Treatment of atrophic facial acne scars with the Er:YAG laser: a Turkish experience.

BACKGROUND: Acne scars are extremely disturbing to patients, both physically and psychologically. This study assessed the safety and efficacy of the erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser on acne scars.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical effects of resurfacing atrophic facial acne scars with the Er:YAG laser in the Turkish population.

METHODS: A total of 128 patients, aged 22-42 years, underwent laser resurfacing. The patients had Fitzpatrick skin types ranging from II to V. Photographs were taken before and 3 months after treatment. Results were evaluated for the degree of clinical improvement, pigmentary change, and any adverse events.

RESULTS: Clinical improvements in facial skin texture, acne scarring and dyschromia were noted in all patients. There was a 50.2% average clinical improvement. Complete wound healing occurred between 6 and 8 days. Erythema occurred in all patients and lasted longer than 3 months in five patients (3.9%). Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation occurred in nine patients (7%) and lasted longer than 3 months in one patient (0.8%). No patient experienced hypopigmention. Mild to moderate postoperative acne flare-up occurred in 14 patients (11%). No other adverse effects were observed.

CONCLUSION: Er:YAG laser resurfacing is a safe and effective treatment modality for facial acne scars in the Turkish population who have darker skin tones.