ABSTRACT
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 100% TCA CROSS method for the treatment of atrophic acne scars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty participants were randomly equally divided into two groups; group 1 underwent four sessions (4 weeks apart) of PCI, and group 2 underwent four sessions (4 weeks apart) of 100% TCA CROSS. RESULTS: Acne scarring improved in 100% of patients. Scar severity scores improved by a mean of 68.3% (p<.001) in group 1 and a mean of 75.3% (p<.001) in group 2. The difference in the degree of improvement was not statistically significant between the groups (p=.47). CONCLUSIONS: PCI and 100% TCA CROSS were effective in the treatment of atrophic acne scars.
