Comparison of Picosecond Lasers vs. Ablative Fractional Er:YAG Lasers in Treating Atrophic Scar

Picosecond laser is a novel technology characterized by ultra-short, picosecond pulse duration which can be effective for many skin conditions, such as pigmentation, photoaging and wrinkles reduction. When combined with micro-lens array (MLA) optics, high-intensity, micro-injury zones can be generated in the epidermis and dermis, causing optical breakdown of surrounding tissue and stimulating of dermal remodeling with mild side-effects. Previous studies had showed the picosecond lasers with MLA afforded better or similar clinical outcomes as well as fewer side-effects in treating acne scar than non-ablative lasers.

2940-nm erbium yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser is one of the most commonly used treatments for atrophic acne scars, which can remove the damage tissue of the scars and allow collagen remodeling and re-epithelialization.