Treatment of atrophic facial acne scars with the Er:YAG laser: a Turkish experience.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Acne scars are extremely disturbing to patients, both physically and psychologically. This study assessed the safety and efficacy of the erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser on acne scars.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the clinical effects of resurfacing atrophic facial acne scars with the Er:YAG laser in the Turkish population.

METHODS:

A total of 128 patients, aged 22-42 years, underwent laser resurfacing. The patients had Fitzpatrick skin types ranging from II to V. Photographs were taken before and 3 months after treatment. Results were evaluated for the degree of clinical improvement, pigmentary change, and any adverse events.

RESULTS:

Clinical improvements in facial skin texture, acne scarring and dyschromia were noted in all patients. There was a 50.2% average clinical improvement. Complete wound healing occurred between 6 and 8 days. Erythema occurred in all patients and lasted longer than 3 months in five patients (3.9%). Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation occurred in nine patients (7%) and lasted longer than 3 months in one patient (0.8%). No patient experienced hypopigmention. Mild to moderate postoperative acne flare-up occurred in 14 patients (11%). No other adverse effects were observed.

CONCLUSION:

Er:YAG laser resurfacing is a safe and effective treatment modality for facial acne scars in the Turkish population who have darker skin tones.

• Authors: Zekayi Kutlubay, Gonca Gokdemir
• Journal: Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy : official publication of the European Society for Laser Dermatology (J Cosmet Laser Ther) Vol. 12 Issue 2 Pg. 65-72 (Apr 2010) ISSN: 1476-4180 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 20331342 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Acne Vulgaris (complications)
• Adult
• Cicatrix (etiology, pathology, surgery)
• Dermatologic Surgical Procedures
• Face (pathology, surgery)
• Female
• Humans
• Lasers, Solid-State (therapeutic use)
• Male
• Patient Satisfaction
• Skin (pathology)
• Treatment Outcome
• Turkey
• Wound Healing
• Young Adult