Efficacy of a combination of diluted calcium hydroxylapatite-based filler and an energy-based device for the treatment of facial atrophic acne scars.

BACKGROUND

Treatment options for atrophic acne scars include the use of various energy-based devices (EBDs) and dermal fillers.

AIM

To evaluate the level of improvement and safety of four treatments for atrophic acne scars used in our centre.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of all patients with acne scars treated between 2013 and 2016 with one of four treatments: ablative fractional CO laser (FACL), a radiofrequency (RF) bipolar device, a 1540 nm nonablative fractional laser (NAFL) and injection of diluted calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA). The EBDs were used either as monotherapy or in combination with diluted CaHA. The aesthetic improvement achieved following the various treatments was evaluated by the patients and by two independent dermatologists who were not involved in the treatments. The patients also rated their satisfaction with the treatment, recorded the number of days of downtime (including time to full recovery and time for resolution of redness) and reported any adverse effects (AEs).

RESULTS

In total, 352 patients (mean ± SD age 28.7 ± 8.7 years; 65.6% women, 34.4% men) were treated for acne scars. The integrated mean Global Assessment Scale by both dermatologists and patients were highest for the combined CaHA-FACL treatment at separate sessions (injection in one session; laser treatment in another) (P < 0.001). However, patients treated with FACL reported more AEs and longer downtime and duration of erythema.

CONCLUSION

The combination of a diluted CaHA-based filler injection followed by FACL in separate treatment sessions yielded better aesthetic improvement compared with the other tested treatments.