Treatment of atrophic facial acne scars with a dual-mode Er:YAG laser.

BACKGROUND Scar revision with CO2 and Er:YAG lasers has become popular in recent years. Reports on the newest (modulated, dual-mode) Er:YAG systems have been limited mostly to the treatment of photodamaged skin and rhytides. OBJECTIVE To prospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of a dual-mode 2940 nm Er:YAG laser for atrophic scar revision. METHODS Twenty-five consecutive patients with moderate to severe atrophic facial acne scars received treatment with a dual-mode Er:YAG laser. Clinical assessments using a standard grading scale and photographic documentation were performed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Postoperative recovery was monitored and the rate of side effects and complications recorded. RESULTS Average clinical grading scores reflected good to excellent response of atrophic scars to the dual-mode Er:YAG laser system. Side effects and complications were limited to transient hyperpigmentation and acne flare-ups. No hypopigmentation or scarring was seen. Prolonged erythema (longer than 1 month) was observed in 1 patient (4%). CONCLUSION Dual-mode Er:YAG laser skin resurfacing is a safe and effective modality for the treatment of atrophic facial scarring.