Ablative Fractional ۱۰ ۶۰۰ nm Carbon Dioxide Laser Versus Non-ablative Fractional ۱۵۴۰ nm Erbium-Glass Laser in Egyptian Post-acne Scar patients

Abstract Introduction: Non-ablative fractional erbium-doped glass ۱۵۴۰ nm and fractional ablative ۱۰۶۰۰ nm carbon dioxide lasers are regarded as effective modalities for treating acne atrophic scars. In this study, we aimed to compare the effectiveness of fractional CO۲ laser and fractional non-ablative ۱۵۴۰ nm erbium doped glass laser in treating post acne atrophic scars in Egyptian patients.Methods: Fifty-eight patients complaining of moderate and severe acne atrophic scars were randomly divided into ۲ groups of ۲۹ patients each. Both groups were subjected to ۴ treatment sessions with ۳ weeks interval and were followed up for ۳ months. In group A, enrolled patients received CO۲ laser, while in group B, patients were treated with ۱۵۴۰ nm erbium glass fractional laser.Results: Clinical assessment revealed that the mean grades of progress and improvement were higher with fractional ۱۰۶۰۰ nm CO۲ laser but with non-significant difference between both treatments (P = ۰.۱). The overall patients’ satisfaction with both lasers were not significantly different (P = ۰.۴۴).Conclusion: Both fractional ablative CO۲ and fractional non-ablative erbium glass lasers are good modalities for treating acne scars with a high efficacy and safety profile and good patient satisfaction. The fractional ablative laser showed higher efficacy while non-ablative laser offered less pain and shorter downtime. Keywords: Acne scars Ablative laser Fractional laser.