RESUMEN
Background: Percutaneous collagen induction [PCI] promotes removal of damaged collagen and induces more collagen immediately under the epidermis. The chemical reconstruction of skin scars [CROSS] method is a focal application of full-concentration trichloroacetic acid [TCA] to atrophic acne scars. The CROSS method has the advantage of reconstructing acne scars by increasing dermal thickening and collagen production
Objective: To compare the safety and efficacy of PCI and the 80% TCA CROSS method for the treatment of atrophic post acne scars
Patients and Methods: Thirty four participants were randomly divided into two groups; group 1[19 patients] underwent four sessions [4 weeks apart] PCI, and group 2 [15 patients] underwent five sessions [2 weeks apart] of 80% TCA CROSS. The two groups were compared regarding photo evaluation, patient satisfaction and adverse effects
Results: All patients improved in both groups. However, the mean percentage of improvement was statistically significantly higher in the first group treated by the dermaroller [59.89%] than in the second group treated by TCA CROSS 80% [42.73%] [p = 0.025] but there was no statistical significant difference regarding the patient satisfaction
Conclusions: PCI and 80% TCA CROSS were effective in the treatment of atrophic acne scars with superior results were in favor of dermaroller