Fractional Resurfacing Device for Treatment of Acne Scarring

Phase 1

Completed

Brief Summary: The purpose of this research study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a new investigational laser device for treatment of acne scarring, for improvement in the appearance of surface texture and topography (recessed or uneven surfaces).

Detailed Description: Thirty subjects between two research locations with an acne scar severity score greater than 4 will receive up to 3 treatments with an FDA IDE and Institutional Review Board approved 10,600nm fractional carbon dioxide laser system. Improvement of acne scarring is evaluated at 1 month and 3 months post-treatment.

Post-treatment responses evaluated are immediate erythema, immediate edema, and any other immediate responses. Evaluations are conducted immediate post treatment and one week post-treatment. Key safety data include the severity scoring of post-treatment responses, as well as by photodocumentation.

The incidence of side effects such as scarring, pigmentary changes, etc. are evaluated at follow-up visits one and three months post-treatment. Key safety data include the incidence rates and severity scoring of side effects, as well as by photodocumentation

Recruitment & Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria

Have Fitzpatrick skin type I-V. (Type I is blonde/red hair with freckles and Type V are Hispanics and lighter African Americans.)
Are male or female.
Are between 18 and 75 years of age.
Have moderate to severe acne scarring. Acne scarring will be assessed with the Acne Scar Severity Scale. Subjects will be eligible for treatment if the area to be treated is scored as having an Acne Scar Severity Score > 4 according to the Acne Scar Severity Scale (0-9).
Are able to read, understand, and sign the Informed Consent.
Are willing and able to comply with all follow-up requirements for a minimum of 8 months.

Exclusion Criteria

Have had active localized or systemic infections within 6 months of enrollment
Have compromised ability for wound healing, such as: malnutrition, oral steroid use, history of collagen vascular disease (e.g. lupus, scleroderma, history of keloid formation (raised and thickened scars), atrophic dermatitis (extreme skin irritation or itchiness) or immunologic abnormalities such as vitiligo (white patches of skin due to loss of pigment)
Have immunocompromised status (inability to resist infection, etc.)
Have been treated with lasers, chemical procedures, or other cosmetic procedures on the area to be treated within 6 months of enrollment
Have taken Accutane within 12 months of enrollment
Are allergic to lidocaine (skin numbing agent)
Are allergic to Valtrex (an anti-viral medication)

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Fractional carbon dioxide laser system	10,600 nm fractional carbon dioxide laser system	Thirty total healthy subjects from two research centers with skin type I-IV of moderate to severe acne scarring received treatment with the 10,600 nm fractional carbon dioxide laser system.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Overall Improvement of Acne Scarring	Baseline, 1 month and 3 months post-treatment	Subject assessment of the percent improvement of acne scarring compared to baseline and based on the quartile scale (0: no improvement; 1: 1-25% improvement; 2: 26-50%; 3: 51-75%; 4: 76-100% improvement).
Average Improvement in Surface Texture	Baseline, 1 month and 3 months post-treatment	Subject assessment of the percent improvement of surface texture compared to baseline and based on the quartile scale (0: no improvement; 1: 1-25% improvement; 2: 26-50%; 3: 51-75%; 4: 76-100% improvement).
Degree of Atrophy	Baseline, 1 month and 3 months post-treatment	Subject assessment of the percent improvement in extent of atrophy compared to baseline and based on the quartile scale (0: no improvement; 1: 1-25% improvement; 2: 26-50%; 3: 51-75%; 4: 76-100% improvement).

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Pain Tolerance	At treatment visit (up to 3 visits)	The average pain score reported over all three treatments was 5.67, corresponding to "moderate" pain based on a 10-point scale. The pain score is recorded on a 10-point scale, with 0 being "no pain" and 10 being "worst pain imaginable." All subjects reported that any discomfort associated with the procedure was only during active intervention and resolved immediately post-procedure. Increased pain scores correlated with increased density, but not increased energy.