Sequential Multimodal Laser Therapy Improves Acne Scar Geometrics and Texture

According to a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, multimodal CO₂ and 1570-nm laser treatment improved the surface profilometry of patients with atrophic facial acne scars.

Researchers aimed to investigate the efficacy of sequential multimodal laser therapy in improving the geometrics and texture of acne scars.

Sixteen adult patients with facial acne scars underwent 3 sessions of combination ablative (CO₂) and nonablative (1570-nm) laser treatments spaced 2 months apart. The treatment utilized a ProScan Hybrid applicator, delivering laser illumination in a grid mode sequence. Scar microtopography was evaluated before treatment and 6 months after the final session.

At baseline, all patients exhibited box and rolling scars, with only 3 having icepick scars. After treatment, there was a notable improvement in scar volume and affected area. Mean scar volume decreased from 5.7 ± 5.2 mm³ to 3.1 ± 3.0 mm³, and mean affected area decreased from 165.6 ± 134.0 mm² to 94.0 ± 80.1 mm², corresponding to reductions of 47.0 ± 7.9% and 43.2 ± 8.6% from baseline, respectively. Patient satisfaction with the outcomes was high, and no serious adverse reactions were reported.

“Customization of both treatment intervals and laser settings to cosmetic regions, scar profiles, and skin phototypes may further enhance treatment outcomes and expand its applicability to additional skin deformities,” the authors concluded.

Reference
García PN, Andrino RL. Resurfacing of atrophic facial acne scars with a multimodality CO₂ and 1570 nm laser system. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2024;23(Suppl 1):13-18. doi:10.1111/jocd.16283