Background: Laser procedures for acne and acne scars have traditionally been postponed for at least 6 to 8 months after the end of systemic isotretinoin therapy. Lower dosages with more modern laser devices having unique energy parameters of high power in microsecond pulse durations have made it possible to administer laser therapy during or shortly after completion of isotretinoin therapy, thus reducing the risk of side effects of isotretinoin.
Methods: Patients with moderate to severe facial acne (n=46) and atrophic scars enrolled in a 6-month study. Genetic analysis of patients revealed the presence of polymorphisms of genes Col1A2, MMP3, ESR1, MMP1, and MMP7, which can lead to scar formation. Patients underwent low-dosage isotretinoin therapy (0.2-0.3 mg/kg/day) in combination with facial laser treatment using a 650-microsecond, 1064-nm Nd: YAG laser. Acne severity was graded using the Investigators Global Assessment (IGA) scale and quality of life was evaluated by the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).
Results: IGA parameters decreased from 1.8 ± 0.2 (mean ± SD) initially to 0.5 ± 0.4 at the end of the study, a 72.3% reduction which was significant (P<0.01). The DLQI index decreased from 10.1 ± 1.3 initially to 2.8 ± 1.2, a 72.3%, a significant reduction (P<0.01). Inflammatory elements resolved without scarring. Laser treatment was well tolerated and improvement in pre-existing scars was noticeable.
Conclusions: The 650-microsecond, 1064-nm laser in combination with low-dose isotretinoin is safe and effective in patients with acne complicated by atrophic scars and genetically prone to post-acne scarring. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(6): doi:10.36849/JDD.2020.5108.