A comparative clinical and histopathological pilot study of different fractional CO 2 laser parameters in treatment of atrophic linear scars

BACKGROUND Atrophic scars cause significant patient morbidity. Fractional photothermolysis is one of the most effective treatment options used to resurface scars of different etiologies. AIMS To assess the efficacy and safety of different fractional ablative CO2 laser parameters in treatment of linear atrophic depressed post-traumatic facial scars in adult male patients. METHODS A prospective pilot study of 20 adult male patients (skin types Π- Ⅳ, aged 18-45) with post-traumatic atrophic linear scars were divided into 2 groups each comprising 10 patients receiving different fractional CO2 laser parameters. Both groups received 3 laser sessions, one month apart, and were followed for 2 months after the last treatment session. Clinical and histological assessments were done to all patients before treatment and 2 months after the last treatment session. Also, patient satisfaction and side effects were recorded. RESULTS The study showed statistically significant reduction in average scar volume in both groups (P