title: Nonablative Fractional Laser Resurfacing for Acne Scarring in Patients With Fitzpatrick Skin Phototypes IV-VI.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There is a paucity of studies investigating laser resurfacing in Fitzpatrick skin phototypes (SPT) IV to VI.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess the efficacy and safety of fractional nonablative laser resurfacing in the treatment of acne scarring in patients with SPT IV to VI.
  
  
  METHODS
  The authors conducted a randomized, investigator-blinded and rater-blinded, split-face comparative study of adults with SPT IV to VI and facial acne scars treated with 2 different density settings and the same fluence.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Quantitative global scarring grading system (QGSGS) scores were significantly improved from baseline at 16 and 24 weeks (p = .0277). Improvements in QGSGS scores after higher and lower density treatments were statistically similar (p = .96). The live-blinded dermatologist, the blinded dermatologist photoraters, and the patients rated scars as being significantly more improved by visual analog scale at weeks 16 and 24 compared with baseline (p < .001) for both treatment densities. Five of 7 and 3 of 7 patients in the higher and lower density group, respectively, experienced mild or moderate hyperpigmentation as an investigator observed site reaction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The nonablative 1550-nm fractional laser is safe and efficacious in treating acne scaring in Fitzpatrick skin types IV to VI. Self-limited postinflammatory hyperpigmentation was a common occurrence, especially with higher treatment densities.
authors.affiliation: *Skin of Color Center, Department of Dermatology, Mount Sinai St. Luke's, New York, New York; †Summit Medical Group, Berkeley Heights, New Jersey; ‡Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas; §Department of Dermatology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California; ‖Department of Dermatology, Tufts School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts; ¶Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois; #Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.
authors.forename: Andrew F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Alexis
authors.forename: Marcelyn K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Coley
authors.forename: Rajiv I
authors.initials: RI
authors.lastname: Nijhawan
authors.forename: Janiene D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Luke
authors.forename: Sejal K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Shah
authors.forename: Yahya A
authors.initials: YA
authors.lastname: Argobi
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nodzenski
authors.forename: Emir
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Veledar
authors.forename: Murad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Alam
mesh_terms: D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000150:complications*; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000209:etiology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques / Q000009:adverse effects; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000209:etiology; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012880:Skin Pigmentation