Nonablative 1450-nm diode laser in the treatment of facial atrophic acne scars in type IV to V Asian skin: a prospective clinical study.

BACKGROUND: There is presently little published data on the clinical effectiveness of nonablative lasers in the treatment of atrophic acne scars and the safety of their use in patients with darker skin types.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the clinical effectiveness and safety of the nonablative 1450 nm diode laser with cryogen cooling spray in the treatment of facial atrophic acne scars in Type IV-V Asian skin.

METHODS: This is a prospective non-comparative open study. 4 to 6 laser treatment sessions were performed on patients with atrophic acne scars. Final clinical assessment was performed 6 months after the last treatment.

RESULTS: 57 patients were evaluated. Patient's self-assessment of scar improvement as compared with doctor's assessment was as follows: patients who completed 4 treatments (15.7% vs 6.6%), patients who completed 5 treatments (20% vs 7.9%) and patients those who completed 6 treatments (17.3% vs 5.0%). Main side effects were mild to moderate pain during the procedure, transient erythema, and hyperpigmentation which occurred in 39% of treated patients.

CONCLUSION: The nonablative 1450 nm diode laser may be effective in achieving mild to moderate gradual clinical improvement in the treatment of facial atrophic acne scars. The procedure is associated with minimal downtime and is safe for use in darker skin types IV and V.