Laser treatment for post acne scars– A review

Abstract

Background: For years, there was no successful treatment for acne scars. Now, things have changed. With the development of new technologies, those suffering from acne scarring have multiple options to improve the tone and texture of the skin. Laser treatments, including ablative and non ablative laser skin resurfacing are among available treatment options. Methods: The aim of writing this paper is to review information about acne scarring, as well as potential treatments by laser. The paper will first concentrate on introduction and classification of acne scarring, then go on to treatment modalities specifically by laser. This paper will also focus on post treatment recovery time, side effects and methods to prevent and treat those side effects. Conclusion: Ultimate goal of any intervention in acne scarring is not total cure or perfection; rather it is making scars less visible. Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences | Volume 02 | Number 02 | July-December 2013 | Page 165-170 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v2i2.8970

Treating acne scars in 2020: Use of lasers

“…The (Vbeam® Prima, Candela™) is an updated platform with a long‐pulse 595‐nm PDL that has over 20 indications in the laser device (MH Gold, personal communication, May 21, 2020). Discoloration may occur in darker skin types (IV–VI); however, this side effect is transient, in addition to purpura or mild erythema 7,8 . Acne scars benefit from PDL therapy and are well‐tolerated in addition to benefit treating inflammatory acne lesions 7 .…”

“…According to Gold et al, 9 PDL is recommended as second‐line therapy for linear hypertrophic scars or fractional laser therapy 9 . Keyal et al 8 discussed the device mechanism is hypothesized to heat dermal vessels leading to cytokines that upregulate fibroblasts and endothelial‐derived growth factors that result in neocollagenesis.…”

Effectiveness of CO2laser with subcision in patients with acne scars

“…Skin resurfacing with the CO2 laser remains the gold standard for acne scars 7 . This study attempts to find the therapeutic response of facial acne scars to CO 2 laser alone and in combination with subcision, the rationale for combining these procedures being their additive action.…”