Optimal treatment options for acne scars in patients with historic acne: a systematic review and network…

Meta-analysisPeerJ· 2025

Optimal treatment options for acne scars in patients with historic acne: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Bingwei Wu, Mingju Gao, Yixuan Zhang, Xinping Bai

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Acne & RosaceaMeta-analysisTreatmentQ2IF 3.0

Laser plus platelet-rich plasma ranked best for reducing acne scar severity

Optimal treatment options for acne scars in patients with historic acne: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Bingwei Wu … Xinping Bai

PeerJ · 2025 · Q2 in General Medicine

Background

Acne is a common skin condition that can cause permanent scarring and profoundly affect patients' quality of life.

Purpose

This study aimed to comprehensively assess the efficacy and safety of existing acne scar treatments through a network meta-analysis.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were thoroughly searched for relevant studies from database establishment to September 19, 2024.

n = 4,480 patients

98.4%

Results

98.4%

laser plus platelet-rich plasma had the highest probability of being the top scar-reducing treatment

n = 4,480 patients

More results

Microneedling was ranked as the most tolerable in terms of pain (SUCRA: 72.6%).

In addition, no strong evidence suggesting a treatment reduced the risk of erythema nor post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation compared to the other treatments.

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Conclusion · 1 of 2

The evidence suggests laser combined with platelet-rich plasma or filler injections are the best options for reducing scar severity, while laser combined with chemical peeling yields the best patient satisfaction.

Conclusion · 2 of 2

Laser combined with other therapies should be considered to optimize treatment of acne scarring.

Optimal treatment options for acne scars in patients with historic acne: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Optimal treatment options for acne scars in patients with historic acne: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

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