An interventional study of Fractional CO₂ Laser + Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Fractional CO₂ Laser Only in Post-Acne Atrophic Scars, Carbon Dioxide Lasers and Platelet-Rich Plasma, sponsored by Gujranwala medical college District Headquarters Hospital, Gujranwala. Recruiting at 1 site in Pakistan. Open to participants aged 18 Years to 40 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-01-20.
Sponsored by Gujranwala medical college District Headquarters Hospital, Gujranwala · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate whether adding platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to fractional CO₂ laser resurfacing improves the treatment of moderate-to-severe acne scars compared with laser alone. Seventy adults aged 18-40 years will be recruited from the Dermatology Department of Gujranwala Medical College Teaching Hospital. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either fractional CO₂ laser combined with topical PRP or fractional CO₂ laser alone, with three treatment sessions delivered four weeks apart.
The primary outcome is the change in acne scar severity measured using the Goodman and Baron Quantitative Acne Scar Scale. Secondary outcomes include redness, edema, pain scores, and patient satisfaction assessed using Likert and numeric rating scales. The study is single-blinded, with patients unaware of treatment allocation. PRP will be prepared using a standardized double-spin centrifugation process. Data will be analyzed using appropriate statistical tests with a significance level of p \< 0.05. The study aims to determine whether PRP enhances laser efficacy, reduces side effects, and improves patient-reported outcomes.
Acne scarring is a frequent and distressing outcome of acne vulgaris. Fractional carbon dioxide (CO₂) laser therapy is widely used for acne scar management because it creates controlled microthermal zones that stimulate collagen remodeling and improve skin texture. However, laser treatment alone may lead to side effects such as erythema, edema, discomfort, and variable degrees of clinical improvement.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous biological product containing high concentrations of platelets, growth factors, and cytokines known to promote wound healing, enhance collagen production, and modulate inflammation. The combination of PRP with fractional CO₂ laser treatment is believed to enhance clinical results, improve healing time, and reduce post-procedural complications. This study is designed to evaluate whether adding PRP to fractional CO₂ laser improves outcomes for patients with moderate-to-severe acne scars.
This randomized controlled trial will recruit 70 patients aged 18-40 years with moderate-to-severe facial acne scars. Participants will be randomly allocated into two groups. Group A will receive fractional CO₂ laser therapy combined with PRP, and Group B will receive fractional CO₂ laser therapy alone. Both groups will undergo three treatment sessions spaced four weeks apart. The study uses single blinding, where patients are unaware of their treatment assignment. To maintain blinding, a placebo-filled syringe will be used in the control group and gently applied without injecting any substance.
PRP will be prepared using a standardized double-spin method. Ten milliliters of venous blood will be collected in anticoagulant tubes, centrifuged at low speed to separate plasma and buffy coat, followed by a second high-speed centrifugation to isolate platelet-rich plasma. Topical anesthesia with lignocaine-prilocaine cream will be applied before each laser session. Treatment areas will be prepared using antiseptic measures, and eye protection will be provided.
Outcome assessment will be performed at baseline and at each visit. The primary outcome is the change in acne scar severity measured using the Goodman and Baron Quantitative Acne Scar Scale. Secondary outcomes include assessments of erythema and edema by the evaluator, as well as patient-reported pain scores and satisfaction ratings. Standardized clinical photographs will support patient self-assessment under consistent lighting and camera settings.
Data will be analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. Continuous variables will be assessed for normality and compared using t-tests or nonparametric equivalents. Categorical and ordinal data will be analyzed using Chi-square or related tests. A significance level of p \< 0.05 will be applied. Data will be coded, and the statistician will remain blinded to group allocation.
The purpose of this trial is to determine whether PRP enhances the efficacy, safety profile, and patient satisfaction of fractional CO₂ laser treatments. If successful, this combination approach may offer a more effective therapeutic option for managing moderate-to-severe acne scarring.
611 studies on the registry are indexed under Cicatrix; 114 are open to participants now.
This study's planned enrollment of 70 is above the median of 40 across 512 interventional studies indexed under Cicatrix.
Browse Cicatrix studies →Gujranwala medical college District Headquarters Hospital, Gujranwala is the lead sponsor of 4 studies on the registry; 2 are open to participants now.
Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.
Inclusion Criteria:Adults aged 18 to 40 years
Male and female participants
Fitzpatrick skin types I to V
Presence of moderate-to-severe acne scars
Willing to undergo 3 treatment sessions and follow-up visits
Able to provide -
Exclusion Criteria:Use of topical anti-acne medications in the past 1 month
History of keloid formation or hypertrophic scarring
Active acne or active skin inflammation at treatment area
Diabetes mellitus
Photosensitive disorders (e.g., lupus, dermatomyositis)
Melasma
Active infections (e.g., Herpes simplex)
Recent laser resurfacing or similar procedures
Outdoor workers with high sun exposure
Vitiligo
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Bleeding disorders or anticoagulant therapy
Unrealistic expectations or inability to comply with follow-up
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Underlined terms in the criteria open these too. Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.
You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.
Informed consent
Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.
You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Participants receive fractional CO₂ laser treatment followed by the application of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Three sessions are administered at four-week intervals. PRP is prepared using a double-spin centrifugation method and applied topically immediately after laser treatment.
Procedure: Fractional CO₂ Laser + Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
Participants receive fractional CO₂ laser treatment alone, without PRP. Three sessions are administered at four-week intervals using the same laser parameters as the intervention group. To maintain masking, a placebo-filled syringe covered with opaque tape is touched to the skin without delivering PRP.
Procedure: Fractional CO₂ Laser Only
Fractional CO₂ Laser + Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Participants receive fractional CO₂ laser treatment followed by topical application of autologous platelet-rich plasma. Three treatment sessions are performed at four-week intervals. PRP is prepared using a standardized double-spin centrifugation method from 10 mL of the participant's blood. After laser resurfacing, the PRP is applied immediately to the treated area to enhance healing and collagen remodeling.
Fractional CO₂ Laser Only Participants receive fractional CO₂ laser treatment alone, with the same laser settings and treatment schedule as the intervention group. Three sessions are performed at four-week intervals. To maintain participant blinding, a placebo-filled syringe covered with opaque tape is applied to the skin without delivering PRP.
Change in Acne Scar Severity (Goodman and Baron Quantitative Acne Scar Scale)
Acne scar severity will be assessed using the Goodman and Baron Quantitative Acne Scar Scale, which grades scars based on type, number of lesions, and affected surface area. Scores will be recorded at baseline and at each follow-up visit to measure improvement over the course of treatment.
Time frame: 12weeks
Redness (Erythema) Score
Redness will be evaluated by the assessor using a 4-point Likert scale (0 = none, 1 = mild, 2 = moderate, 3 = severe) at each visit to assess post-laser inflammatory response.
Time frame: 12weeks
Edema (Swelling) Score
Edema will be assessed by the evaluator using a 4-point Likert scale ranging from 0 (none) to 3 (severe) to evaluate treatment-related swelling.
Time frame: 12 weeks
Pain Score (11-Point Numeric Rating Scale)
Participants will report pain intensity using an 11-point numeric scale (0 = no pain; 10 = worst possible pain) during and after each treatment session.
Time frame: 12 weeks
Patient Satisfaction Rating
Patient satisfaction with treatment outcome will be measured using a 4-point Likert scale (0 = not satisfied; 1 = neutral; 2 = satisfied; 3 = very satisfied). Standardized digital photographs will be used to assist patient self-evaluation.
Time frame: 12 weeks
Plan to share: Undecided — I sill do it after publication of my study
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Gujranwala medical college District Headquarters Hospital, Gujranwala