Introduction: Acne scars are common, and their treatment is challenging. Several techniques have been used to remove, reposition, and flatten acne scars to improve the appearance of the skin’s surface. More recently, fractional CO₂ laser has been used to correct such scars due its good results and shorter recovery time.
Objective: To evaluate and compare fractional CO₂ laser vs. dermabrasion-based treatment of acne scars.
Methods: Nine patients were assessed – six received fractional CO₂ laser and three were treated with dermabrasion. Subjective and objective parameters were evaluated for both treatment modalities.
Results: Both patient groups showed objective and subjective improvement.
Conclusions: This study has demonstrated that fractional CO₂ laser and dermabrasion-based treatments have similar efficacy in moderate to severe acne scars.

Keywords: CICATRIX; ACNE VULGARIS; LASER THERAPY.

Fractional photothermolysis was developed as an alternative to ablative lasers (which are effective but pose a high risk of complications) and non-ablative lasers (which have limited effectiveness). Fractional photothermolysis has been successfully used in diverse dermatological conditions. This study describes the case of an Asian male patient with atrophic scarring secondary to trauma in the left paranasal region, who underwent treatment with 1,550 nm non-ablative fractional Erbium Glass laser, which led to a significant improvement in the lesion. This case corroborates the use of less-invasive procedures in difficult-to-treat dermatoses and in treating Asian skin types safely and effectively.

Keywords: LASERS; THERAPEUTICS; CICATRIX; ATROPHY.

Tattooing has existed in humankind's culture since the onset of civilization. Tattoo removal attempts are also very ancient. The following current methods are reported for the removal of tattoos: dermabrasion, surgical excision, and laser procedures. The most commonly used lasers for tattoo removal are: QS-Nd:YAG (1,064 and 532nm), QS-Ruby (694nm) and QS-Alexandrite (755nm). The present review is aimed at studying the action mechanism of lasers for tattoo removal and the correct indication for each type of pigment, in addition to describing complications and the best manner of preventing them.

Keywords: LASERS; LASER THERAPY; TATTOOING.

Introduction: Acne is one of the most prevalent skin conditions, representing a constant challenge to dermatologists, especially in severe cases as nodulocystic acne, which can be resistant to medicament based treatment. Traditional therapy includes topical and oral drugs that are not always effective and often lead to bacterial resistance and side effects. The use of lasers in the treatment of inflammatory acne has increased lately due to the ease, clinical efficacy, and minimal side effects of this type of therapy. Objective: To evaluate the effects of fractional laser in patients with nodulocystic acne resistant to treatment with isotretinoin. Methods: Application of laser therapy sessions with Nd:YAP in 9 patients. Assessment of the degree of patient satisfaction and comparison of photographs taken before and after treatment by dermatologists not linked to the study. Results: Average reduction of 65% in inflammatory lesions, satisfaction of all patients who underwent treatment, and approval in the assessment carried out by dermatologists. Conclusions: The fractional Nd:YAP laser was proven effective in the treatment of inflammatory acne and may represent a new therapeutic option for this pathology, especially for patients who do not respond to conventional treatment.

Keywords: ACNE VULGARIS; LASERS; LASER THERAPY.

Introduction: Scars caused by burns have the potential to cause clinical, social, and functional disruptions. Dermatologists should be able to intervene in this process by combining technological advances with traditional techniques. Objective: To evaluate the effect of Intense Pulsed Light applications on scars after burns, based on clinical parameters described in the international Vancouver Scar Scale. Methods: A prospective study was carried out with six patients who underwent five monthly Intense Pulsed Light sessions over the entire area of a wound. The analysis of the results was conducted by three evaluation groups: 3 physician researchers, the patients included in the study, and 3 physician observers. The evaluation was implemented using the Vancouver Scale, a questionnaire based on this scale, and additionally a general rating used by all evaluators based on a numerical scale. The data obtained by examining the differences before and after the treatment, was analyzed through the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: A statistically significant decrease was observed in the analyses of all clinical parameters of the scars, when evaluated before and after the completion of the treatment. Conclusions: The present pilot study demonstrates the advantages of Intense Pulsed Light as an approach to this specific type of scar, with an aim of stimulating further studies in order to improve this low-cost technology, as compared to lasers.

