A Split Face Study to Compare the Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma Combined with Microneedling Versus Microneedling Alone for Treatment of Acne Scars

Jeyashree Damodaran; Saritha Mohanan; Prakash Mathiyalgen; Udayashankar Carounanidhy

doi:10.4103/idoj.idoj_1173_24

A Split Face Study to Compare the Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma Combined with Microneedling Versus Microneedling Alone for Treatment of Acne Scars

Indian Dermatol Online J. 2026 Jan 1;17(1):67-72. doi: 10.4103/idoj.idoj_1173_24. Epub 2025 Dec 29.

Authors

Jeyashree Damodaran¹, Saritha Mohanan¹, Prakash Mathiyalgen², Udayashankar Carounanidhy¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Pondicherry, India.
² Department of Community Medicine, Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Pondicherry, India.

Abstract

Background: Microneedling is one of the cost-efficient and safe procedures for treatment of atrophic scars. Previous studies have shown variable results regarding the increased efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) when combined with microneedling.

Objectives: The aim of this split-face study was to compare the efficacy of PRP combined with microneedling versus microneedling alone in acne scars in type 3-6 skin in South Indian patients. The primary objective was to compare the mean reduction in acne scar using Goodman Baron quantitative scale on the side of the face treated with PRP and microneedling, with the side of the face treated with microneedling alone.

Patients and methods: A total of 64 patients were recruited, and three sessions of microneedling with PRP on the right side and microneedling on the left side were done with an interval of 4 weeks between the sittings. Results were evaluated after 1 month of the last sitting using Goodman and Baron's score and physician and patient satisfaction score.

Results: There was significant improvement in atrophic acne scars on both sides of the face before and after treatment. While comparing efficacy between sides, the side treated additionally with PRP had significantly more improvement than the side treated with microneedling alone.

Limitations: The trial was non-randomized, and complete blinding was not done. The study had a shorter follow -up interval. We did not analyze results based on the site of scar.

Conclusion: PRP combined with microneedling is more effective than microneedling alone for the treatment of atrophic acne scars. Larger studies with longer follow-up are needed to confirm this result.