Efficacy of Stromal Vascular Fraction on Acne Scar Correction

Efficacy of Intradermal Stromal Vascular Fraction Injection in the Treatment of Atrophic Acne Scar

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intradermal injection of autologous stromal vascular fraction (SVF) in the treatment of atrophic acne scars. SVF is a heterogeneous cell population derived from adipose tissue, containing various regenerative and immunomodulatory cells, including mesenchymal stem cells, endothelial progenitor cells, and pericytes.

In this prospective, randomized, split-face clinical trial, participants with atrophic acne scars will receive SVF injections on one side of the face and normal saline (NS) injections on the contralateral side as a control. Clinical efficacy will be assessed through blinded scar counts, digital imaging, and histological evaluations including epidermal and dermal regenerative markers. The study is designed to investigate whether SVF provides superior clinical improvement compared to placebo.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age between 19 and 45 years
• Presence of bilateral atrophic acne scars (boxcar, rolling, or icepick types) on the face
• Willingness to undergo fat harvesting procedure
• Ability to comply with study visits and follow-up
• Written informed consent obtained

Exclusion Criteria:

• Active acne lesions on the treatment area
• History of keloid or hypertrophic scarring
• Prior treatment for acne scars (e.g., laser, filler, microneedling) within the past 6 months
• History of systemic immunosuppressive therapy within the past 3 months
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Any systemic disease that may interfere with wound healing or safety assessment (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, collagen vascular disease)