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Laser resurfacing for facial acne scars
R E Jordan1, C L Cummins, A J Burls
1Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK, B15 2TT. r.e.jordan@bham.ac.uk
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|May 2, 2001
Summary
Limited high-quality studies exist on laser resurfacing for acne scars. More randomized controlled trials are needed to determine the effectiveness of different laser treatments for facial acne scars.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Medical Technology
Background:
- Acne affects most individuals, with approximately 1% experiencing permanent acne scars.
- Laser resurfacing is a newer technique gaining traction for acne scar treatment, potentially surpassing chemical peels and dermabrasion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of laser resurfacing in treating facial acne scars.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Citation Index, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register) and journals up to April 1999.
- Studies were selected based on randomized controlled trials comparing laser resurfacing techniques for facial acne scars against other methods or no treatment.
- Two independent reviewers assessed study quality and extracted data.
Main Results:
- No randomized controlled trials comparing laser treatments to placebo or different laser types were identified.
- The majority of the 27 studies found were low-quality case series with limited patient numbers.
Conclusions:
- The current lack of robust evidence prevents definitive conclusions on laser effectiveness for atrophic or ice-pick acne scars.
- High-quality randomized controlled trials comparing carbon dioxide (CO2) and Erbium:YAG (Er:YAG) lasers are essential for future research.