Percutaneous collagen induction versus full-concentration trichloroacetic acid in the treatment of atrophic acne scars

BACKGROUND Percutaneous collagen induction (PCI) promotes removal of damaged collagen and induces more collagen immediately under the epidermis. The chemical reconstruction of skin scars (CROSS) method is a focal application of full-concentration trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to atrophic acne scars. The CROSS method has the advantage of reconstructing acne scars by increasing dermal thickening and collagen production. OBJECTIVE To compare the safety and efficacy of PCI and the 100% TCA CROSS method for the treatment of atrophic acne scars. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty participants were randomly equally divided into two groups; group 1 underwent four sessions (4 weeks apart) of PCI, and group 2 underwent four sessions (4 weeks apart) of 100% TCA CROSS. RESULTS Acne scarring improved in 100% of patients. Scar severity scores improved by a mean of 68.3% (p<.001) in group 1 and a mean of 75.3% (p<.001) in group 2. The difference in the degree of improvement was not statistically significant between the groups (p=.47). CONCLUSIONS PCI and 100% TCA CROSS were effective in the treatment of atrophic acne scars. © 2011 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc.