Objectives: Many treatment modalities are available for post acne scarring. However,
the response to the treatment is extremely variable among patients.
Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of Q-switched
Nd:
YAG (1064 nm) and fractional CO2 (10,600 nm) lasers in the treatment of atrophic
post acne scars.
Methods: This study included 20 patients with atrophic facial post acne scars graded
according to Sharquie's score. All subjects received four sessions of laser treatment
with a 4-week
interval between the sessions. The study was designed as a double-blinded,
comparative, split-face
study applying Q-switched
1064-nm
Nd:YAG laser to
the right side of the face and fractional CO2 laser to the left side.
Results: Q-switched
1064-nm
Nd: YAG laser achieved significantly higher improvement
percentage when compared to fractional CO2 lasers (33.33% versus 17.37%
Sharquie's score reduction, respectively). There was a significant negative correlation
between the percentages of improvement and the patients’ age on both sides and a
significant positive correlation with the baseline Sharquie scores on both sides.
Conclusion: Q-Switched
1064-nm
Nd: YAG laser could be a promising safe option for
the management of atrophic post acne scars.