Comparison of the Effects of Adipose Extracellular Matrix/Stromal Vascular Fraction Gel Injection and CO₂ Fractional...

Adipose extracellular matrix/stromal vascular fraction gel (ECM/SVF-gel) contains adipose-derived stem cells, extracellular matrix, and other cell components, and possesses the ability to promote collagen production and serve as a filling agent.

To assess the efficacy and safety of ECM/SVF-gel injection for the treatment of acne scars, compared to CO₂ fractional laser (CO₂FL).

We performed an open-label, investigator-initiated, assessor-blinded, split-face trial in Xijing Hospital, China, between July 11, 2020, and December 30, 2022. Patients exhibiting moderate to severe acne scars were randomly assigned to a single ECM/SVF-gel injection on one half of the face or two sessions of CO₂FL treatments on the other half. The primary outcome was the change in total Echelle d'Evaluation Clinique des Cicatrices d'acne (ECCA) score from baseline to 24-week follow-up. Secondary outcomes included the changes in the volume of scars assessed by the Antera 3D software.

A total of 11 participants were enrolled, and 10 completed the follow-up. The mean age of patients was 27.5 ± 4.2, 7 female and four male, seven with Fitzpatrick skin Type III and four with Type IV. At 24weeks, the mean change in ECCA score was -60.25 on the side of ECM/SVF-gel injection and - 43.25 on the side of CO₂FL treatment (difference:-17.00 [95% CI: -24.56 to -9.44], p < 0.001). Antera 3D photography analysis showed that the mean change in scar volume was -33.17% on ECM/SVF-gel injection and -19.69% on CO₂FL (difference: -13.48% [95% CI:-22.16% to -4.79%], p = 0.004).

ECM/SVF-gel injection is an effective and safe approach in the treatment of acne scars.

ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT06116162.