Pore and Acne Scar Treatment with a Q-switched Laser Using a Novel Fractional MDF (Multi-depth Focusing) Handpiece: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Although skin rejuvenation is not within the usual repertoire of the Q-switched 1064 nm Nd:YAG (Q-NDY) laser, the development of a multidepth focusing (MDF) handpiece allowing user-selectable depths of focus has changed this. The current in-house pilot study was designed to assess the safety and efficacy of a Q-NDY laser fitted with an MDF handpiece in the treatment of enlarged pores and acne scars. Study Design/Materials and Method: Ten patients with enlarged pores and acne scars were recruited into the study as volunteers. Clinical photographs were taken at baseline and then at 6 weeks (A1) and 3 months (A2) after the final treatment, based on which a quintile scale physician global assessment (PGA) was obtained at A2 scored by two independent blinded dermatologists. Patients subjectively scored their satisfaction with the treatment in a questionnaire at A2, also on a quintile scale. Results: In general, patients showed a statistically significant improvement in both the pores and acne scars at both A1 and A2, with a trend towards continued improvement between the first and second assessments, more particularly for the acne scars. The average percentage improvements for the pores at A1 and A2 were 48.45 ± 16.1% and 57.8 ± 15.2% (p = 0.001 for both), respectively, for acne scars, the respective values were 27.8 ± 15.0% and 34.2 ± 24.3% (p = 0.0008 for A1, 0.0004 for A2). No difference was seen between the subjects who had three sessions and those who had four, suggesting that the three-treatment protocol was ideal, although numbers were too small to make any generalization. The average PGA score was 3.3/4 and the average subject satisfaction score was 3.4/4. The average pain score was 3.7 (range: 3-5), and no adverse events were reported during both the treatment and follow-up periods. Conclusion: Further controlled studies in larger populations are warranted to confirm the optimistic results of this pilot study.