Comparison study of fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing using different fluences and densities for acne scars in Asians: a randomized split-face trial.

Background: Ablative 10,600-nm carbon dioxide (CO2 ) fractional laser treatments have shown favorable outcomes for atrophic acne scars.

Objective: To compare the efficacy and complications of fractional CO2 laser treatments with different fluences and densities for acne scars.

Methods: Twenty patients were treated using a single session of fractional CO2 laser in Deep FX mode. In Group A (n = 10), half of the face was treated with 20 mJ, density 10% and the other half with 20 mJ, density 20%. In Group B (n = 10), half of the face was treated with 10 mJ, density 10% and the other half with 20 mJ, density 10%. Patients were evaluated at baseline and 3 days, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after the procedure.

Results: There was no significant difference in efficacy between different laser settings within the groups, although adverse effects were more evident in patients treated with higher densities or fluences.

Conclusion: Factional CO2 laser treatment using the Deep FX mode may provide a significant efficacy with lower fluence and density with fewer complications than with higher energies for acne scars.