Abstract

Background: Acne is a common condition with prevalence as high as 80% among adolescents and often it causes atrophic,scars. Laser resurfacing is an effective treatment for acne scars. However, post-treatment adverse effects are often induced.,Fractional laser photothermolysis has been designed to create microscopic thermal wounds to achieve skin rejuvenation,without significant side effects. Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety level of fractional CO2,laser in atrophic acne scars treatment.
Materials and Methods: Forty patients between 18 and 40 years of both sexes with,atrophic acne scars seen in the Department of Dermatology at Najran University Hospital in Najran, Saudi Arabia, were,treated with 4–6 sessions of fractional CO2 laser resurfacing. The result was evaluated objectively at each follow-up visit,and 3 months after the last laser session using a quartile grading scale. Patient improvements were classified as excellent,when the improvement was >50% in scar outcome and appearance of skin, good if 25–50% response, and poor when the,response <25%. Patient satisfaction and side effects were monitored and recorded for up to 3 months after the last laser,session.
Results: All patients were with moderate-to-severe atrophic scars. There were 16 patients with predominantly,rolling scar, nine patients with predominantly pitting scar, and 15 patients with mixture scars. The cheek was the most,commonly affected site (95%). At the time of final assessment, an excellent response was observed in 14 patients (37.5%),while 16 (40%) and 10 patients (25%) demonstrated a good and poor response, respectively. Rolling scar responds better to,the treatment than other types of acne scar (P = 00). Side effects were transient and mild, and 62.5% of patients were very,satisfied or only satisfied with the treatment.
Conclusions: Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing as monotherapy appeared to be,a safe and effective option for atrophic acne scar treatment especially rolling scars with minimal adverse effects.