Comparison Study of Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser Resurfacing Using Different Fluences and Densities for Acne Scars in Asians: A Randomized Split-Face Trial

BackgroundAblative 10,600-nm carbon dioxide (CO2) fractional laser treatments have shown favorable outcomes for atrophic acne scars. ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy and complications of fractional CO2 laser treatments with different fluences and densities for acne scars. MethodsTwenty patients were treated using a single session of fractional CO2 laser in Deep FX mode. In Group A (n=10), half of the face was treated with 20mJ, density 10% and the other half with 20mJ, density 20%. In Group B (n=10), half of the face was treated with 10mJ, density 10% and the other half with 20mJ, density 10%. Patients were evaluated at baseline and 3days, 1week, 1month, and 3months after the procedure. ResultsThere was no significant difference in efficacy between different laser settings within the groups, although adverse effects were more evident in patients treated with higher densities or fluences. ConclusionFactional CO2 laser treatment using the Deep FX mode may provide a significant efficacy with lower fluence and density with fewer complications than with higher energies for acne scars.