Comparison study of fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing using different fluences and densities for acne scars in Asians: a randomized split-face trial.

BACKGROUND

Ablative 10,600-nm carbon dioxide (CO2 ) fractional laser treatments have shown favorable outcomes for atrophic acne scars.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and complications of fractional CO2 laser treatments with different fluences and densities for acne scars.

METHODS

Twenty patients were treated using a single session of fractional CO2 laser in Deep FX mode. In Group A (n = 10), half of the face was treated with 20 mJ, density 10% and the other half with 20 mJ, density 20%. In Group B (n = 10), half of the face was treated with 10 mJ, density 10% and the other half with 20 mJ, density 10%. Patients were evaluated at baseline and 3 days, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after the procedure.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in efficacy between different laser settings within the groups, although adverse effects were more evident in patients treated with higher densities or fluences.

CONCLUSION

Factional CO2 laser treatment using the Deep FX mode may provide a significant efficacy with lower fluence and density with fewer complications than with higher energies for acne scars.