Keywords: LASERS; INTENSE PULSED LIGHT THERAPY; CICATRIX; BURNS.

Introduction: With several treatment options available - including laser - atrophic acne scars are nonetheless difficult to treat. The use of fractional technology results in dermal-epidermal ablation columns, interspersed with intact skin islands, allowing selective thermal damage, effective treatment and faster recovery. The objective of the present study is to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of fractional laser use in the treatment of atrophic acne scars among the Brazilian population. Methods: An open, prospective, interventional study was carried out with patients with acne scars, without restriction regarding the gender and skin phototype. Exclusion criteria were: pregnancy, breast-feeding, presence of infections or blood dyscrasias and the use of anticoagulants. The evaluation was performed by comparing texture, appearance, and relief as observed in digital photographs. Results: Of the 30 selected patients, 24 were included in the study. An improvement was noted in the parameters evaluated in the cases that underwent fractional laser (CO2, Erbium-Glass or both). Individuals who underwent multiple treatments showed better results. All those treated with 4 sessions had improvements greater than 50%. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation was detected in 7 of the 24 treated patients. Conclusion: The present study showed that, when using appropriate parameters and adequate care, fractional laser-assisted resurfacing is an effective and safe method for treating atrophic acne scars in the Brazilian population.

Keywords: ACNE VULGARIS; CICATRIX; LASERS; CHEMEXFOLIATION

Introduction: Hidradenitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that has a negative impact on the patient's quality of life but which has few effective therapeutic options. Currently, the use of laser technology has been standing out as a treatment. Objective: To evaluate the use of 1,340nm ND:YAP laser (Neodimiun:Ytrium Aluminum Perovskite) to treat hidradenitis. Methods: Performing 4 1,340nm ND:YAP laser sessions in 3 patients bearing hidradenitis. Results: All patients had a clinically and histologically evidenced reduction of inflammatory lesions. Conclusions: In the present study, the 1,340nm ND:YAP laser was effective in the treatment of hidradenitis, and can potentially become a new therapeutic option.

Keywords: HIDRADENITIS; LASERS; LASER THERAPY

Both microneedling and ablative fractional laser can be used for the treatment of scars. The present article reports the case of a female patient who had the first half of a perioral scar treated with ablative fractional CO2 laser, and the second half treated with microneedling, using a 2mm roller. Outcomes were superior in the half treated with laser.

Keywords: Cicatrix; Collagen; Lasers

INTRODUCTION: Acne scars treatment is challenging since, in the most of the cases, there are different types of scars in the same patient.
OBJECTIVE: Associate three distinct acne scar treatment techniques in the same session in order to optimize results.
METHODS: Retrospective observational study evaluating 25 patients with acne scars treated with the following sequence of associated techniques: high frequency electrosurgery, CO₂ laser and Nd:YAP laser.
RESULTS: High patient satisfaction index and evident improvement in photographs in most of cases.
CONCLUSIONS: The combination of techniques in one session was safe and effective in the treatment of acne scars, a condition of great psychological impact to affected individuals.

Keywords: Acne vulgaris; Cicatrix; Laser therapy

INTRODUCTION: Scars are very prevalent in the world’s population and can have a significant psychological impact in the patient’s life. There are already conventional clinical and surgical methods for their treatment. However, recurrence and existing side effects drive the search for new therapeutic modalities.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical improvement of patients with hypertrophic scarring treated with fractional ablative laser associated to triamcinolone drug delivery.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighteen patients with scars to be treated were selected during eight weeks, with four fortnightly sessions of fractional ablative laser associated to 20mg/ml triamcinolone drug delivery. Before and after the treatment, the group was evaluated by three examiners, through the photographic evolution , considering the parameters appearance, dyschromia and degree of hypertrophy. Results: Fifteen patients completed the study. Of these, 35.53% had no or little improvement; 37.80%, moderate to intermediate improvement; 8.89%, expressive improvement and 17.80%, improvement near resolution.
CONCLUSIONS: The proposed association is a promising therapeutic option for the treatment of hypertrophic scars because it is quick to perform and to heal, with less side effects and better tolerated by the patient when compared to the therapies used alone, besides being easily replicable in the office.

