Short-pulsed and Q-switched ND-YAG laser with topical carbon versus fractional CO2 laser in the treatment of enlarged facial pores: A split-face comparative study

Objectives To assess and compare the efficacy and safety of topical carbon plus short-pulsed and Q-switched Nd-YAG laser to fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser in improving the appearance of wide facial pores. Materials and Methods Thirty Egyptian patients with wide facial pores were treated in a split-face manner with two sessions of fractional CO2 laser on one side of the face and topical carbon followed by short-pulsed and Q-switched Nd-YAG laser on the other side at 4-week intervals. Clinical evaluation by Investigator Global Assessment (IGA), patient satisfaction level, and photography before treatment and 1 month after the second laser session was performed and adverse effects were monitored. Dermoscopic evaluation by dermoscopy pore score and optical coherence tomography (OCT) evaluation by surface irregularities score were performed at baseline and 1-month posttreatment. Results One month after treatment, both modalities produced significant reduction in IGA score, dermoscopy pore score, and surface irregularities by OCT (p < 0.001, p < 0.001). Both procedures were well-tolerated. There was no significant difference in IGA, dermoscopy pore score, surface irregularities score by OCT, adverse effects or patient satisfaction level between both treated sides. Conclusion Fractional CO2 laser and topical carbon application followed by short-pulsed and Q-switched Nd-YAG laser can be safely and effectively used to improve the appearance of wide facial pores.