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 CO 2 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 CO 2 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 CO 2 laser combined with L-GFs rather than its combination with PRP. In conclusion, laser assisted delivery of L-GFs via fractional CO 2 laser could be considered a novel successful therapeutic modality for post-acne scars.

Combination of ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser and platelet-rich plasma treatment to improve hypertrophic scars: a retrospective clinical observational study

“…A recent study by Neinaa et al. [ 17 ] reported significant clinical improvement of post-acne scars treated with AFCL combined with PRP, as evidenced by the significant reduction in both the Clinique des Cicatrices d’Acné and Goodman and Baron’s qualitative scar scale scores with minimal adverse effects. In that study, they found that AFCL-assisted delivery of lyophilized growth factors, a new PRP preparation that is standardized in growth factor concentrations, reached a higher degree of clinical improvement and patient satisfaction.…”

Rapid Wound Healing and Acne Scar Improvement After Ablative Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser Treatment Combined with the Application of Platelet-Lyophilized Treatment (PLT)

“… 9 , 18 , 19 Several studies suggested that fractional CO 2 laser treatment combined with PRP could reduce edema and prolonged erythema after laser treatment. 20–22 The majority of studies available demonstrated that using PRP in combination with CO 2 for the management of atrophic acne scars could be superior to topical intradermal PRP alone. 23 , 24 Consistent with such findings, our study showed that with the application of PLT, the erythema and edema associated with CO 2 laser treatment were able to resolve completely within 2 days.…”

An overview on the role of CO 2 laser in general dermatology

“…Conversely, recent studies showed a superiority of efficacy when this procedure is associated with platelet rich plasma (PRP) or Lyophilized-growth factors (L-GFs). 29,30 Regarding photorejuvenation and resurfacing, a recent systemic review of 1093 patients has demonstrated the effectiveness of ablative lasers in several indications, highlighting their superiority if compared to nonablative lasers in the field of resurfacing.…”

“…A recent meta‐analysis by Zhang et al has shown that although fractional CO 2 laser is a good option for the treatment of acne scars, in reality its effectiveness appears to be equal to nonlaser CO 2 therapies (eg, nonfractional laser treatments, fat grafting, chemical stripping preparation). Conversely, recent studies showed a superiority of efficacy when this procedure is associated with platelet rich plasma (PRP) or Lyophilized‐growth factors (L‐GFs) 29,30 …”

“…Finally, much more rarely, there may be adverse effects such as hypertrophic scarring or infections of the treated site that are often linked more to poor wound management than to treatment. [29][30][31]…”