Background: Despite aggressive multitreatment medical acne regimens, many patients demonstrate modest benefit. The 1,450-nm diode laser has been shown to improve acne in a study setting.
Objective: Herein we evaluate the use of this laser as an adjunctive tool in the management of refractory facial acne vulgaris.
Materials and methods: Thirteen patients were treated. Lesion counts, clinical evaluation, and digital photography were performed at baseline and at all follow-up visits. Patients received an average of three treatments. Acne severity index and patient satisfaction were assessed. Patients continued their medical acne regimen where applicable. RESULTS Mean total lesion and inflammatory lesion counts decreased from 66 +/- 14 and 23 +/- 5 at baseline to 34 +/- 12.9 and 14 +/- 7 after three treatments (p<.05). Side effects were mild, including erythema lasting up to 24 hours.
Conclusion: The 1,450-nm diode laser provides moderate improvement of refractory acne vulgaris. Our findings support the use of this device as an adjunctive treatment for acne management.