Treating acne scars in patients with Fitzpatrick skin types IV to VI using the 1450-nm diode laser

Individuals with Fitzpatrick skin types IV to VI are becoming a larger proportion of our patient base. Although acne scarring can be difficult to treat in all skin types, it presents a greater challenge in darker skin types due to an increased risk for scarring and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Few studies have focused on infrared laser treatment of acne scarring in darker skin types. In this study, we assess the efficacy and side-effect profile of a 1450-nm diode laser for the treatment of acne scars in participants with Fitzpatrick skin types IV to VI. Our findings show the nonablative 1450-nm diode laser to be safe and effective in improving the appearance of atrophic acne scars in darker skin types. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation was a common occurrence.