Self-contrast study of pinprick therapy combined with super pulse fractional CO2 laser for the treatment of atrophic acne scars.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: This study is to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of a "double-layer" mode of super pulse fractional CO2 laser and a combined treatment of pinprick therapy with fractional CO2 laser for the treatment of atrophic acne scars. METHODS: A split-face and self-contrast method was applied. A total of 20 patients with atrophic acne scars randomly received the above mentioned therapy on the left or right side of the cheek for 3 times with an interval of 3 months. ECCA scores, IVA scores, patients' satisfaction, VAS scores, and adverse reactions were evaluated. RESULTS: Atrophic acne scars on both sides of the cheek were improved obviously. The ECCA scores showed a significant decrease, while IVA scores significantly increased. Compared with the super pulse fractional CO2 laser group, the decrease of ECCA scores, the increase of IVA scores, and the patients' satisfaction were significantly higher and improvement on V-shaped and U-shaped acne scars was significantly better in the combined treatment group. No patients had severe adverse reactions such as blister, infection, or hypertrophic scars. CONCLUSIONS: Super pulse fractional CO2 laser and pinprick treatment combined with fractional CO2 laser are both safe and effective therapy for the treatment of atrophic acne scars.