Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser Effective for Nonacne and Extra Facial Scars in Skin of Color

Fractional carbon dioxide lasers are effective for the treatment of nonacne facial and extra facial scars in the skin of color, according to a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.

Researchers conducted a retrospective study to analyze the efficacy of fractional ablative carbon dioxide laser when treating various types of scars other than acne scars. Additionally, they investigated individual factors that could impact the outcome, such as skin type, duration, shape, location, and color of the scars.

The study consisted of 42 patients with 67 scars which included 43 posttraumatic, 15 postburn, 5 postsurgical, and 5 postfolliculitis scars treated during 2019-2020. These were analyzed and improvement was graded with the investigator and patient global assessment (IGA & PGA) through percentage improvement and quartile scale.

According to IGA & PGA, improvement was graded at 32.7% and 45.4%. For scars that had >50% improvement, IGA recorded at 13.43% and 41.78% with PGA. Researchers reported that early scars, scars without hyperpigmentation, lighter skin type, and posttraumatic scars presented better results. There were no major differences regarding other parameters such as atrophic vs hypertrophic, facial vs extrafacial, linear vs nonlinear, or the number of sessions.

The authors stated, “Fractional carbon dioxide laser efficacious for non-acne facial and extra facial scars in the skin of color. Early intervention could yield more satisfactory results.”

Reference
Maninder K, Richa R, Dinesh AP, Suman P. Factors affecting the outcome of fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing of various types of scars in skin of color. J Cosmet Dermatol. Published online December 21, 2021. doi:10.1111/jocd.14698