Keywords: Cicatrix, hypertrophic; Lasers; Triamcinolone acetonide

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of unsightly hypertrophic scars secondary to surgeries in the thoracic region area challenging, particularly if associated to striae distensae. Surely, more than one therapy should be used, which will demand a long treatment time.
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of the association of fractional ablative and non-ablative lasers, microneedling and drug delivery in the management of hypertrophic scarring and striae distensae.
METHODS: Patient showing hypertrophic scars and striae on the anterior thoracic region was submitted to four monthly sessions of fractional ablative and non-ablative lasers, associated to microneedling and drug delivery.
RESULTS: At the end of the treatment protocol, the patient had improved mobility of the treated areas, quality of the skin and striae distensae in the treated region.
CONCLUSIONS: The associated treatment showed good results in the concurrent management of atrophic and hypertrophic scars.

Keywords: Cicatrix; Lasers; Needles

This study demonstrated the clinical and histologic result of the treatment of one disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis patient with non-ablative fractional laser. The patient was treated with seven sessions of 1340-nm Nd:YAP laser, with 4 or 5 week-intervals. Biopsies and photographs were performed before and after treatment, which was well tolerated and lead to improvement in the erythema and texture of the lesions. There was a 1-year follow-up. Histopathologic examination after treatment revealed little changes in the cornoid lamella.

Keywords: Biopsy; Laser Therapy; Lasers; Porokeratosis

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of hypochromic scars is challenging, and the techniques used so far show unsatisfactory results. Bimatoprost, an analog of prostaglandin F2-alpha, has been used as a topical pigment agent, and its application as drug delivery can optimize its delivery to the dermis and potentiate pigmentation.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Ablative Fractional Laser (AFL) treatment associated with bimatoprost 0.03% drug delivery in hypopigmented scars.
METHODS: The patients were submitted to the AFL, followed by the application of bimatoprost 0.03% in 4 sessions with biweekly intervals. Clinical evaluations and standardized photographs were performed. Patients’ satisfaction was assessed using a 5-question questionnaire.
RESULTS: All patients had clinical improvement in the treated areas. The degree of patient satisfaction agreed with the clinical evaluation and photographic records.
CONCLUSION: The application of AFL associated with bimatoprost 0.03% drug delivery can be a potentially effective and safe treatment for hypochromic scars.

Keywords: Lasers; Hypopigmentation; Laser Therapy

Q-switched lasers are widely used for tattoo removal. A 48-year-old-woman with a black tattoo on the left thigh was submitted to ten sessions of Q-switched Nd:YAG 1064nm laser associated with fractional CO2 laser, performed every two months. Six months after treatment end, we observed almost complete tattoo removal, besides improvement in skin texture. Q-switched lasers promote tattoo removal by a photoacoustic phenomenon. The association with fractional ablative lasers is an option for intensely pigmented tattoos or for tattoos with several colors, which are hard to remove.

Keywords: Laser Therapy; Lasers; Tattooing

Atrophic acne scars result from an abnormal wound-healing response that can be treated with microneedling (MN). Insulin may play a role in wound healing. The effectiveness and safety of combining MN with topical insulin as an alternative therapy for atrophic acne scar revision have not yet been widely reported. We report the case of a 33-year-old woman with an atrophic acne scar on the middle third of her face. The patient was treated with MN and topical insulin for four sessions at two-week intervals. MN plus insulin can be considered an alternative for acne scar revision.

Keywords: Acne Vulgar; Insulina; Cicatriz; Hiperpigmentação