Acne scarring can be classified into atrophic icepick, boxcar, and rolling scars in addition to keloidal and hypertrophic scars. Furthermore, these scars can be erythematous, hyperpigmented, and/or hypopigmented. Each scar type has a different structural cause warranting a customized approach. Many cosmetic options exist to address these changes individually, but little literature exists about the safety and efficacy of combining such procedures and devices.

The purpose of a study published in Dermatologic Surgery was to assess the safety and efficacy of combining various cosmetic procedures and devices in the treatment of acne scars.

This study entailed aMedline search performed on combination treatments relating facial acne scarring, and the results were summarized. Studies examining the efficacy and safety of ablative, non-ablative, fractionated, and non-fractionated lasers, dermabrasion, chemical peels, needling, subcision, radiofrequency, stem cell therapy, fat transplantation, platelet-rich plasma and hyaluronic acid dermal fillers for acne scars were found.

Review of the literature revealed multiple single options for facial acne scarring treatment with minimal evidence on the safety and efficacy of combining such procedures and devices.

In inference, it was stated that combining acne scar treatment techniques can be performed safely and synergistically with optimal patient outcomes.

Source: Dermatologic Surgery. 2016 May;42Suppl 2:S139-49. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000000746.