Poly-L-Lactic Acid Combined With CO2 Fractional Laser for the Treatment of Acne Scars.

BACKGROUND

The treatment of acne scars has always been challenging. In the past, its gold standard treatment was carbon dioxide (CO2) fractional laser, but its efficacy rate was only 51%-70%. The use of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) has provided a new treatment strategy. In this study, a novel PLLA material was used in combination with a CO2 fractional laser to treat acne scars, and its safety and effectiveness were evaluated.

AIMS: To determine the safety and effectiveness of PLLA (Loviselle) combined with a CO2 fractional laser in the treatment of acne scars.

METHODS

In this study, 60 patients were randomly divided into two groups, with 30 patients in each group. Group A received only CO2 fractional laser treatment, whereas Group B received injections of PLLA 1, 3, and 5 months after CO2 fractional laser treatment. Both groups were followed up for 6 months after the CO2 fractional laser treatment.

RESULTS

There were statistically significant differences in the Quantitative Global Scarring Grading System (GSS) scores between the two groups before and after treatment. Group B had lower GSS scores than Group A. In the treatment of different types of acne scars using the Acne Scar Rating Scale, the improvement in rolling scars was greater than that in boxcar scars, and both were greater than those in ice-pick scars. Whether evaluated by independent physicians' assessment of treatment improvement or patients' satisfaction questionnaire, the combined treatment group showed better results than the single treatment group, and there were statistically significant differences between the two groups. Adverse reactions included transient redness, bruising, and pigmentation.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of CO2 fractional laser and PLLA can safely and effectively treat acne scars, especially rolling and boxcar depressed scars.