Micro-punch matrix drilling for a nasal hypertrophic scar: A case report

Table 1 Clinical timeline

Time point	Event
1 year prior	Onset of recurrent deep folliculitis on the nose; hypertrophic scar developed after self-squeezing and scratching
9 months prior	First fractional CO2 laser session at an outside institution
6 months prior	Second fractional CO2 laser session at an outside institution (3 months after the first session); scar temporarily flattened after each session but relapsed within weeks
Day 0 (index procedure)	Micro-punch matrix drilling performed at our hospital (6 months after the last laser session)
1 week post-procedure	Scabs shed; punctate wounds healed well
3 months post-procedure	Scar significantly flattened (VSS: 5 → 2)
6 months post-procedure	Scar remained flat and stable (VSS: 2); no recurrence or adverse effects

VSS: Vancouver Scar Scale; CO₂: Carbon dioxide.

Table 2 Vancouver Scar Scale component scores and complications at each time point

Time point	Pigmentation	Vascularity	Pliability	Height	Total VSS	Complications
Baseline (preoperative)	1	1	2	1	5	None
1 week post-procedure	-	-	-	-	-	None (wound healing well)
3 months post-procedure	1	1	0	0	2	None
6 months post-procedure	1	1	0	0	2	None (no recurrence)

VSS: Vancouver Scar Scale.