Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 3, 2026
Apparatus for Harvesting Tissue Microcolumns
Published on: October 25, 2018
Treatment of Post-acne Scarring with Long-pulsed and Q-switched 1,064nm Nd:YAG Laser
Khaled Gharib1, Wael Seoudy2, Mahmoud A Rageh3
1Drs. Gharib and Khater and Ms. Abdelsatar are with the Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University in Zagazig, Egypt.
Background:
Acne scarring is one of the most dramatic consequences of inflammatory acne. It can lead to physical disfigurement and psychological burden on the affected individuals. Many treatment options for post-acne scarring are used, with variable results. Nonablative lasers, such as the 1,064nm neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser, are known to ameliorate acne scar appearance by stimulating collagen production and dermal remodeling.
Objectives:
We sought to evaluate the clinical efficacy, safety, and long-term effects of long-pulsed and Q-switched 1,064nm Nd:YAG lasers in the treatment of acne scars.
Methods:
From March to December 2019, a total of 25 patients with different skin types with acne scars were treated. Patients were divided into two groups. In Group I, 12 patients received a combination of Q-switched 1,064nm Nd:YAG laser, then long-pulsed 1,064nm Nd:YAG laser. In Group II, 13 patients received a combination of long-pulsed 1,064nm Nd:YAG laser, then Q-switched 1,064nm Nd:YAG laser. All patients received a total of six sessions at two-week intervals.
Results:
There were no statistically significant differences between the studied groups in skin type, lesions, or scar type. A positive response with either good or excellent results was documented in 43 patients, corresponding to 86. Six percent of the patients included in this study. Excellent response was observed in a total of 17 patients (26.6%). Twenty-six patients (60%) showed a moderate-to-good response, while seven patients (13.4 %) showed a fair response. The majority of patients in this study had an excellent-to-good response, with an 86.6% improvement of post-acne scars after laser sessions.
Conclusion:
Q-switched and long-pulsed 1,064nm Nd:YAG lasers are considered an efficient and safe modality for the treatment of mild and moderate post-acne scars. Both lasers can enhance dermal collagen remodeling and spare the epidermis with minimal downtime after the procedure.
