Topical Timolol Maleate as an Adjuvant for Microneedling in the Treatment of Post-Acne Scars

Faculty Medicine Year: 2026
Type of Publication: ZU Hosted Pages:
Authors:
Journal: Zagazig University Medical Journal Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University Volume:
Keywords : Topical Timolol Maleate , , Adjuvant , Microneedling , , Treatment    
Abstract:
Background: Atrophic acne scarring is a common sequela of acne vulgaris. Topical timolol maleate has recently attracted attention for its wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical timolol maleate 0.5% as an adjuvant to microneedling in the management of atrophic post-acne scars. Methods: This randomized clinical trial included 60 patients with facial atrophic acne scars, allocated into two equal groups. Group A received microneedling alone, whereas Group B received microneedling combined with topical timolol maleate 0.5%. Six sessions were performed at 2 week intervals. Clinical evaluation was conducted using Goodman and Baron’s qualitative acne scar grading system, quartile improvement, and healing time assessment. Patients were followed monthly for three months after the final session. Results: A statistically significant improvement in Goodman and Baron’s acne scar grading was observed in the timolol group compared with the microneedling-only group after treatment (P = 0.003). Within-group analysis demonstrated a highly significant improvement only in the timolol group (P = 0.001). No significant differences were detected between the two groups regarding quartile grading of improvement (P=0.660) or patient satisfaction (P = 0.672). Healing time was significantly shorter in the timolol group compared with the microneedling group (1.1 ± 0.5 vs 2.9 ± 0.72 days, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Topical timolol maleate 0.5% used as an adjuvant to microneedling represents a safe and effective therapeutic option for atrophic acne scars. It provides significant improvement in scar grading and markedly shortens healing time, making it a practical, accessible, and noninvasive adjunctive modality.
   
     
 
       

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