Treatment of inflammatory facial acne with 1,450-nm diode laser in type IV to V Asian skin using an optimal combination of laser parameters.
BACKGROUND
The 1,450-nm diode laser is effective for the treatment of inflammatory acne, but there is a significant risk of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) in Asian skin.


OBJECTIVE
To determine whether lower fluence and shorter cooling duration of the 1,450-nm diode laser improve acne effectively with minimal PIH in darker skin.


METHODS
Twenty-six subjects (skin phototypes IV-V) with inflammatory facial acne received four treatments using the 1,450-nm diode laser with 6-mm spot size 3 to 4 weeks apart. We used three passes with a fluence of 8 J/cm(2) with dynamic cooling of 25 ms to minimize PIH. Serial blinded assessment of acne lesion counts and sebum measurement were evaluated before and up to 6 months after treatment.


RESULTS
Four weeks and 6 months after the last treatment, reduction of mean acne lesions was 29% (p<.01) and 40% (p<.03), respectively, from baseline in the group with moderate acne. Significant improvements of sebum production were noted. Four episodes of temporary PIH (3.8%) were observed out of all treatment sessions.


CONCLUSIONS
Use of multiple passes of a 1,450-nm diode laser with lower fluence and shorter dynamic cooling device retains its therapeutic efficacy with substantial reduction of PIH for moderate acne.
Yeung
Chi K
CK
Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
Shek
Samantha Y
SY
Yu
Carol S
CS
Kono
Taro
T
Chan
Henry H
HH
D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000150:complications / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D044466:Asian People; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D055815:Young Adult