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 .
Nonablative fractional photothermolysis for acne scars: clinical and in vivo microscopic documentation of treatment efficacy.
Fractional photothermolysis has been shown to improve various types of scarring , including atrophic  acne scars . The aim of the present authors was to assess the efficacy and safety of the nonablative fractional photothermolysis in the treatment of moderate and severe acne scars . Eighty-seven patients with moderate or severe acne scarring were treated with six sessions with a 1540-nm Erbium glass fiber laser at 3-week intervals . Six months after the final session , 7/87 ( 8 % ) patients showed a moderate improvement , whereas 80/87 ( 92 % ) patients had a marked improvement . In a subset of patients , the present authors also applied in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy to highlight the relevant microscopic changes . Hence , early and late posttreatment findings , most importantly the replacement of a coarser collagen with a new one , similar to the collagen seen in healthy skin , were observed . In accordance to previous studies , the present authors conclude that nonablative fractional photothermolysis is a safe and effective treatment for moderate or severe acne scarring
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 .