Quasi long-pulsed 1064nm Nd:YAG (micro pulsed) technology for the treatment of active acne: A case series

Acne vulgaris is common dermatologic condition with an estimated prevalence of 80%. Acne has been shown to have a significant impact on patient quality of life and mental health, especially as inflammatory lesions typically occur on cosmetically sensitive areas with the potential for permanent scarring. There have been numerous advances in the treatment of inflammatory acne with light-based and laser devices. This technology permits effective treatment of active acne and scarring, with a short recovery and a decreased side effect profile as compared to medicinal standard-of-care and photodynamic therapies.

The case series study was aimed at evaluating the safety and efficacy of a 1064 nm Nd: YAG Quasi-longed pulse laser treatment for acne vulgaris.

This was a prospective study of 19 subjects with moderate to severe. All subjects received 1064 nm Nd: YAG Quasi-longed pulse laser treatments, at 8 J/cm² fluence and accumulated 1000-4000 kJ according to treatment area at two weeks intervals. Primary end point was reaching a minimal AGSS score of between 1 and 2. Acne severity was assessed by two independent dermatologists according to AGSS scale before each treatment session and at the follow-up visit (8 weeks following last treatment). Subjects' self-assessment of Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) and overall satisfaction were also recorded. Safety was assessed by recording pain, adverse events, and downtime throughout the trial.

Investigator's US FDA AGSS scoring of acne appearance improvement shows an average of 6.6 treatments were required to reach the minimal AGSS score endpoint. Significant reduction in AGSS scores was recorded after 2 treatments (4.21 ± 0.65 vs 3.05 ± 0.83 p = 1.63E^-05 ), and maintained a statistically significant reduction rate throughout the trial. Minimal AGSS scores were still detected after 8 weeks following final treatment. Subjects scored high satisfaction rates and PGIC scores (2.9 and 5.3, respectively). Some patients reported transient erythema as only adverse events recorded in the study.

The 1064 nm Nd: YAG Quasi-longed pulse laser was found to be safe and highly effective for the treatment of facial acne. The treatments were well tolerated, and the subjects experienced no pain and no downtime. Light-based treatments do and will probably continue to play an important and enlarging role in acne management.