcision Active Control 1 Intervention

Standard treatment for acne scars only

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Northwestern University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,674

Recruited

989,000+

Citations

1. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38847979/

Subcision with and without suction for acne scars Mean subject-assessed percent improvement for subcision-suction was higher than that for subcision alone at 1-month (37% versus 24%, p = 0.04) ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9868281/

Subcision for Atrophic Acne Scarring: A Comprehensive ... This protocol resulted in a mean improvement of 71.73% in acne scar patients, compared to 43.75% in patients with limited or no suctioning. ...

3. iranjd.ir iranjd.ir/article_98154_3b3195db4ecca5976129122939839108.pdf

Subcision for acne scarring with and without suctioning Although subcision is a valuable method, its efficacy is mild to moderate due to the high recurrence rate. This study aimed to evaluate the novel complementary ...

4. onlinelibrary.wiley.com onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocd.15480

Subcision in acne scarring: A review of clinical trials Dermatologist's evaluations showed 65% improvement in combination therapy and 33.3% in the subcision group. This study reported subcision ...

5. scholars.northwestern.edu scholars.northwestern.edu/en/publications/subcision-with-and-without-suction-for-acne-scars-a-split-faced-r/

Subcision with and without suction for acne scars: a split- ... Mean subject-assessed percent improvement for subcision-suction was higher than that for subcision alone at 1-month (37% versus 24%, p = 0.04) but not at 4- ...

6. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20553364/

Subcision-suction method: a new successful combination ... Results: Forty-six patients followed the protocol completely, had 60-90% improvement in depth and size of scars (significant improvement) with mean: 71.73%.

7. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/7895151_Subcision_for_Acne_Scarring_Technique_and_Outcomes_in_40_Patients

Subcision for Acne Scarring: Technique and Outcomes in ... Subcision appears to be a safe technique that may provide significant long-term improvement in the "rolling scars" of selected patients.