Fractional photothermolysis for the treatment of acne scars: a report of 27 Korean patients.
OBJECTIVE
Atrophic post-acne scarring remains a therapeutically challenging condition despite various currently available technologies. Fractional photothermolysis (FP) is a novel concept of cutaneous resurfacing which induces non-contiguous microscopic thermal injury. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of FP in the treatment of acne scars in Asian patients.


METHODS
A total of 27 Korean patients (Fitzpatrick skin types IV or V) with moderate to severe facial acne scars received three to five sessions of FP treatment (Fraxel Laser; Reliant Technologies, CA, USA), each spaced 3-4 weeks apart. Standardized digital photographs were obtained before each treatment and 3 months after the final treatment. In addition, the patients' perceived degrees of improvement were assessed 3 months after the final treatment using a five-point grading scale.


RESULTS
FP led to marked improvement in the appearance of acne scars at 3 months post-treatment. Patients' self-assessed degrees of improvement were as follows: excellent improvement in eight patients (30%), significant improvement in 16 patients (59%), and moderate improvement in three patients (11%). Adverse events were limited to transient pain, erythema and edema.


CONCLUSIONS
The 1550-nm erbium-doped FP is associated with significant patient-reported improvement in the appearance of acne scars, with minimal downtime.
Lee
Hyoun Seung
HS
Gowoonsesang Dermatology Clinic, Seoul, Korea.
Lee
Jong Hee
JH
Ahn
Gun Young
GY
Lee
Dong Hun
DH
Shin
Jung Won
JW
Kim
Dong Hyun
DH
Chung
Jin Ho
JH
D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000150:complications; D000328:Adult; D044466:Asian People; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000208:ethnology / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007723:Korea; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D016896:Treatment Outcome