Fractional Microneedling RF vs Intralesional Steroid With & Without Microneedling in Hypertrophic Scars

Effect of Fractional Microneedling Radiofrequency Versus Intralesional Steroid Injection With and Without Microneedling on Tissue Levels of PDGF & CTGF in Hypertrophic Scars: a Randomized Comparative Clinical Trial.

Comparing between the effect of Fractional Microneedling Radiofrequency Versus Intralesional Steroid Injection with and without Microneedling on Tissue levels of PDGF & CTGF in Hypertrophic Scars

In each patient, each one of the two scars, or each side of a large scar will be assigned to one of the following treatment methods: 1-Fractional microneedling radiofrequency 2-Intralesional steroids injection. Scars treated with intralesional steroids will be subgrouped into two groups, one group treated with only intralesional steroids and the other group treated with intralesional steroids and followed by microneedling. Fractional microneedling radiofrequency parameters; Power: 6 v, Exposure time: 800 ms. Depth: 2.5 mm (using non-insulated micro-needles), Frequency: 2 Hz. For intralesional steroids injection, Triamcinolone acetonide will be injected in concentration 1:2 (20 mg/dl) using insulin syringe. Microneedling will be done using the same tip of the fractional microneedling radiofrequency at same depth. All patients will receive 5 treatment sessions 4 weeks apart.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with mature hypertrophic scars.
• Patients with age above 18 years.
• Both males and females.
• Patients with two separate lesions, each 3 cm length at least OR a large sized lesion 10 cm length at least.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with unrealistic expectations.
• Patients with active skin infections or autoimmune diseases.
• Non-compliant patients.
• Patients who had received any form of treatment for scars during the last six months.
• Recent use of isotretinoin within six months prior to the procedures.
• Patient with known allergy to lidocaine.
• Pregnancy & Lactation.