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 .
Treatment of acne scars with fractional CO2 laser at 1-month versus 3-month intervals: an intra-individual randomized controlled trial.
BACKGROUND Treatment of acne scars with ablative fractional CO2 laser appears to be an effective and well-tolerated treatment . However , so far the influence of treatment interval has not been evaluated . OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether treatment of acne scars with fractional CO2 laser resurfacing at 1-month interval achieves better results with no difference in the occurrence of adverse effects , than treatment given at 3-months interval . METHODS Patients ( n = 13 ) with symmetrical atrophic acne scars on right and left sides of the mid-face and lower-face were r and omized to two fractional CO2 laser treatments at 1-month versus 3-month intervals . Blinded on-site evaluations were performed 1 and 6 months after the last treatment on 10-point scales . Endpoints were scar atrophy , patient satisfaction , and adverse effects . RESULTS Pre-operatively , acne scars were moderately atrophic ( 5.86 ± 1.87 ) . After treatment acne scars appeared with less atrophy on both treated sides 1 month postoperatively ( 1-month interval 1.96 ± 1.23 , P < 0.0001 ; 3-months interval 1.82 ± 1.08 , P = 0.0006 ) and 6 months postoperatively ( 1-month interval 1.56 ± 1.24 , P = 0.0021 ; 3-months interval 1.33 ± 1.66 , P = 0.0002 ) . The treatment interval did not influence the improvement of scar atrophy at any time postoperatively ( P = 0.81 ) . Patients were moderately and equally satisfied with the treatment result on facial sides ( P = 0.93 ) . Postoperative adverse effects were minor and not influenced by the treatment interval . CONCLUSIONS Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing improves atrophic acne scars and a treatment interval of either 1-month or 3-months does not seem to influence the improvement of scar atrophy nor the occurrence of postoperative 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 .