Atrophic and a mixed pattern of acne scars improved with a 1320-nm Nd:YAG laser.
BACKGROUND
Acne scar correction remains a challenge to the dermatologic surgeon. With nonablative laser resurfacing, this correction is imputed to dermal collagen remodeling and acne scar reorganization. Although atrophic acne scars tend to respond to laser treatment, the deeper ice pick and boxcar scars tend to be laser resistant.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the treatment of atrophic and a mixed pattern of facial acne scars, we evaluated a 1320-nm Nd:YAG laser. Twelve subjects with atrophic facial acne scars (N=6) or a combination of atrophic and pitted, sclerotic, or boxcar scars (N=6) received three laser treatments. Physician and patient acne scar ratings were performed at baseline and at 6 months after the last treatment. Acne scars were rated with a 10-point severity scale.


RESULTS
Mean acne scar improvement was 1.5 points on physician assessments (P=0.002) and 2.2 points on patient assessments (P=0.01). Acne scars were rated more severely by patients than by the physician at all intervals. There were no noted complications at 6 months.


CONCLUSIONS
The 1320-nm Nd:YAG laser is a safe and effective nonablative modality for the improvement of atrophic and a mixed pattern of facial acne scars.
Rogachefsky
Arlene S
AS
Skin Laser and Surgery Specialists of New York and New Jersey, 20 Prospect Avenue, Suite 702, Hackensack, NJ 07601, USA.
Hussain
Mussarat
M
Goldberg
David J
DJ
D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005466:Fluorocarbons / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007036:Hypothermia, Induced / Q000379:methods; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D005466:Fluorocarbons; C015531:tetrafluoroethylene