Prospective Evaluation of Atrophic Acne Scars on the Face With Needle-Free High-Pressure Pneumatic Injection: Quantitative Volumetric Scar Improvement

Abstract

BACKGROUND Atrophic acne facial scars still pose a treatment challenge. Needle-free high-pressure pneumatic injection has recently been introduced; however, few studies exist regarding its effectiveness. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of pneumatic injection for treating atrophic acne scars using a 3-dimensional optical profiling system. METHODS AND MATERIALS A pneumatic injection device with a 0.2-mm nozzle diameter, 50% pressure power, and 85-mL injection volume was used. The degree of depression was examined and analyzed using a 3-dimensional optical profiling system and clinical photographs. The patients also evaluated any side effects. Each subject underwent a single treatment session and was followed up after 1 and 2 months. RESULTS A total of 13 atrophic acne scars from 10 Korean men and women aged 20 to 29 (mean age 25.8 +/- 2.4) years were studied. The mean scar volume values were 0.964, 0.741, and 0.566 mm(3), respectively, at baseline, 1 month, and 2 months after the injection. Scar volumes after 2 months were significantly different compared with baseline volumes. However, there was no significant difference between the baseline and 1 month volumes. CONCLUSION Treatment with pneumatic injection is safe and effective in reducing atrophic acne facial scars; it results in quantitative improvement in scar volumes.