Ablative Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser and Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Atrophic Acne Scars: A Comparative Clinico-Immuno-Histopathological Study

Background and Objectives To compare the efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP), ablative fractional carbon dioxide (FCO2) laser, and their combination in the treatment of atrophic acne scars, both clinically and immuno-histopathologically. Study Design/Materials and Methods Sixty patients were randomly divided into three equal groups. Group 1 received intradermal PRP injection sessions. Group 2 received FCO(2)laser sessions. Group 3 received FCO(2)laser followed by intradermal PRP injection sessions. Each group received three sessions at monthly intervals. The final assessment took place 3 months after the last session. Skin biopsies were obtained before and 1 month after treatment sessions with pathological evaluation. Results Combined PRP and FCO(2)laser-treated patients had a better clinical response, fewer side effects, and shorter downtime than FCO(2)laser alone. PRP-treated patients had some improvement but significantly lower than the other two groups. Conclusion The current study concluded that a combination of PRP and FCO(2)laser is an effective and safe modality in the treatment of atrophic acne scars with better results than PRP or FCO(2)laser alone. Lasers Surg. Med. (c) 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC

Automated summary

The study compared the efficacy of PRP, FCO2 laser, and their combination in treating atrophic acne scars, with the combination therapy showing the best clinical response, fewer side effects, and shorter downtime.