Fractional 1064-nm picosecond-domain laser has recently shown promising results in the treatment of atrophic acne scars.

The purpose of a recent study published in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine was to objectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of a 1064-nm picosecond laser coupled with a microlens array (MLA) for the treatment of atrophic acne scars on Asian skin.

This was a prospective, self-controlled study wherein 26 subjects of Fitzpatrick skin types (FSTs) III and IV with atrophic acne scars were included. All subjects were treated with a 1064-nm picosecond laser (spot size of 8 mm, fluence of 1.0 J/cm2 , a repetition rate of 10 Hz) in combination with MLA hand piece for an average of three passes – for 6 monthly sessions. Objective and subjective assessments were obtained at baseline and at 1, 3 and 6 months after the final treatment.

The results revealed significant reduction of the scar volume from baseline at 1, 3, and 6 months after the final treatment by 3D photography and ultraviolet A-light video camera. At the 6-month follow-up, 50% of the subjects were rated as having a minimal of 50% improvement of the scars. While the rate of improvement significantly increased from the 1-month follow-up to the 6-month follow-up. Additionally, at the 6-month follow-up, the scar volume and skin roughness also significantly improved. However, mild post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) was noted in approximately 18% of the treatment sessions—which were temporary and resolved within 4 weeks on average.

Hence, it was concluded that 1064-nm picosecond laser with MLA is a safe therapeutic alternative for the treatment of atrophic acne scars in dark-skinned individuals. 

Source: Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. 2020 Dec 16. doi: 10.1002/lsm.23368.