jsmc-10021

THE EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF ABLATIVE FRACTIONAL CARBON DIOXIDE LASER FOR TREATMENT OF ACNE SCARS

Mohammad Y. Saeed*

* Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sulaimani.

Submitted: 7/8/2011; Accepted: 10/2/2012; Published 1/12/2012

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.17656/jsmc.10021

ABSTRACT

Background

Acne is a prevalent condition in every society and often results in scarring. Prevention is the optimal method to avoid these scars; however; even with the best efforts, scars will certainly arise. Ablative Fractional Carbon –dioxide laser have recently introduced a good option by using principles of Fractional Photothermolysis which produces a tiny microscopic wound surrounded by undamaged tissue.

Objective

To determine efficacy and safety of ablative fractional CO2 laser for treatment of acne scars.

Methods

Fifteen patients with skin type III, IV, with moderate to severe facial acne scars (according to Goodman and Baron grading system of acne scarring), enrolled in this study were all treated with Ablative Fractional Carbon-dioxide Laser every 4-8 weeks for three consecutive sessions. All subjects were assessed by photographs before treatment and one month after the last session. Post treatment side effects were assessed after each session and one month after the last session.

Results

Post treatment side effects were mild to moderate and transient. Post treatment hyperpigmentation was not permanent. All patients who had moderate and severe scars before treatment changed to mild and moderate scars after completing the last session with decrease in the number and the size of the scars and these changes were statistically significant (P value = 0.002).

Conclusion

Ablative Fractional Carbon-dioxide Laser shown to be safe and effective treatment modality for moderate and severe acne scars.

KEYWORDS

Acne scars, Ablative Fractional Carbone-dioxide Laser.

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