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 Laser Resurfacing for Acne Scarring in Patients With Fitzpatrick Skin Phototypes IV-VI
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 AND MATERIAL S The authors conducted a r and omized , 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 setting s 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 . CONCLUSION 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
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 .