Evaluation of 1565-nm nonabrasive fractional laser efficacy on atrophic facial acne scars in Chinese population using 22-MHz digital ultrasonography.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of 1565 nm NAFL treatment for atrophic acne scars using 22-MHz digital ultrasonography.

Methods: A total of 29 patients with acne atrophic scars were sequentially enrolled in this study. Digital clinical images of each patient's face were collected. The Quantitative Global Acne Scarring Grading System developed was employed to assess the outcomes of acne atrophic scars treated by 1565 nm NAFL. Two independent dermatologists performed an ultrasound examination of the acne atrophic scars using 22-MHz ultrasonography.

Results: Of all the patients received 1565 nm NAFL treatment, no adverse side effect was detected. The mean scores of Assessments Quantitative Global Acne Scarring Grading System in all the patients were no significant difference between the baseline and after 1-, 2-, and 3-month treatment. The means of epidermal thickness, dermal thickness, and epidermal echo intensity at the baseline and 1-, 2-, and 3-months were of no significant difference (P>0.05). The differences in the means of dermal echo intensity between the baseline and 1-, 2-, and 3- months were statistically significant (P<0.05).

Conclusion: 1565 nm NAFL was effective in improving the acne atrophic scars due to increased collagen fiber synthesis detected by 22 MHz frequency ultrasound system.