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A Pilot Study Testing the Efficacy of a Needling Device for the Treatment of Acne Scars

A Split-face Randomized Controlled Trial to Assess the Efficacy of a Needling Device for the Treatment of Acne Scars

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT00974870
Enrollment
20
Registered
2009-09-10
Start date
2009-11-30
Completion date
2010-07-31
Last updated
2021-12-02

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Acne Scars

Brief summary

The primary objective of this study is to determine the efficacy of a needling device for treatment of acne scars.

Detailed description

We are investigating a needled micro-roller for use in improving the appearance of acne scars. The study is being conducted under the direction of Dr. Murad Alam of Northwestern University, Department of Dermatology. The needles on the micro-roller are designed to create small holes in the top and mid layers of skin in order to induce the formation of more collagen, which would in turn help improve the appearance of acne scars. To qualify for the study, you must have at least 2 large areas of the face with acne scars. The study is designed such that one part of your face, which has acne scars, will be treated with the device on 3 separate occasions, spaced 2 weeks apart at our clinic in Chicago at Northwestern. We would also ask you to return at 3 months and at 6 months to have photographs taken. If you are interested in participating, we would like to get you involved as soon as possible

Interventions

PROCEDUREneedling treatment

Needling treatment applied to half of the face at each study visit

Sponsors

Northwestern University
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 70 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

* Ages 18-70 years old * Subjects in general good health * The subject has the willingness and the ability to understand and provide informed consent for the use of their tissue and communicate with the investigator * Global Acne Scarring Classification grade 2-41 (Appendix II) * Subject has at least two areas of acne scaring on the face (with at least 2 acne scars in each) that are at least 2 cm apart

Exclusion criteria

* Pregnancy and lactation * Subjects with history of keloid or hypertrophic scars * Subjects with active skin disease (other than mild acne) or skin infection in the treatment area * Subjects with an active systematic or local skin disease that is likely to alter wound healing * Subjects who have undergone in the past 6 months or planning to undergo in the next 6 months the following cosmetic treatments in the acne scar area * Injectable permanent filler * Ablative laser treatment * Subjects taking the following prescription medications: * Accutane or other retinoids within the past 12 months * Anticoagulant (warfarin) * Subjects who allergic to lidocaine and prilocaine

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frame
We will evaluate qualitatively and quantitatively the improvement of the subject's acne scars6 months

Secondary

MeasureTime frame
The tolerability of the treatment will be assessed4 weeks
Subject satisfaction will be determined6 months
Any adverse events of this treatment will be recorded.6 months

Countries

United States

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Mar 7, 2026