The Use of a Fractional Laser in Acne Scar Treatment-A Systematic Review

Background/Objectives: Acne scars are an unwanted reminder of past acne. They constitute a significant esthetic and psychosocial problem, negatively affecting the quality of life of patients. There are many methods used to treat acne scars. One of them is fractional CO₂ laser treatment, which stimulates the skin to produce collagen. The main aim of this study was to verify, based on the available literature, the effectiveness of fractional CO₂ laser treatment of acne scars and to determine the potential risk associated with the use of this therapeutic method. Methods: The literature review includes English-language articles selected using keywords and inclusion and exclusion criteria. In order to select appropriate sources, databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar were searched. Results: The systematic review included seven studies that assessed the effectiveness of fractional CO₂ laser therapy for acne scars. Most patients experienced a 30% to 70% improvement in the appearance of their scars. The most commonly reported adverse events during treatment were transient erythema, edema, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which resolved within a few weeks. Conclusions: Fractional CO₂ laser therapy is an effective and safe treatment for acne scars. However, despite the abundance of evidence, there is a need for further studies focusing on long-term monitoring of patients.