Dermabrasion for Scarring

Overseen By Dermatology Research

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Wisconsin, Madison

Disqualifiers: Impaired decision-making, Vision impairments, Pregnancy, Incarceration, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

Duration: Immediate (during surgery)

50 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether dermabrasion, a technique that gently removes the top layer of skin, can improve the appearance of scars after Mohs Micrographic Surgery, a common treatment for skin cancer. The researchers aim to determine if this method enhances scar appearance post-healing. They will treat different sides of the wound to identify the most effective approach. This trial suits individuals scheduled for facial or neck surgery with a scar expected to exceed 4 centimeters and who can attend follow-up visits. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the understanding of scar improvement techniques.

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

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that the dermabrasion technique is safe for improving scar appearance?

Research has shown that dermabrasion is generally safe, though some risks exist. This procedure improves the appearance of scars and other skin issues. Studies indicate that while it can smooth the skin, common side effects include discomfort, swelling, redness, and bruising. Some individuals also notice changes in skin color, especially if exposed to the sun soon after the procedure.

Most people tolerate dermabrasion well despite these potential side effects. However, protecting the skin from the sun after treatment is crucial to prevent long-lasting changes in skin color. Overall, dermabrasion is considered safe for many, but awareness of these possible effects is important. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about dermabrasion for scarring because it offers a unique approach to improving skin appearance by physically removing the top layers of skin. Unlike typical treatments like laser therapy or chemical peels, which use light or chemicals, dermabrasion works by sanding the skin, which can be more precise and controlled. This technique allows for a targeted approach to smoothing out scars, potentially leading to more consistent and noticeable improvements in skin texture. Additionally, it can be particularly effective for certain types of scars that may not respond well to other methods.

What evidence suggests that dermabrasion is effective for improving scar appearance after Mohs Micrographic Surgery?

Research has shown that dermabrasion can effectively improve the appearance of scars. In one study, 80% of patients noticed better-looking scars after six months of treatment. Another review identified dermabrasion as the best method for smoothing out scars. For acne scars, dermabrasion typically results in about a 50% improvement. Overall, evidence supports that dermabrasion can enhance the appearance of scars, though the degree of improvement can vary. Participants in this trial will receive dermabrasion on either the superior or inferior side of their wound to assess its effectiveness. ^{3 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Gloria Xu, MD, PhD

Principal Investigator

UW School of Medicine and Public Health

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals with scars from Mohs Micrographic Surgery, a skin cancer removal procedure. Participants should be willing to undergo dermabrasion on their scar and follow up for 6 months. Specific eligibility details are not provided.

Inclusion Criteria

Able to give informed consent themselves

Willing to return for follow up visit within the evaluation period

I am scheduled for skin surgery on my face or neck with a cut expected to be longer than 4cm.

Exclusion Criteria

Significant vision or hearing impairments

Pregnant Individuals

Incarceration

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo intraoperative dermabrasion during Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Immediate (during surgery)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for scar assessment using POSAS at 3 months post-surgery

3 months

1 visit (in-person) at 3 months

Extended Follow-up

Participants may be monitored for additional scar assessment and complications up to 6 months

Additional 3 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Dermabrasion

Trial Overview The study is testing the effect of intraoperative dermabrasion—a technique that sands down the top layer of skin—on the appearance of scars after MMS. It's investigational, meaning it's not yet proven or approved for this use.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: B: Inferior Side of the Wound Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The participant's wound will be labeled B if it is on the right or inferior side of the investigator

Group II: A: Superior Side of the Wound Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The participant's wound will be labeled A if it is on the left or superior side of the investigator

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Wisconsin, Madison

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,249

Recruited

3,255,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11392586/

A Comparative Analysis of the Advances in Scar Reduction The efficacy rate for UAC ranges between 83% and 99%, with significant factors including gestational sac size and the presence of fetal ...

2. opendentistryjournal.com opendentistryjournal.com/VOLUME/19/ELOCATOR/e18742106367670/PDF/

Facial Scar Management with Dermabrasion with or ... Objective: This study evaluated the effectiveness of combining dermabrasion with hyaluronic acid injection for the treatment of postoperative ...

3. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0190962203008090

Effectiveness of dermasanding (manual dermabrasion) on ... Results: Improvement in the treated half of scars was seen in 80% of patients at 6 months (95% confidence interval, 60%-100%), and 47% had an excellent response ...

4. jwatch.org jwatch.org/jd199704010000006/1997/04/01/effectiveness-dermabrasion-acne-scars

Effectiveness of Dermabrasion for Acne Scars Even with aggressive dermabrasion by experts, only about 50% improvement in acne scars can be expected. Whether one of the new skin resurfacing ...

5. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT01176448

Laser Resurfacing Versus Dermabrasion for Scar Revision Dermabrasion is the gold standard for scar resurfacing and will be used as the control against which Fractionated Laser is compared. Diamond Fraise ...

6. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK558955/

Skin Resurfacing Dermabrasion - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf Dermabrasion is a surgical procedure performed to improve the appearance of rhytides, lentigines, and scars on the skin.

7. plasticsurgery.org plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/dermabrasion/safety

Dermabrasion Risks and Safety The most common risk is a change in skin pigmentation. Permanent darkening of the skin may occur in some patients due to sun exposure in the days or months ...

8. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/org/science/article/pii/S1874210625000109

Facial Scar Management with Dermabrasion with or ... Our study illustrates that combining dermabrasion with hyaluronic acid injection effectively manages facial scars in a single session, reducing the need for ...

9. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/334958967_Adverse_Effects_of_Dermabrasion_and_Microdermabrasion

Adverse Effects of Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion Frequently observed consequences include symptoms such as discomfort, swelling, redness, petechiae, and bruising. The conjunctiva may experience eye ...