Micro-biopsies may revolutionize skin grafting
NCT ID NCT02234193
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This pilot study tested how skin heals after taking very small biopsies, called micro-biopsies, which are smaller than a sewing pin. Eight healthy adults scheduled for tummy tuck surgery had these micro-biopsies taken from skin that would later be removed. The goal was to see if this method causes less scarring and side effects than standard skin grafting. The study aims to understand wound healing and could lead to better treatments for large wounds and burns.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- micro-biopsy device
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could lead to less painful and less scarring methods for harvesting skin grafts.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early pilot study with only 8 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The approach is still experimental.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States
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