Abstract

Background: Acne is a common condition with prevalence as high as 80% among adolescents and often it causes atrophic scars. Laser resurfacing is an effective treatment for acne scars. However, post-treatment adverse effects are often induced. Fractional laser photothermolysis has been designed to create microscopic thermal wounds to achieve skin rejuvenation without significant side effects.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety level of fractional CO2 laser in atrophic acne scars treatment.

Materials and Methods: Forty patients between 18 and 40 years of both sexes with atrophic acne scars seen in the Department of Dermatology at Najran University Hospital in Najran, Saudi Arabia, were treated with 4–6 sessions of fractional CO2 laser resurfacing. The result was evaluated objectively at each follow-up visit and 3 months after the last laser session using a quartile grading scale. Patient improvements were classified as excellent when the improvement was >50% in scar outcome and appearance of skin, good if 25–50% response, and poor when the response

Key words: Acne Scars; Pitting Scar; Rolling Scars; Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing