Autologous adipose-derived adult stem cells injection versus platelet-rich plasma injection in the treatment of rolling postacne scars

Background Adipose tissue-derived adult stem cells (AT-ASCs) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) have been used for rejuvenation and tissue regeneration owing to their role in collagen synthesis and angiogenesis, thus enhancing tissue remodeling. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the efficacies of an autologous AT-ASCs injection versus a PRP injection in the treatment of atrophic rolling postacne scars. Patients and methods Twenty patients were subdivided equally into two groups. Autologous AT-ASCs were separated from fat after manual lipoaspiration and then the stem cells were photoactivated. The double-spin method was used for PRP preparation. A single intradermal injection of AT-ASCs and PRP was administered underneath the rolling scars. Follow-up and evaluation were performed by photography, estimation of the percentage of reduction of the total surface area of the rolling scars, and histopathological examination. Results There was no statistically significant difference between the mean% of reduction of the total surface area of the rolling scars in the AT-ASCs group versus the PRP group 1 month after treatment (34.4 vs. 27.48%; P = 0.218, respectively); however, there was a statistically significant reduction in the PRP group (excellent response; 76–100%) in comparison with the AT-ASCs group (good response; 51–75%) 3 months after treatment (80.2 vs. 66.49%; P= 0.023, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference between the AT-ASCs and PRP groups in the mean% of improvement in the epidermal thickness (49 vs. 42%; P= 0.105, respectively) and the collagen content (34 vs. 35%; P =0.143, respectively), whereas there was a statistically significant difference in the elastin content (30 vs. 40%; P= 0.002, respectively). Conclusion Both AT-ASCs and PRP are safe, effective, and tolerable methods for the treatment of rolling acne scars without serious complications. PRP was found to be superior to AT-ASCs. Optimization of the results may be achieved by combining AT-ASCs and PRP in the same session.