Randomized clinical trial of CO₂ laser pinpoint irradiation technique with/without needling for ice pick acne scars

Abstract

Background: Pinpoint irradiation technique accompanying by needling is an effective treatment for atrophic acne scars as fractional photothermolysis. It often induces microscopic thermal wounds to achieve skin rejuvenation treatment for ice pick acne scars. Objective: This study was designed to prospectively evaluate the use of a pinpoint irradiation technique without needling in the treatment of ice pick acne scars. Methods: Sixty patients with ice pick acne scars were included in this open label pilot study. Pinpoint irradiation technique by CO₂ laser without and with needling applied for study and control groups, respectively. Results: There was a statistically insignificant difference in the improvement results between the study and control groups (p > 0.05). But there were statistically significant differences in acne scar severity index and qualitative scarring grading system between before and after treatment of both groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Pinpoint irradiation technique by CO₂ laser without needling is safe and effective as pinpoint irradiation technique with needling. Clinical improvement was achieved in all 30 patients without adverse effects.

Key Words::

• Fractional photothermolysis
• CO₂ laser
• ice pick acne scars
• needling
• pinpoint technique

Declaration of interest: The authors report no declarations of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.