J Cosmet Med.  2022 Jun;6(1):1-7. 10.25056/JCM.2022.6.1.1.

Laser resurfacing in acne scarring: a review

• Lee CH
• Lee KWA
• Chan KW
• Lam KWP
• Wong TH

• KMID: 2561127
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.25056/JCM.2022.6.1.1

Abstract

Scarring can complicate acne vulgaris and lead to considerable psychosocial implications. Resurfacing and collagen regeneration treatments for acne scars include cryotherapy, chemical peeling, lasers and lights, and radiofrequency. Lasers have become popular among these options. A range of lasers with varying designs, wavelengths, and fractional technologies have become available as treatment choices for acne scars. This review compares the efficacy and adverse effects of these treatments. This is a literature review to determine whether the use of a combination of laser treatments yields superior outcomes compared to a single-device method in the management of acne scars. Our literature review revealed that patient factors, including Fitzpatrick skin phenotype and acne scar subtype, are essential determinants of outcome success in acne treatment with laser. Evidence suggests that ablative CO₂ and Er:YAG lasers provide the best curative effects on acne scars in all skin types. Both non-fractional and fractional techniques can effectively treat atrophic acne scars. However, when using a pulse-dye laser to treat hypertrophic scars, the outcomes are variable. Potential complications of ablative lasers include acne flares, infections, and scarring.

Keyword

acne; CO₂ laser; Er; YAG laser; laser; scarring