Fractional laser for scars

Second-generation erbium-doped 1550-nm laser is highly effective for fractional nonablative treatment of acne and surgical scars, and for moderate photoaging, data from a review of 877 cases revealed. All patients had clear photographic documentation of improvement, with most achieving 70%-80% improvement. Treatment parameters and treatment number varied based on skin type and indication. Patient charts and standardized photography were used to analyze clinical indication with efficacy, adverse effects, and skin types.

We found that the best results were achieved with scars, noting that the average improvement in his patients with acne and nonacne scars was about 80%. The next best results were seen with resurfacing on and off the face, with improvement ranging from 60% to 80%. The results were best in patients with Glogau photoaging II-III. The most variable results were seen in patients undergoing treatment for melasma and deep rhytids; these patients had 20%-40% improvement.

The most common short-term adverse events in this study were transient edema and erythema, which occurred in all patients but resolved within 48 hours, and acne flares, which occurred in 26% of patients. The most common long-term side effect was postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, which was most common in those with type V skin, and which resolved in all patients, noting that there were no permanent side effects.