Fractional carbon dioxide laser-assisted delivery of lyophilized-growth factors is a promising treatment modality of post-acne scars.

Abstract

Lyophilized-growth factors (L-GFs), is a new platelet rich plasma (PRP) preparation that is standardized in growth factors concentrations. The aim of this study was to compare the therapeutic efficacy of ablative fractional CO2 laser in combination with L-GFs vs PRP in post-acne scars. This study was conducted on 45 patients presented with facial post-acne scars. Each patient received three sessions of fractional CO2 laser on both sides of the face followed by topical application of L-GFs on one side and conventional PRP on the other side. Assessment was done before and after treatment semiquantitatively by Echella d'Èvaluation Clinique des Cicatrices d'Acné (ECCA) score and qualitatively by Goodman and Baron's qualitative scar (GBQS) scale, in addition to dermoscopic evaluation. The current study reported significant clinical improvement of post-acne scars on both sides of the face evidenced by significant reduction of both ECCA score and GBQS scale with minimal side effects. The degree of clinical improvement and patients' satisfaction were significantly higher with shorter downtime in response to fractional CO2 laser combined with L-GFs rather than its combination with PRP. In conclusion, laser assisted delivery of L-GFs via fractional CO2 laser could be considered a novel successful therapeutic modality for post-acne scars.