Combined subcision with polydioxanone monofilament (PDO) threads versus polydioxanone monofilament (PDO) threads alone in treatment of atrophic post-acne scars

Abstract

Acne scaring negatively impacts life quality. Treatment options vary in clinical effectiveness, side effects, and downtime. Polydioxanone threads (PDO) stimulate neo-collagenesis and create mechanical lift through artificial ligaments, while subcision is an office surgical method for managing atrophic scars. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages. To assess the clinical efficiency and safety of PDO threads alone against combined subcision in the management of atrophic following-acne scars. Twenty patients with facial atrophic following acne scars were involved. The right side of the face was managed with PDO threads, while the left side was managed with subcision and PDO threads. Patients were assessed after three months using the Goodman and Baron qualitative and quantitative acne scarring grading systems. On the right side, improvement was excellent in two patients (10%), good in fourteen patients (70%), and poor in four patients (20%). On the left side, the improvement was excellent in six patients (30%), good in twelve patients (60%), and poor in two patients (10%). There was a statistically insignificant variance between both sides with a p-value of 0.308. There were no reported serious side effects, and the pain was tolerable. PDO thread insertion, either alone or combined with subcision, is safe and efficient in managing atrophic post-acne scars.