Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing for atrophic acne scars: A randomized controlled trial with blinded response evaluation

Background The treatment of acne scars with fractional CO2 lasers is gaining increasing impact, but has so far not been compared side-by-side to untreated control skin. Objective In a randomized controlled study to examine efficacy and adverse effects of fractional CO2 laser resurfacing for atrophic acne scars compared to no treatment. Methods Patients (n?=?13) with atrophic acne scars in two intra-individual areas of similar sizes and appearances were randomized to (i) three monthly fractional CO2 laser treatments (MedArt 610; 1214?W, 4856?mJ/pulse, 13% density) and (ii) no treatment. Blinded on-site evaluations were performed by three physicians on 10-point scales. Endpoints were change in scar texture and atrophy, adverse effects, and patient satisfaction. Results Preoperatively, acne scars appeared with moderate to severe uneven texture (6.15 +/- 1.23) and atrophy (5.72 +/- 1.45) in both interventional and non-interventional control sites, P?=?1. Postoperatively, lower scores of scar texture and atrophy were obtained at 1 month (scar texture 4.31 +/- 1.33, P?