Discussion : Ablative lasers seem to achieve the highest degree of efficacy , albeit this is associated with significant pain and downtime , and the risk for long-term pigmentary changes .
Non-ablative fractional photothermolysis ( FP ) has a much safer profile but can not achieve as good cosmetic results .
The efficacies of fractional radiofrequency microneedling and radiofrequency are slightly inferior to that of FP but offer an even safer adverse profile .
Conclusion : Multiple devices have been used with varying levels of efficacy and very different safety profiles .
There is an overall lack of high- quality evidence about the effects of different interventions .
Introduction : Acne scarring is a very common problem , which can be extensive , and may lead to significant psychosocial morbidity .
Multiple types of treatments are used to ameliorate atrophic scars with varying degrees of success .
This paper provides an overview of the various energy-based modalities that are commonly employed against acne scarring .
Objectives and methods : A comprehensive literature search of papers published since 2008 was performed in order to determine the efficacy and adverse reactions of commonly used energy-based treatments against post-acne scarring .
Fractional nonablative 1,540-nm laser resurfacing of atrophic acne scars. A randomized controlled trial with blinded response evaluation
The efficacy of nonablative fractional laser resurfacing of  acne scars has been described in case reports and uncontrolled trials . The present study is the first r and omized controlled trial in this field . The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy and adverse effects of 1,540-nm nonablative fractional laser treatment of acne scars . Ten patients with acne scars were included . Two intraindividual areas of similar size and appearance within contralateral anatomical regions were r and omized to ( 1 ) 3-monthly laser treatments with a StarLux 1,540-nm fractional h and piece , and ( 2 ) no treatment . Blinded on-site clinical evaluations were performed before treatment , and at 4 and 12 weeks after the final treatment . End-points were overall change in scar texture ( from score 0 , even texture , to 10 , worst possible scarring ) , adverse effects , change in skin colour ( from score 0 , absent , to 10 , worst possible ) , and patient satisfaction ( from score 0 , no satisfaction , to 10 , best imaginable satisfaction ) . Before treatment , scars were moderately atrophic and uneven in texture on both treated and untreated sides ( median score 6.5 , interquartile range 4.5–8 ; P=1 ) . After treatment , laser-treated scars appeared more even and smooth than untreated control areas ( 4.5 , 2–6.5 , versus 6.5 , 4.5–8 , P=0.0156 , at 4 weeks ; 4.5 , 2.5–6.5 , versus 6.5 , 4.5–8 , at 12 weeks ; P=0.0313 ) . Patients were satisfied with the treatment ( 5.5 , 1–7 , after 12 weeks ) and five of the ten patients evaluated their acne scars as moderately or significantly improved . No differences were found in skin redness or pigmentation between before and after treatment . Patients experienced moderate pain , erythema , oedema , bullae , and crusts . No adverse effects were seen in untreated control areas . The nonablative 1,540-nm fractional laser improves acne scars with a minimum of adverse effects
Discussion : Ablative lasers seem to achieve the highest degree of efficacy , albeit this is associated with significant pain and downtime , and the risk for long-term pigmentary changes .
Non-ablative fractional photothermolysis ( FP ) has a much safer profile but can not achieve as good cosmetic results .
The efficacies of fractional radiofrequency microneedling and radiofrequency are slightly inferior to that of FP but offer an even safer adverse profile .
Conclusion : Multiple devices have been used with varying levels of efficacy and very different safety profiles .
There is an overall lack of high- quality evidence about the effects of different interventions .
Introduction : Acne scarring is a very common problem , which can be extensive , and may lead to significant psychosocial morbidity .
Multiple types of treatments are used to ameliorate atrophic scars with varying degrees of success .
This paper provides an overview of the various energy-based modalities that are commonly employed against acne scarring .
Objectives and methods : A comprehensive literature search of papers published since 2008 was performed in order to determine the efficacy and adverse reactions of commonly used energy-based treatments against post-acne scarring .