Safety and efficacy of erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet fractionated laser for treatment of acne scars in type IV to VI skin.
BACKGROUND
Ablative resurfacing lasers are effective for treatment of acne scars, but they have a high risk of complications. Fractional lasers have less severe side effects but more moderate efficacy than ablative devices. Studies were performed in individuals with Fitzpatrick skin type I to VI.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the efficacy and safety of an erbium 1,550-nm fractional laser in the treatment of facial acne scars in Fitzpatrick skin types IV to VI.


METHODS
We conducted a prospective, single-blind, randomized trial in patients with acne scars (n=15), skin type IV to VI, with a 1,550-nm erbium fractionated laser. Patients were divided into two groups; one was treated with 10 mJ and the other with 40 mJ. Five monthly laser sessions were performed. A patient questionnaire was distributed.


RESULTS
There was a significant improvement in the acne scarring and overall appearance (p<.001). No significant difference was found between 10 and 40 mJ. Patients were highly satisfied with their results. Significant postinflammatory hyperpigmentation was seen; pain was significantly higher in darker skin.


CONCLUSIONS
Fractional photothermolysis is effective for the treatment of acne scars, but practition-ers should be aware of the higher incidence of pain and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation in individuals with skin types IV to VI.
Mahmoud
Bassel H
BH
Department of Dermatology, Multicultural Dermatology Center, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
Srivastava
Divya
D
Janiga
Jennifer J
JJ
Yang
James J
JJ
Lim
Henry W
HW
Ozog
David M
DM
D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D012880:Skin Pigmentation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome