ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Many treatment modalities are available for post acne scarring. However, the response to the treatment is extremely variable among patients. AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of Q-switched Nd: YAG (1064 nm) and fractional CO2 (10,600 nm) lasers in the treatment of atrophic post acne scars. METHODS: This study included 20 patients with atrophic facial post acne scars graded according to Sharquie's score. All subjects received four sessions of laser treatment with a 4-week interval between the sessions. The study was designed as a double-blinded, comparative, split-face study applying Q-switched 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser to the right side of the face and fractional CO2 laser to the left side. RESULTS: Q-switched 1064-nm Nd: YAG laser achieved significantly higher improvement percentage when compared to fractional CO2 lasers (33.33% versus 17.37% Sharquie's score reduction, respectively). There was a significant negative correlation between the percentages of improvement and the patients' age on both sides and a significant positive correlation with the baseline Sharquie scores on both sides. CONCLUSION: Q-Switched 1064-nm Nd: YAG laser could be a promising safe option for the management of atrophic post acne scars.
