A preliminary study of utilization of the 1320-nm Nd:YAG laser for the treatment of acne scarring.
BACKGROUND
Multiple treatment modalities have been used for the revision of acne scarring with varying degrees of success. Nonablative laser resurfacing has recently been shown to improve the appearance of atrophic acne scars.


OBJECTIVE
The objective was to determine the efficacy of a 1320-nm Nd:YAG laser for the treatment of acne scars.


METHODS
Eight patients with facial acne scars received six monthly treatments with a 1320-nm Nd:YAG laser with built-in cryogen cooling. Results were evaluated by objective and patient assessment using a 6-point improvement scale: 1=no improvement, 6=80% to 100% improvement.


RESULTS
Acne scar improvement was statistically significant at both the 5-month and 1-year marks. Mean improvement by objective assessment was 3.9 points (p=0.002) at 5 months and 4.3 points (p=0.011) at 1 years. The mean acne scar improvement by patient assessment was 3.6 points (p=0.002) at 5 months.


CONCLUSIONS
The 1320-nm Nd:YAG laser with cryogen cooling significantly improves the appearance of acne scarring.
Sadick
Neil S
NS
Clinical Professor of Dermatology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 10021, USA. nssderm@sadickdermatology.com
Schecter
Amy K
AK
D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000150:complications*; D000328:Adult; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male