Early Non-Ablative Fractional Laser Resurfacing for Acne Scars After Treatment With Oral Isotretinoin

Approximately 15 patients who are over 18 years or older, have completed a cumulative dose of >=120miligram/kilogram oral isotretinoin within the last 30 days, and has mild to moderate acne scarring will be randomized, into a right-left comparison study.

One side of the face will be randomized to NAFR treatment and other side to control (no treatment) using a random number generator. Subjects will apply topical anesthetic (Benzocaine / Lidocaine / Tetracaine 20% / 8% / 4% Ointment) to the entire face one hour prior to treatment. The NAFR operator will be notified of which side is to be treated with NAFR.

To ensure blinded evaluations, the same unblinded investigator will perform all the laser treatments, whereas efficacy evaluations will be performed by two trained and experienced evaluators who are blinded to the treatment assignment. Evaluations for adverse effects will be carried out by the unblinded NAFR (during and immediately post treatment) and the two blinded investigators at prescribed intervals.

Treatments:

Laser procedure will be performed to the entire assigned half of the face with Fraxel DUAL (Solta Medical) with the following settings: 1550 nanometer; 35 to 40 millijoules/microthermal zone, treatment level from 7 to 10, corresponding to treatment coverage of 20% to 35%. The treatment protocol was modified slightly depending on the individual scar characteristics (depth, width, and type).