Fractional CO2 laser in the treatment of atrophic scars

Abstract

A variety of treatment modalities have been used depending on the scar type. Treatment methods may be invasive /or conservative. To assess the efficacy of fractional CO2 laser in the treatment of atrophic scars. This is an observational study of 30 patients (skin types III–IV, aged 18 –44 years) with atrophic acne and post traumatic depressed scars who underwent three sessions with a fractional CO2 laser at 1-month interval. Side effects as well as improvements in texture, atrophy and overall satisfaction with appearance were graded on a quartile scale by the patients and investigators after each treatment and 4 weeks after the final treatment. Before–after scores were compared using the student t-test, with significance assigned to P values less than 0.05. All patients showed clinical improvement. There was a significant difference in the overall scar appearance between both scar groups according to all dermatologists. The acne scar group improved more than the depressed scar group. There was no statistically significant difference in the assessment of the three dermatologists. In terms of patient satisfaction for the acne scars group, 5 patients were slightly satisfied, 2 patients were satisfied, 4 patients were very satisfied and 3 patients were extremely satisfied. The depressed scar group, 3 patients were not satisfied with the outcome, 6 patients were slightly satisfied, 6 patients were satisfied and only 1 patient was extremely satisfied. Side effects were minimal and transient. Fractional CO2 laser treatment is a safe, well-tolerated and effective treatment modality for atrophic scars, with minimal downtime and fewer side effects.