Treatment for Atrophic Acne Scars - A Study

Pilot study on the combination of microfocused ultrasound and calcium hydroxylapatite dermal filler for treating atrophic acne scars, by Gabriela Casabona et al. 

The Battle Against Atrophic Acne Scars

Addressing the aftermath of severe acne, which often manifests as atrophic scars, is a persistent challenge. These scars can significantly impact one's psychological well-being. Various treatments exist, but their efficacy varies considerably.

The Research Objective

The focus of this nonrandomized, retrospective pilot study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a novel approach: the concurrent use of microfocused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V, known as Ultherapy®) and a calcium hydroxylapatite dermal filler (CaHA, branded as Radiesse®) in the treatment of atrophic acne scars.

Study Participants and Procedure

This investigation involved recruiting individuals between the ages of 35 and 55, who exhibited moderate to severe facial acne scars. The treatment protocol commenced with the application of MFU-V, utilizing two transducers with distinct focal depths of 3.0 and 1.5 mm. Employing a cross-hatch pattern, 75 treatment lines were administered, maintaining a spacing of 2-3 mm between each line. Following this, the same treated areas received an injection of 1.5 mL of CaHA, which was diluted with 1.5 mL of lidocaine 2% (lacking epinephrine). Post-treatment assessments were conducted 90 days after the procedure, wherein independent physicians employed the Goodman Acne Scar Scale to evaluate changes in scar severity. Additionally, subjects were surveyed to gauge their satisfaction with the aesthetic outcomes.

The Promising Outcomes

Out of the ten subjects who participated in this study, it was established that they collectively experienced a statistically significant improvement in the baseline severity of their acne scars (P = 0.002). Moreover, when the results were stratified by the initial scar severity, a discernible pattern emerged: individuals with more severe scars exhibited the most substantial improvements. Remarkably, the vast majority of participants reported high levels of satisfaction with their aesthetic outcomes, with nine respondents indicating that they were "very satisfied," and one expressing being "satisfied." 

Safety First

Notably, the study's safety profile proved impeccable. No adverse events were recorded during the course of this intervention. This underscores the procedure's safety and the absence of any undesirable side effects.

Bottom Line: A Promising Solution for Atrophic Acne Scars

In summation, the combination of microfocused ultrasound and calcium hydroxylapatite dermal filler demonstrates a noteworthy degree of effectiveness in addressing atrophic acne scars. This pilot study provides promising evidence of this innovative approach's capacity to ameliorate the appearance of these scars, particularly in individuals with severe scarring. It is prudent for individuals contemplating this treatment to engage in a consultation with a qualified dermatologist to ascertain its suitability for their specific circumstances. Nevertheless, this study heralds a positive outlook for those seeking to reclaim the smoothness and vitality of their facial skin, free from the constraints of atrophic acne scars.

MICROFOCUSED ULTRASOUND FOR SKIN @ OCEAN CLINIC, MARBELLA

Neocollagenesis is an expression to describe a process that induces new collagen fibres in various layers of the skin and the subcutaneous layers. Various devices and technologies are on the market to induce neocollagenesis by delivering heat into the skin and create a thermal microtrauma leading to a reformation of elastic fibres. The challenge with any device is to effectively deliver enough energy into the right layer to stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin and to achieve a satisfactory clinical result.

At the Ocean Clinic Group our mission is to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to new devices and technology and to deliver results that meet our patients´ expectations. Up to date micro-focused ultrasound is the best and most versatile collagen stimulating technology available on the market. It can deliver thermal energy (heat) into 3 different depths of skin to stimulate collagen and elastin production in dif

ferent skin levels, it can treat different skin densities and is FAA approved as a non-surgical lifting device.