RESUMO
Background and treatment of atrophic facial acne scars has been limited to the use of traditional methods such as dermabrasion and chemical peels for many years. Recently, high-energy pulsed carbon dioxide [CO 2] laser has been introduced for cutaneous resurfacing. This study was designed to determine the effectiveness and safety of high energy pulsed CO 2 laser in the treatment of facial atrophic acne scars and the occurrence of side effects. Patients and in this study, twenty-two patients with skin phototypes I. II, and III and moderate to severe atrophic facial acne scars were included. Each patient received one high-energy pulsed CO 2 laser treatment session using identical laser parameters by the same laser surgeon. Base line and postoperative clinical assessments and photographs were obtained in all patients. there was 90.5% average clinical improvement observed in acne scars following laser treatment. Side effects were limited to transient hyperpigmentation [4.5% of patients] lasting an average of 3 months. Prolonged erythema [2 months average] was usual and was considered a normal healing response. There was no hypoigmentation, hypertrophic scarring or skin infection following laser treatment. high-energy pulsed CO 2 laser proved to be a safe and effective method in the treatment of atrophic facial acne scars