Fractional carbon dioxide laser versus combined fractional CO2 laser and platelet rich plasma in treatment of facial wrinkles: A comparative split face study

Background

Wrinkles are the most visible sign in skin aging and for which many people seek different aesthetic procedures. Treatment options varies from invasive to non-invasive procedures. Combining platelet rich plasma and fractional carbon dioxide laser (CO₂) has been used frequently for showing promising results in treating photoaged skin generally and wrinkles specifically since the microscopic thermal zones created by the fractional laser facilitates the delivery of the plasma into the dermis which aids the process of collagen induction and skin rejuvenation.

Aim of the work

To compare and assess the clinical efficacy of fractional CO₂ laser alone versus combined fractional CO₂ laser and platelet rich plasma in treatment of facial rhytides (in terms of size, depth, and overall appearance).

Subjects and Methods

Twenty-six female patients were selected and each face was split into 2 halves a control side (Laser + saline) and an experimental side (Laser + platelet rich plasma). Treatment plan was 1 laser session per month for a total of 4 sessions. Clinical objective evaluation was done by the Antera camera in addition to assessment by two blinded dermatologists.

Results

The combined treatment was as effective in improving wrinkles as fractional CO₂ laser alone. Antera camera scores showed statistical significance in overall wrinkles measurements on each side equally.

Conclusion

Both treatment modalities gave optimum cosmetic results with no significant difference noticed when compared with each other, although overall satisfaction with wrinkles and skin were statistically greater than the initial satisfaction scores.     

Safety and efficacy of CO2 dot matrix laser combined with platelet-rich plasma on depressed scar after acne vulgaris and influencing factors of its repair effect: A retrospective analysis

Background

Acne vulgaris (AV) is the most pervasive inflammatory disease of hair follicle and sebaceous gland in the dermatology department, and depressed scar (DS) is the most common and serious sequela of AV.

Aims

To explore the clinical value of CO₂ dot matrix laser combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP)-treated AV.

Methods

Total 81 patients with DS at the rear of AV from December 2018 to October 2019 were selected, randomly divided into observation group (OG, n = 39) and control group (CG, n = 42). Patients in the OG group were treated with CO₂ dot matrix laser combined with PRP, and those in the CG group were treated with CO₂ dot matrix laser. To observe clinical outcomes in both groups.

Results

According to experimental analysis, compared with the CG group, CO₂ dot matrix laser combined with PRP can more strongly improve the clinical efficacy on patients, shorten the scar scabbing time and decrustation time, more effectively contributed to their scar repair, comfort, skin condition, psychological state and satisfaction, and reduced their pain. The subsequent follow-up results also showed that patients in the OG group experienced better quality of life. Moreover, according to the logistic regression analysis, the course of disease, scar degree, and staying up late were independent risk factors for the repair effect, and the repair method of CO₂ dot matrix laser combined with PRP was an independent protection factor.

Conclusion

To sum up, CO₂ dot matrix laser combined with PRP can strongly enhance the scar repair effect, psychological state, and life quality of patients with DS after AV, so it is worth popularizing in clinical practice.