Ann Dermatol.  2013 Nov;25(4):445-453. 10.5021/ad.2013.25.4.445.

Treatment of Acne Scars and Wrinkles in Asian Patients Using Carbon-Dioxide Fractional Laser Resurfacing: Its Effects on Skin Biophysical Profiles

• Hwang YJ
• Lee YN
• Lee YW
• Choe YB
• Ahn KJ

• KMID: 2265055
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2013.25.4.445

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Although ablative fractional resurfacing is known to be effective against photoaging and acne scars, studies on its efficacy, safety and changes in the skin characteristics of Asians are limited.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of carbon dioxide fractional laser (CO2FL) in Koreans treated for wrinkles and acne scars, and to define the changes in skin characteristics during recovery period.
METHODS
We administered one session of CO2FL on 10 acne scar patients and 14 wrinkles patients with skin types IV and V. The surveillance of efficacy and side effects along with the measurement of biophysical properties was carried out before 1 day, 1 week, 1 month and 3 months after treatment.
RESULTS
Using a non-invasive method, skin barrier damage, erythema and bronzing of skin during the recovery period were assessed, and all of the items eventually returned to the pre-treatment level. Skin elasticity was measured in the wrinkle group, and the statistically significant effect was sustained throughout the next three months. The outcome of treatment was found to be better than 'moderate improvement' in both the acne scar and wrinkle groups. Further, there were no serious side effects three months post-procedure.
CONCLUSION
CO2 FL is thought to be an effective and safe method for treating moderate to severe acne scars and wrinkles in Asians.

Keyword

Ablative fractional photothermolysis; Acne scar; Wrinkle

MeSH Terms

Acne Vulgaris*
Asian Continental Ancestry Group*
Carbon Dioxide
Cicatrix*
Elasticity
Erythema
Humans
Skin*
Carbon Dioxide

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 The changes in skin characteristics measured in the cheek before after and up to three months after being treated with 10,600 nm CO2 fractional laser system in acne scar patients. (A) TEWL, (B) sebum excretion (C) erythema (D) melanin. TEWL: transepidermal water loss, Sebumeter: measurement of sebum excretion rate. *p<0.05; **p<0.01.

• 

  Fig. 2 The changes in skin characteristics measured in the perioral region before, after and up to three months after being treated with 10,600 nm CO2 fractional laser system in 21 wrinkle patients. (A) TEWL, (B) elasticity, (C) erythema, (D) melanin. TEWL: transepidermal water loss, Revisco: Reviscometer, measurement of elasticity. *p<0.05; **p<0.01.

• 

  Fig. 3 (A) Acne scars in both cheeks before treatment. (B) Follow-up 3 months after treatment at a pulse energy 20 mJ and density 1,000 microthermal treatment zone/cm2. Both the investigator and the patient reported roughly 60% improvement ('marked improvement').

• 

  Fig. 4 (A) Wrinkle severity rating scale grade 3 before treatment. (B) Follow-up 3 months after treatment at a pulse energy 20 mJ and density 1,000 microthermal treatment zone/cm2. Both the investigator and the patient report a more than 75% improvement.

• 

  Fig. 5 (A) Acne scar group. (B) Wrinkle group. Patients and investigators assessment of clinical improvement 3 month post-treatment using global improvement scale (0, no change; 1, 1%~25%=minimal improvement; 2, 26%~50%=moderate improvement; 3, 51%~75%=marked improvement; 4, more than 75%=near total improvement).

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