Fractional CO(2) laser versus 1064-nm long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser for inflammatory acne vulgaris treatment: a randomized clinical trial

Acne vulgaris is challenging to treat for several individuals. Laser therapy may be a desirable alternative to traditional therapies with limited success. This study aimed to assess efficacy of fractional CO(2) laser versus Nd:YAG laser for acne vulgaris therapy. Thirty cases with acne vulgaris underwent both fractional CO(2) laser and Nd: YAG laser treatments in a randomized split face design at a 14-day interval for four sessions. The clinical efficacy was evaluated by counting acne lesions and utilizing the Global Acne Severity Scale (GEA Scale). GEAs decreased significantly after both fractional CO(2) and Nd:YAG modalities after treatment and at a 3-month follow-up; fractional CO(2) demonstrated significant more decrease in GEAs with (P = 0.006, 0.00 (respectively. Moreover, fractional CO(2) showed a significantly higher satisfaction level (P = 0.004) and a better clinical improvement percentage regarding inflammatory and noninflammatory acne lesions (P = 0.007 and 0.000, respectively) after 3 months of follow-up. Apart from transient erythema, there were insignificant adverse effects concerning both treated sides. Fractional CO(2) and Nd:YAG lasers are efficient physical modalities of acne treatment. However, fractional CO(2) laser was more effective and more satisfying to the patients.