Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of a fractional picosecond 1064 nm laser for post‐acne erythema in adult Chinese patients

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of fractional 1064 nm picosecond Nd:YAG laser (FPNYL) in the treatment of post‐acne erythema (PAE) of adult Chinese.Materials and methodsA total of 22 patients received 1 session of treatment and were followed up at the eighth week. Primary outcomes were measured by the Clinician erythema assessment scale (CEAS). Secondary outcomes included a global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS) and patients’ assessment of satisfaction on a five‐point scale. Pain scores and adverse effects were also evaluated.ResultsTwenty‐two patients with Fitzpatrick skin types III and IV were enrolled in the study and completed all treatments and follow‐up visits. The mean CEAS scores fell from 2.74 ± 0.80 to 1.95 ± 0.75 (p < 0.05). The mean GAIS of PAE improvement was 2.46 ± 0.68. Erythema percentile scores by VISIA increased from 32.63 ± 7.0 to 45.75 ± 11.45 (t = 5.442, p = 0). The patient satisfaction score was 1.86 ± 1.17. The pain scores were 3.27 ± 1.17 for the FPNYL treatment (varied from 2 to 6). There were moderate erythema and oedema, which last for 3.84 ± 0.78 days. There were overall 68.18% (15/22) patients who felt pruritus in different degrees and 27.27% patients who encountered acne eruptions (white head type). No scar, hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation was found.ConclusionTreatment with fractional 1064 nm picosecond Nd:YAG laser is effective and safe for PAE of Chinese patients.