This study aims to determine whether microneedling or dermabrasion in the early post-operative period is superior in improving the appearance of surgical scars on the face.

Microneedling and dermabrasion are two common modalities that may be performed in-office to treat surgical scars.

Microneedling is a form of collagen induction therapy, often used in conjunction with platelet-rich plasma or hyaluronic acid.

Dermabrasion is a technique that improves the skin structure, quality, and appearance of scars through collagen remodeling and reepithelization.

To determine which modality is most effective, a prospective study; randomizing a volunteer sample of adult patients with new surgical vertical forehead scars will receive either dermabrasion or microneedling in the early postoperative period.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Volunteer adult patients will be identified by visiting the Facial Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery Clinic at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist.
• Patients will be 18 years old+ and have a vertical surgical scar in the superior 1/3 of the face (trichion to glabella).
• Patients will enroll in the clinic research registry and indicate an interest in being involved in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who rate Types 4-6 on the Fitzpatrick scale will be excluded due to risk of poor outcome from dermabrasion.
• There are no other planned exclusion criteria. Patients will not be excluded on the basis of gender, race/ethnicity, or age, provided that they meet the described inclusion criteria.

photo documentation, de-identified, for review of scar appearance after treatment

Data will become available after all data collection is complete in order to perform independent blinded analysis of scars at all time points.

Researchers on the study protocol involved in scar assessment