Fractional CO2 Laser Combined With Autologous Nanofat Injection Versus Fractional CO2 Laser Combined With Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Atrophic Acne Scars: A Split-Face Comparative Study With Optical Skin Imaging.

BACKGROUND: Atrophic acne scarring is a common problem. If left untreated, its implications can impair the quality of life. Various treatments, with differing degrees of success, are used to alleviate atrophic scars.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of nanofat versus platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as an adjuvant therapy to fractional CO2 laser (FCL) for atrophic acne scars.

METHODS: This study included 35 patients with atrophic acne scars who received 3 sessions of FCL at 1-month intervals on both sides of the face, followed by intradermal PRP injection on the left side. A single session of nanofat was injected into the right side of the face 2 weeks before the laser sessions. The evaluation was conducted 3 months after the final treatment session.

RESULTS: After treatment, the right side of the face showed a significant reduction in Goodman scores and the indentation index of the Antera camera. The left side showed a significant difference in Goodman scores, yet the Antera camera showed a nonsignificant improvement. Nonetheless, the difference between the 2 sides was statistically insignificant.

CONCLUSION: Atrophic acne scars improved with both modalities. As a result, cotreatment with these techniques may synergistically affect atrophic acne scars in efficacy and safety.