Greater collagen deposition with the microneedle therapy system than with intense pulsed light.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Intense pulsed light (IPL) and the microneedle therapy system (MTS) are currently available for the treatment of scars. Greater collagen deposition has been proposed as a mechanism for the treatment of scars. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of IPL and MTS on collagen deposition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-four imprinting control region mice were divided into three groups: untreated controls, treatment with IPL, and treatment with MTS. A single pass of IPL 10.5 J/cm(2) and five passes (total 15 strokes) of MTS were performed three times every 2 weeks. Four weeks after the last treatment, skin thickness measurements using a caliper, microscopic examination, Western blot analysis for type I collagen, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for total collagen content were performed. RESULTS: Measured using calipers, MTS, resulted in greater skin thickness than IPL that paralleled the dermal thickness of the biopsied specimens. MTS also increased expression levels of type I collagen and total collagen content more than IPL. IPL effects were superior to control. CONCLUSION: MTS increased collagen deposition more than IPL, and MTS might be more effective than IPL for scar treatment. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.