Efficacy of Laser Treatments for Acne Scarring: a Meta-Analysis, Efficacy of Laser and Adjuvant Therapies
Keywords:
Acne Scarring, Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser, Erbium, Yag Laser, Platelet-Rich Plasma, Laser Therapy, Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation, Atrophic ScarsAbstract
Acne scars are a common and complex skin condition that carries profound psychological effects. Laser therapies, especially fractional carbon dioxide (FCL), erbium: YAG, and 1064 nm Nd: YAG lasers, have become essential options for addressing atrophic acne scars where in our study based on meta-analysis consolidates findings from randomized controlled trials and clinical studies to assess the effectiveness, safety, and practical uses of various laser treatments, both individually and in combination with adjuncts such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and topical products as well as Utilize Bayesian network meta-analysis techniques to facilitate indirect comparisons and rankings of treatment options based on clinical outcomes and side effects while The data reveal enhanced scar improvement and healing rates when using combined FCL and PRP therapy, due to their synergistic boost in collagen production and skin remodeling. Nonablative lasers, although considered safer and involving shorter recovery times, necessitate multiple sessions and produce more gradual enhancements. The potential for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), particularly in individuals with darker skin tones, highlights the importance of customized treatment plans that account for scar characteristics, skin type, and patient aspirations. Therefore, although our findings indicate that early intervention can improve treatment results by influencing scar maturation processes. Despite variability in treatment protocols and outcome assessments, this review endorses integrated laser-based methods as effective and feasible solutions for managing acne scars and outlines key areas for future clinical standardization and research.
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