Randomized clinical trial of CO2 LASER pinpoint irradiation technique versus chemical reconstruction of skin scars (CROSS) in treating ice pick acne scars. (January 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ahmed, Radwa; Mohammed, Ghada; Ismail, Nader; Elakhras, Atef
• Is Part Of: Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy. Volume 16:Number 1(2014:Feb.)
• Page Start: 8
• Page End: 13
• Publication Date: 2014-01
• Subjects: Skin -- Laser surgery -- Periodicals; Surgery, Plastic -- Periodicals; 617.477
• DOI: 10.3109/14764172.2013.854633
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1476-4172

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Background:</italic> Pinpoint irradiation technique CO<sub>2</sub> LASER and Chemical Reconstruction Of Skin Scars (CROSS) are effective treatments for atrophic acne scars as fractional photothermolysis. <italic>Objective:</italic> This study was designed to prospectively compare the use of a pinpoint irradiation technique versus TCA CROSS in treating ice pick acne scars. <italic>Methods:</italic> Thirty-two patients with ice pick acne scars were included in this open, label pilot study. Pinpoint irradiation technique by CO<sub>2</sub> LASER and TCA CROSS were applied for the study and control group, respectively. Twenty-eight patients with ice pick acne scars were included in this open, label pilot study. They were randomly assigned to two groups: the first group (14 patients) received pinpoint irradiation by CO<sub>2</sub> LASER as a study group, and the second group (14 patients) received TCA CROSS as a control group. In both treatments, there were four sessions at 3-week interval, and 3 months of follow up. <italic>Results:</italic> There were statistically significant difference in acne scar severity index and qualitative scarring grading system in the improvement results between the study and control groups (<italic>p</italic> < 0.05). <italic>Conclusion:</italic> Pinpoint irradiation technique by CO<sub>2</sub> LASER is safe and more effective than TCA CROSS technique. Clinical improvement was achieved in all 14 patients without dramatic adverse effects.</p> </abstract>