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Subcision + Suction for Acne Scars

N/A
Waitlist Available
Led By Murad Alam, MD
Research Sponsored by Northwestern University
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Age 18 and over
Have bilateral rolling acne scars
Must not have
Under 18 years of age
Unable to understand the protocol or give informed consent
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up baseline and 4 months
Awards & highlights
No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial is testing whether using a suction device along with regular acne scar treatments helps improve the scars more than using the regular treatment alone. It targets people with acne scars and aims to see if suction can make the treatment work better by enhancing healing and cleaning.

Who is the study for?
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.
What is being tested?
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.
What are the potential side effects?
Potential side effects could include temporary redness, swelling at the treatment site, bruising from subcision or suction procedures, and a risk of additional scarring or infection.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
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I am 18 years old or older.
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I have acne scars on both sides of my face that are deep and rolling.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:
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I am under 18 years old.
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I understand the study details and can give informed consent.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~baseline and 4 months
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and baseline and 4 months for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary study objectives
Change in acne scarring compared to baseline after treatments

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group
All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: Subcision & SuctionExperimental Treatment2 Interventions
Standard treatment for acne scars followed by suction.
Group II: SubcisionActive Control1 Intervention
Standard treatment for acne scars only
Treatment
First Studied
Drug Approval Stage
How many patients have taken this drug
Subcision
2010
N/A
~60
Suction
2020
N/A
~110

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.
Mechanism Of Action
Side Effect Profile
Prior Approvals
Other Research
Common treatments for acne scars include laser therapies, chemical peels, and suction-based methods. Laser therapies, such as nonablative fractional lasers, work by emitting microscopic columns of laser light that promote collagen remodeling and skin rejuvenation, reducing scar appearance with minimal side effects. Chemical peels use agents like glycolic or salicylic acid to exfoliate the skin, promoting the resolution of comedones and improving skin texture. Suction-based methods enhance debris removal, promote blood flow, and reduce inflammation, which can accelerate healing and improve scar appearance. These mechanisms are crucial for patients as they target the underlying issues of scar formation, leading to more effective and lasting improvements in skin appearance.
Selective Sebaceous Gland Electrothermolysis Using a Single Microneedle Radiofrequency Device for Acne Patients: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study.Randomised controlled multiple treatment comparison to provide a cost-effectiveness rationale for the selection of antimicrobial therapy in acne.Ultrastructural evidence for thermal injury to pilosebaceous units during the treatment of acne using photopneumatic (PPX) therapy.

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

Northwestern UniversityLead Sponsor
1,647 Previous Clinical Trials
958,549 Total Patients Enrolled
3 Trials studying Acne Scars
29 Patients Enrolled for Acne Scars
Murad Alam, MDPrincipal InvestigatorNorthwestern University
69 Previous Clinical Trials
2,560 Total Patients Enrolled
3 Trials studying Acne Scars
29 Patients Enrolled for Acne Scars

Media Library

Suction Clinical Trial Eligibility Overview. Trial Name: NCT01696513 — N/A
Acne Scars Research Study Groups: Subcision, Subcision & Suction
Acne Scars Clinical Trial 2023: Suction Highlights & Side Effects. Trial Name: NCT01696513 — N/A
Suction 2023 Treatment Timeline for Medical Study. Trial Name: NCT01696513 — N/A
~2 spots leftby Dec 2025