Treatment of Moderate-to-severe Facial Acne Vulgaris with Solid-state Fractional 589/1,319-nm Laser.

Objective

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the efficacy, safety and patient satisfaction of a unique combination of wavelengths 589nm and 1,319nm for the treatment of facial acne vulgaris.

Design

This was a small, randomized, prospective, split-face, single-blinded study of patients with moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris.

Setting

The study took place at a single outpatient center study in Torrance, California.

Participants

Nine patients underwent four treatment sessions at 2- to 3-week intervals. Each patient received one pass with the 1,319nm laser followed by one pass with the 589nm laser only to the randomized treatment side of the face. Measurements: A blinded, board-certified dermatologist reviewed photographs and counted acne lesions on treated and nontreated sides.

Results

Of the nine patients, eight were Fitzpatrick Skin Type IV. At the final visit, inflammatory acne lesions were reduced by 2.5 (-23.1%) on the treatment side and increased by 1.1 (+11.1%) on the control side. No patients experienced bruising, edema, hyperpigmentation or scarring. At the conclusion of the study, 77.8 percent of the patients reported overall satisfaction.

Conclusion

This unique combination of lasers appears to be safe in patients with Fitzpatrick Skin Type IV, and might be useful in treating moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris.