Acne scar treatment using high‐energy fractional nanosecond Q‐switched 1064 nm laser

Abstract

Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin diseases; it will affect one out of two people in their lifetimes and about 80% of people aged between 11 and 30 years. [1][2][3] Acne scarring, a common complication, develops to some degree in the majority of acne sufferers. 4 Scars are divided into three general categories: ice-pick scars, rolling scars, and boxcar scars 5 and are a result of excessive inflammation, acne severity, physical manipulation of the skin, and a delay in seeking adequate treatment. 3 It affects people both physically and emotionally worldwide, regardless of sex, age, and ethnicity. 2,6 There is also a negative societal perception of acne scars. 7 Unfortunately, many cases of acne remain untreated or are treated sub-optimally, and patients that later develop acne scarring often need acne scarring treatment. None of the currently available treatments achieve a complete resolution of scars, and thus, prevention of scarring by early and aggressive acne treatment is the best option. 8 There are many different treatment modalities for acne scarring, such as chemical peeling, retinoids, dermabrasion, microneedling, subcision, surgical excision, dermal fillers, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and different energy-based devices. Evidently, a combination of various treatment modalities gives better results than monotherapy. 8,9 Energy-based devices, such as intense pulsed light (IPL), radiofrequency, and lasers, have gained popularity as part of the scar treatment arsenal in recent years. The ablative 2940 nm Er:YAG and 10 600 nm CO 2 lasers have been used in treating various types of scars. However, due to adverse effects such as edema, erythema, dyspigmentation,

Acne Scars and Fractional Laser: A Comprehensive Review

“…In a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, researchers assessed patient satisfaction after fractional laser therapy for acne scars. The research found a high satisfaction rate of 80%, with patients reporting better scar appearance, greater selfesteem, and overall happiness with the treatment results [22].…”

“…After getting the surgery, several patients report enhanced self-esteem and life quality. With fractional laser therapy, patient-reported outcomes and surveys regularly reveal high levels of satisfaction and pleasant experiences [22]. In a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, researchers assessed patient satisfaction after fractional laser therapy for acne scars.…”

Efficacy and safety of novel topical pigment‐correcting regimen with biweekly diamond tip microdermabrasion procedures on facial hyperpigmentation

“…18 In-office procedures may include chemical peels, microdermabrasion, microneedling, and energy-based methods such as laser treatments for melanin removal. [19][20][21] DiamondGlow® (DG; Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie Company, Irvine, CA, USA) is a noninvasive, in-office procedure using a pro- (HQ)-free, pigment-correcting topical skincare products that target multiple cellular pathways in melanogenesis to treat broadly dispersed hyperpigmentation and dark spots (such as PIH and solar lentigines), respectively. 22,23 The objective of this study was to assess cosmetic changes in subjects with mild to severe overall facial hyperpigmentation who received a combination of a series of 6 DG procedures using EC-DG, along with an at-home skincare regimen comprising ABT and spot cream.…”

“…In addition, combination treatments that involve an in‐office procedure, along with an at‐home topical regimen, have demonstrated greater efficacy than single treatments alone, and help to reduce risk of recurrence of hyperpigmentation 18 . In‐office procedures may include chemical peels, microdermabrasion, microneedling, and energy‐based methods such as laser treatments for melanin removal 19–21 …”