Fractional carbon dioxide laser versus carbon-assisted Q-switched Nd: YAG laser in the treatment of dilated facial pores.

Background: The treatment of dilated facial pores is difficult, and the ideal modality is not established yet. Different ablative and nonablative lasers have been used in the treatment of dilated pores with variable outcomes.

Aim: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of fractional CO2 laser versus carbon-assisted Q-switched Nd: YAG laser in dilated facial pores.

Methods: The study included 80 patients with dilated pores divided into two groups each containing 40 patients. Group (A) had fractional CO2 laser treatment, and group (B) received Q-switched Nd: YAG laser treatment after the application of a carbon solution on the face. The treatment was repeated monthly for a total of 3 sessions. Objective and subjective assessments of the clinical outcome were performed.

Results: Both modalities significantly improved the dilated pores; however, the clinical response was statistically higher and the improvement was maintained for a longer duration of time in the factional laser group compared with the carbon-assisted Q-switched Nd: YAG laser group (p = 0.01). The downtime was significantly lower in the Q-switched Nd: YAG laser group, and the patients' satisfaction rates were comparable in both groups.

Conclusion: The two laser systems appear to be effective, safe, and well-tolerated in the treatment of dilated pores. The fractional CO2 laser was associated with a significantly higher and more prolonged clinical response.