Actively Recruiting
Microneedling vs Dermabrasion for Early Facial Scar Resurfacing
Led by Wake Forest University Health Sciences · Updated on 2026-05-07
30
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating two common treatments, microneedling and dermabrasion, to determine which is better at improving the appearance of new surgical scars on the face. This study focuses on adult patients with vertical forehead scars and aims to compare these techniques in the early postoperative period to see which provides better scar appearance. The trial is a prospective, randomized study conducted by Wake Forest University Health Sciences. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either microneedling or dermabrasion. Microneedling involves collagen induction therapy and may be combined with platelet-rich plasma or hyaluronic acid. Patients receiving microneedling will have two treatments: the first between 6 to 8 weeks after facial surgery, and the second between 12 to 16 weeks after surgery. Those receiving dermabrasion will get the standard care treatment once, between 6 to 10 weeks after surgery. Throughout the study, participants will be assessed at 7 months for changes in scar appearance using the Vancouver Scar Scale, Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale, and the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale. Patient-reported benefits, including pain during procedure and satisfaction at 6 months, will also be recorded. The total participation time includes treatment and follow-up assessments to monitor scar improvement and treatment effects.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Microneedling vs Dermabrasion for Early Facial Scar Resurfacing
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Volunteer adult patients identified at the Facial Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery Clinic
- 18 years old or older
- Have a vertical surgical scar in the upper third of the face (from hairline to between the eyebrows)
- Enrolled in the clinic research registry and interested in study participation
You will not qualify if you...
- Patients with skin types Fitzpatrick 4 to 6 are excluded due to risk of poor outcomes from dermabrasion
- No other exclusion criteria based on gender, race, ethnicity, or age if inclusion criteria are met
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 6 to 16 weeks
Participants receive either microneedling or dermabrasion treatments for facial scar resurfacing after surgery.
1 to 2 treatment visits depending on assigned procedure
Duration - Up to 7 months
Participants are assessed for scar improvement and patient-perceived benefit after treatment.
Visits at time of procedure and at 6 months after treatment
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States, 27157
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
C
Candace M Waters, MD
A
Alexa l Lacy
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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