Shedding Light on Acne Scars: A Comprehensive Review of CO2 vs. Erbium-Doped Yttrium Aluminium Garnet (Er:YAG) Laser Therapy

Acne scars pose a significant cosmetic concern and can have a profound impact on individuals' self-esteem and quality of life. Laser therapy has emerged as a promising treatment modality for improving the appearance of acne scars by promoting collagen remodeling and tissue regeneration. This comprehensive review compares two commonly used laser modalities, CO2 and erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG), focusing on their mechanisms of action, efficacy, safety profiles, and patient outcomes. While CO2 lasers offer deeper tissue penetration and the potential for more significant improvement in severe acne scars, Er:YAG lasers provide a gentler approach with a lower risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Recommendations for clinical practice include tailoring treatment approaches to individual patient characteristics, educating patients about treatment expectations and post-treatment care, considering combination therapies for enhanced outcomes, and implementing regular follow-up care. Areas for further research include long-term outcome studies, investigation of laser therapy in ethnically diverse populations, exploration of combination therapies, and evaluation of emerging laser technologies. This review aims to provide clinicians and patients with valuable insights to inform treatment decisions and optimize outcomes in managing acne scars.