Treatment of acne scarring with a novel dual-wavelength laser

Background Facial acne scarring is a prevalent disease with both physical and psychosocial sequelae. Aims This study aims to evaluate an innovative solid state dual wavelength 1,319 and 589 nm laser, which does not require consumable dye, for the treatment of acne scars. Patients/methods A total of 12 patients (11 female, 1 man - Fitzpatrick skin phototypes II & III) with acne scar for more than one year, were treated with 1319 nm and subsequently by 589 nm, all having four-sessions, one every other week. A full face was covered in approximately 30 minutes. Acne scars were scored by one physician evaluator using the ECCA grading scale before, 2 weeks after each treatment and 1 month and 6 months after the 4th treatment. Safety was measured by recording subject discomfort scores and adverse effects. Results 12 subjects were enrolled into the study, 10 completed all 4 treatments and 2 were lost to follow up. Fluence used was 28 J/cm(2) +/- 2.4 J/cm(2) at 1,319 nm and 16 +/- 2.9 J/cm(2) at 589 nm. At baseline, mean ECCA score was 98 +/- 23. This score was reduced to 88 +/- 30 (p<0.02), after one session, to 68 +/- 21 (p<0.01) after 2 sessions, to 58 +/- 17 (p<0.01) after 3 sessions to reach 58 +/- 15 (p<0.01) 1 month after the 4th and finally 66 +/- 11 (p<0.01) at 6 month follow up. This observation corresponds respectively to 14%, 33%, 42%, 40% and 30% reduction of the ECCA score. Only one patient (ECCA score: 120) did not improve after 3 sessions. Slight to moderate erythema was sometimes observed without dryness or bruising. No or minimal burning or stinging was reported. No crust was observed. Conclusion Improvement in scarring was noted in almost all patients with minimal discomfort and minimal downtime. Combining both minimal side effects with effective acne scar reduction, this laser appears to be highly effective. Long-term evaluation remains necessary to confirm the efficacy of this new laser.