To investigate the clinical efficacy of fractionated ultrapulse carbon dioxide laser combined with microneedle for depressed acne scars.

Totally 86 patients with depressed acne scar were randomly divided into 2 groups: the treatment group received fractionated ultrapulse carbon dioxide laser combined with microneedle technology and the control group only received fractionated ultrapulse carbon dioxide laser. The treatment interval was 1 to 3 months, and the whole course was 2-8 times. The total effective rate and the adverse reaction were analyzed in the facial acne scar.

The surface of depressed acne scars was significantly improved. ECCA score of all patients declined obviously after treatment, the score of the treatment group declined from 61±11 to 45±15, and the control group declined from 57±14 to 40±16. There were significantly statistical differences in the results of each group (P<0.05). More treatment times resulted in better surface improvement. The total effective rate were 81.8% (18/22) and 100% (24/24) in the treatment group, and 80.0% (16/20) and 100% (20/22) in the control group. The course was 6.8±1.6 months in the treatment group and 20.8±4.6 months in the control group (P<0.05) to get a similar satisfied result. There were no obvious adverse reactions except two cases of erythema and pigmentation in the treatment group and 5 cases in the control group. The former was with less adverse reactions.

Ultrapulse carbon dioxide laser combined with microneedle technique is effective for facial acne scars, with less complications and shorten treatment course.

Fractional laser; Micro needle; Acne scars