A comparative study of skin resurfacing using a fractional Er: YAG laser versus medium-depth peeling in the management of post-acne sequelae Fractional Er:YAG versus medium-depth peeling in post-acne sequel

Abstract

Background: Post-acne scarring is a common permanent disfigurement to the face and various treatment modalities are available. Chemical peeling and ablative lasers have been used with varying degrees of success and complications. Objective:In this study we compared the effects of medium-depth chemical peel by sequential use of glycolic acid (GA) and trichloroacetic acid (TCA), with a combination treatment of fractional and conventional Er:YAG lasers. Methods: one hundred and twenty patients with post-acne scarring were randomly divided over two equally-sized groups. Group I underwent medium-depth chemical peeling and group II was treated with fractional Er:YAG laser. Patients were evaluated both subjectively and objectively during each follow-up visit. Results: Laser therapy was more effective than medium-depth peel. Subjective evaluation showed a higher satisfaction rate of 87.5% in group IL satisfaction fell to 52.5% in group I. Objective evaluation showed very goodto excellent outcome in 82.5% of cases treated in group II. In group I outcome was good in 47.5% and poor in 32.5% of cases. Conclusion: Combined Er:YAG laser therapy had a shorter downtime, was more effective, showed a longer lasting effect and proved safer than the combined use of GAITCA chemical peels.