Evaluation of efficacy and safety of a focal fractional laser for the treatment of atrophic acne scars

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of focal fractional laser treatment (FFLT) for atrophic acne scars. Methods A randomized, self-controlled study was performed. A total of 20 patients with atrophic facial acne scars were enrolled into this study. Treatments were randomly administered in a split-face manner. Half of each subject's face received FFLT (FFLT side) , and the other half underwent full-face fractional CO2 laser resurfacing (control side) , for one session. All the patients were followed up for 3 months after the treatment. Evaluation was based on the ECCA grading scale (echelle d'evaluation clinique des cicatrices d'acne) and patient satisfaction score. A VISIA skin detector was used to take photographs and evaluate skin texture. Moreover, physical parameters of the skin, including erythema index, melanin index and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) , were measured. Adverse effects were recorded and evaluated. Statistical analysis was carried out by paired t test, Wilcoxon paired rank test, Fisher's exact test and repeated-measure analysis of variance. Results The ECCA score decreased from 51.24 ± 17.61 at the baseline to 34.46 ± 14.99 at 3 months after the treatment at the FFLT side (t= 7.886, P 0.05). Compared with those before the treatment, skin texture scores decreased in both sides (both P 0.05) from 2 weeks to 3 months after the treatment (all P> 0.05). Conclusion FFLT can improve therapeutic outcomes in atrophic acne scars with reduced adverse reactions. Key words: Cicatrix; Acneiform eruptions; Lasers, gas; Treatment outcome; Drug toxicity