Comparison of Picosecond Lasers vs. Ablative Fractional Er:YAG Lasers in Treating Atrophic Scar

The 1064-nm Nd:YAG picosecond lasers using fractional micro-lens array (P-MLA) was a promising therapy for skin resurfacing. However, no studies have compared P-MLA with ablative fractional 2940-nm Er:YAG lasers (AF-Er) in treating atrophic acne scars. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of P-MLA and AF-Er for the treatment of atrophic acne scars, we performed a prospective, randomized, split-face, controlled trial. Thirty-one Asian patients underwent four consecutive sessions of randomized split-face treatment with P-MLA and AF-Fr at 4-week intervals.

Inclusion Criteria:age ≥18 years;presence with similar atrophic acne scars on both sides of the face;signed informed consent and cooperated with the follow up and complied the study protocol.Exclusion Criteria:a previous history of keloid or hypertrophic scar formation;undergone any acne scar treatments in the past 6 months before the first treatment;pregnant or lactating females;sensitive to lights;allergic to lidocaine;other preexisting skin conditions or uncontrolled systemic diseases.