Li ST, Wang H. Micro-punch matrix drilling for a nasal hypertrophic scar: A case report. World J Clin Cases 2026; 14(26): 123562 [DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.123562]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Hui Wang, MD, Department of Dermatology, Hangzhou Liantianmei Medical Aesthetic Hospital, No. 248 Qiutao Road, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China. wh122527902@163.com
Research Domain of This Article
Dermatology
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case-report
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Li ST, Wang H. Micro-punch matrix drilling for a nasal hypertrophic scar: A case report. World J Clin Cases 2026; 14(26): 123562 [DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.123562]
World J Clin Cases. Sep 16, 2026; 14(26): 123562 Published online Sep 16, 2026. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.123562
Micro-punch matrix drilling for a nasal hypertrophic scar: A case report
Si-Tong Li, Hui Wang
Si-Tong Li, Hui Wang, Department of Dermatology, Hangzhou Liantianmei Medical Aesthetic Hospital, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
Author contributions: Li ST designed the methodology, carried out the investigation, performed the formal analysis, and wrote the original manuscript; Wang H conceived the study, acquired the funding, supervised the project, and reviewed and edited the manuscript; and all authors issued final approval for the version to be submitted.
AI contribution statement: No AI tools were utilized during manuscript preparation.
Informed consent statement: Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this report and any accompanying images.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All authors declare that they have no conflict of interest to disclose.
CARE Checklist (2016) statement: The authors have read the CARE Checklist (2016), and the manuscript was prepared and revised according to the CARE Checklist (2016).
Corresponding author: Hui Wang, MD, Department of Dermatology, Hangzhou Liantianmei Medical Aesthetic Hospital, No. 248 Qiutao Road, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China. wh122527902@163.com
Received: May 25, 2026 Revised: August 30, 2026 Accepted: September 17, 2026 Published online: September 16, 2026 Processing time: 117 Days and 1.1 Hours
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Hypertrophic scars on the nose are common due to the high activity of sebaceous glands and significant skin tension in this area. Current standard treatments include laser therapy and intralesional drug (e.g., corticosteroid) injection; however, the results remain unsatisfactory for certain recalcitrant, focal, raised scars. Here, we describe a patient with a hypertrophic scar on the nose treated with micro-punch matrix drilling.
CASE SUMMARY
A 40-year-old female patient was admitted to our hospital with a one-year history of a nasal hypertrophic scar caused by self-squeezing and scratching following deep folliculitis. The patient had previously undergone carbon dioxide fractional laser therapy with unsatisfactory results. Following treatment with the 0.5 mm micro-punch matrix drilling technique, the wound healed well, the scar elevation was significantly flattened, and no adverse reactions (infection, recurrence, or pigment abnormalities) were observed.
CONCLUSION
The micro-punch technique is a minimally invasive and a potentially useful option in this patient with a focal hypertrophic scar. This suggests that it may serve as a promising alternative for selected hypertrophic scars that are unresponsive to conventional therapies, though further studies are required to confirm its broader applicability.
Core Tip: The treatment of hypertrophic scars on the nose is challenging due to high skin tension and rich sebaceous glands in this area. Conventional laser or intralesional injections often yield unsatisfactory results for recalcitrant focal lesions. We report a case of nasal hypertrophic scar successfully flattened using a 0.5 mm micro‑punch matrix drilling technique, with no recurrence or adverse effects. The micro‑punch approach may serve as a simple, safe, and promising alternative for this patient and warrants further investigation in similar cases.
