The clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of fractional CO 2 laser in acne scars and skin rejuvenation: A meta-analysis and economic evaluation.

INTRODUCTION: Fractional CO2 has many indications in medicine including in treatment of acne scars and rejuvenation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of Fractional CO2 Laser in comparison with other methods of rejuvenation and acne scar treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Several databases including Medline, OVID, EMBASE, CINHAL, SCOPUS, Web of science, CRD, and Cochrane were searched. After conducting the search and evaluation of selected publications, critical appraisal was done and eligible studies were accepted for inclusion in the systematic review.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: From 2667 identified publications two of the trials were eligible. The effectiveness and complications of Fractional CO2 laser were comparable with Er:YAG but Fractional CO2 laser was 14.7% (p = 0.01) more effective than Q-Switched ND:YAG laser. Cost affectivity of this method was the same as other alternative lasers. In conclusion Fractional CO2 laser is an effective and safe method for curing of several kinds of skin diseases. Nevertheless there was not sufficient evidence to support its advantage. This device has equal or lower price in comparison to competent technologies except for the non- fractional ablative CO2 laser that has the same or lower price and comparable effects.