Treatment of acne scars in Asian patients using a 2,790-nm fractional yttrium scandium gallium garnet laser

Dermatol Surg. 2011 Oct;37(10):1464-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.2011.02050.x. Epub 2011 Jun 2.

Abstract

Background: Treatment of atrophic scars using a fractional laser resurfacing technique has demonstrated favorable outcomes.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 2,790-nm-wavelength ablative fractional resurfacing on atrophic acne scars in Asian individuals.

Methods: Twenty participants (8 female, 12 male, mean age 26) with skin phototype IV and atrophic acne scars were treated with two sessions of 2,790-nm ablative fractional resurfacing laser at a 6-week interval. Objective and subjective (clinical evaluation by two blinded dermatologists) assessments were obtained at baseline and 1 and 3 months after the final treatment.

Results: At the 3-month follow-up, 70% of the participants were rated as having at least 50% to 89% improvement of scars. Mild erythema was the most common adverse effect, observed in 30% of participants, but resolved completely in an average of 5 days.

Conclusions: Yttrium scandium gallium garnet ablative fractional resurfacing (2,790-nm) appears to be effective and well tolerated for the treatment of atrophic acne scars in Asians. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.

MeSH terms

  • Acne Vulgaris / complications*
  • Adult
  • Asian People*
  • Cicatrix / etiology
  • Cicatrix / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lasers, Solid-State / therapeutic use*
  • Low-Level Light Therapy* / adverse effects
  • Male
  • Young Adult