Efficacy of Stromal Vascular Fraction on Acne Scar Correction

Summary

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intradermal injection of autologous stromal vascular fraction (SVF) in the treatment of atrophic acne scars. SVF is a heterogeneous cell population derived from adipose tissue, containing various regenerative and immunomodulatory cells, including mesenchymal stem cells, endothelial progenitor cells, and pericytes. In this prospective, randomized, split-face clinical trial, participants with atrophic acne scars will receive SVF injections on one side of the face and normal saline (NS) injections on the contralateral side as a control. Clinical efficacy will be assessed through blinded scar counts, digital imaging, and histological evaluations including epidermal and dermal regenerative markers. The study is designed to investigate whether SVF provides superior clinical improvement compared to placebo.

Timeline

Start

2025-07

Primary completion

2025-12

Completion

2026-07

Publications

• Results Mbiine R, Wayengera M, Kiwanuka N, Munabi I, Muwonge H, Nakanwagi C, Joloba M, Galukande M. Autologous adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) in scar treatment among patients with keloids and hypertrophic scars: a systematic review and meta-analysis of current practices and outcomes. Am J Stem Cells. 2023 Dec 15;12(5):98-111. eCollection 2023.
• Results Bora P, Majumdar AS. Adipose tissue-derived stromal vascular fraction in regenerative medicine: a brief review on biology and translation. Stem Cell Res Ther. 2017 Jun 15;8(1):145. doi: 10.1186/s13287-017-0598-y.
• Results Connolly D, Vu HL, Mariwalla K, Saedi N. Acne Scarring-Pathogenesis, Evaluation, and Treatment Options. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2017 Sep;10(9):12-23. Epub 2017 Sep 1.
• Results Dreno B, Layton A, Bettoli V et al. Evaluation of the prevalence, risk factors, clinical characteristics, and burden of acne scars among active acne patients in brazil, france, and the USA. J Am Acad Dermatol 2017; 76:ab132.
• Results Kwon HH, Yoon HS, Suh DH, Yoon JY, Park SK, Lee ES, Lee JH, Kim NI, Kye YC, Ro YS, Lee SJ, Kim MN, Sung KJ, Lee ES, Kim KJ; Korean Society for Acne Research. A nationwide study of acne treatment patterns in Korea: analysis of patient preconceived notions and dermatologist suggestion for treatment. Acta Derm Venereol. 2012 May;92(3):236-40. doi: 10.2340/00015555-1331.
• Results Eichenfield DZ, Sprague J, Eichenfield LF. Management of Acne Vulgaris: A Review. JAMA. 2021 Nov 23;326(20):2055-2067. doi: 10.1001/jama.2021.17633.
• Suh JH, Kim JY, Yoon JY, Lee JH, Kim DH, Jin U, Suh DH. Comparison of Efficacy of Intradermal Stromal Vascular Fraction Injection Versus Saline Injection in the Treatment of Atrophic Acne Scar: A 10-Week, Prospective, Randomized, Split-Face, Single-Blind Controlled Trial. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2025 Dec 18. doi: 10.1007/s13555-025-01617-6. Online ahead of print.

Drugs

Indications