Treatment of atrophic scars with fractional photothermolysis: short-term follow-up.

Background: Various modalities have been used to treat scars, but limited efficacy and problematic side effects have restricted their application.

Objective: To determine the effectiveness and safety of fractional photothermolysis treatment of various atrophic scars in Korean patients.

Methods: Fifty-nine patients with atrophic scars (caused by acne, trauma, herpes zoster, and burns) were treated with fractional photothermolysis using either Fraxel™ SR 750 or Fraxel™ SR 1500 instruments. Each patient underwent one to three treatment sessions 3-4 weeks apart. The assessment of treatment response was conducted by three dermatologists, who independently evaluated a series of photographs using a quartile grading scale. Skin biopsies were taken before treatment and 4 weeks after the final treatment, and were examined for procollagen-1, matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), and elastin by immunofluorescence staining.

Results: Four weeks after the final treatment, the mean overall improvement in objective grade was 2.0 when the Fraxel SR 750 was employed and 2.9 when the Fraxel SR 1500 was used. Confocal microscopy revealed an increase in procollagen-1 in dermis, with no difference or a slight increase in the levels of elastin and MMP-1. Side effects were minimal.

Conclusions: After short-term follow-up, fractional photothermolysis appeared to be a safe and effective option for atrophic scar treatment of Asian skin.