Objective: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the efficacy, safety and patient satisfaction of a unique combination of wavelengths 589nm and 1,319nm for the treatment of facial acne vulgaris. Design: This was a small, randomized, prospective, split-face, single-blinded study of patients with moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris. Setting: The study took place at a single outpatient center study in Torrance, California. Participants: Nine patients underwent four treatment sessions at 2- to 3-week intervals. Each patient received one pass with the 1,319nm laser followed by one pass with the 589nm laser only to the randomized treatment side of the face. Measurements: A blinded, board-certified dermatologist reviewed photographs and counted acne lesions on treated and nontreated sides. Results: Of the nine patients, eight were Fitzpatrick Skin Type IV. At the final visit, inflammatory acne lesions were reduced by 2.5 (-23.1%) on the treatment side and increased by 1.1 (+11.1%) on the control side. No patients experienced bruising, edema, hyperpigmentation or scarring. At the conclusion of the study, 77.8 percent of the patients reported overall satisfaction. Conclusion: This unique combination of lasers appears to be safe in patients with Fitzpatrick Skin Type IV, and might be useful in treating moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris.
Keywords: Acne; acne scarring; acne vulgaris; active acne; laser.