A comparative analysis of carbon dioxide laser technique and derma roller therapy in post-acne scars patients

Abstract

Background: Acne leads to significant morbidity that is associated with residual scarring and psychological disturbances such as poor self-image, depression, and anxiety, which leads to a negative impact on quality of life. The present study was conducted to compare fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser technique (FCLT) and derma roller therapy (DT) in patients with post-acne scars.Materials & Methods: 78 patients with post-acne scars of both genders were divided into 2 groups of 39 each. Group I patients was treated with derma roller therapy and group II with fractional CO2 laser every 4 weeks. An objective and subjective baseline assessment was done for each patient using global acne scarring classification.Results: Group I had 19 males and 20 females and group II had 16 males and 23 females. Response of treatment was satisfactory seen in 9 in group I and 4 in group II, good in 10 in group I and 6 in group II, very good in 14 in group I and 13 in group II and excellent in 6 group I and 16 in group II. The mean objective score at baseline in group I was 31.4 and at follow up was 16.1 and in group II at baseline was 27.2 and at follow up was 15.1. The difference was significant (P