Title : Effectiveness of fractional CO2 laser with and without use of topical platelet-rich plasma in the management of facial acne scars
Abstract:
Acne vulgaris can be defined as chronic, self-limiting, and an inflammatory disease of pilosebaceous unit, manifesting generally in adolescence with pleomorphic lesions such as comedones, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. The duration of inflammation relates to scar production hence a delay in appropriate management is more likely to result in significant scarring. Acne scars can be classified into three groups: atrophic scar, hypertrophic scar, and keloid. The fractional CO2 laser thermally modifies a portion of the skin, leaving intervening zones of normal skin intact, which rapidly regenerates the ablated columns of tissue. In spite of being unparalleled in results, fractional CO2 laser is followed by side effects such as erythema, edema, infections, and risk of developing hyper- or hypopigmentation making it unappealing for patients. Autologous PRP provides with a full array of potential bioactive growth factors and chemokines released on platelet activation, which aid in quick wound healing and actively reduce atrophic acne scarring making these two modalities synergistic in nature. This study aimed to gauge and compare the effectiveness and safety of fractional CO2 laser resurfacing and combination of fractional CO2 laser resurfacing and topical PRP to provide the best possible treatment and relief to patients anguished by post-acne atrophic scars.
