Abstract
BACKGROUND: Post-acne depressed spots appear due to localized fat atrophy and disruption of the dermis. Surgical excision of acne spots is challenging; thus, novel management is required. AIMS: The aim of this study is to compare the long-term effects of conventional and ex vivo expanded ASCs enriched fat for the treatment of post-acne spots. PATIENTS/METHODS: After informed consent, 40 patients having post-acne spots on the face were recruited and, after explaining, placed in two groups depending upon their choice. In lipofilling-only group (LF), adipose tissue was harvested, prepared, and injected intradermally and subdermally in the depressed spots. In ASC-enriched lipofilling group (ASC-LF), fat waɓg' enriched with cultured ASCs before injection. Improvement of the contour was noted clinically after 1 year. Differences in dermal thickness were confirmed histologically on punch biopsies. Evaluation of pictures was done by two consultant plastic surgeons blinded to the technique. Similarly, the satisfaction of patients was also noted. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 26.32 (±3.34) and 72% of patients were females. Cheeks only were involved in 57% of cases while cheeks associated with involvement of lateral forehead in 29% of cases, nose in 11% of cases, and chin in 3% of cases. In ASC-LF group, improvement in dermal thickness (1.2 ± 0.6 mm) was higher compared to LF group (0.5 ± 0.3 mm). The mean scores of patients and physician satisfaction were higher in ASC-LF group. CONCLUSION: This novel strategy significantly improved the acne-related contours by increasing dermal thickness. TRIAL REGISTRATION: www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov: NCT06135519.