Scar wars: Pinhole ablation with super-pulse carbon dioxide for papular scars
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Objectives: To assess the safety, efficacy, and therapeutic outcomes of the pinhole CO 2 laser technology for treating papular acne scars over face. Material and Methods: A retrospective study was undertaken on 65 patients who presented with papular acne scars. To treat each papular lesion, superpulse CO 2 laser pulses were applied through pinholes. Sessions were scheduled at 4-6 weeks intervals. Clinical improvement was measured using the global scoring system (GSS), physician visual evaluation (PVE), and standardised photography during baseline and follow-up visits over a three-month period. Results: A total of 65 individuals (mean age: 30) received treatment. Over 80% of patients showed significant clinical improvement, including a reduction in scar height and contour irregularity. Only minor side effects were seen, notably transitory erythema and oedema. No cases of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or scarring were documented. Conclusion: The pinhole CO 2 laser technique is a safe, precise, and successful method for treating papular acne scars. Its targeted ablation technique allows controlled tissue remodelling with minimal downtime, making it an important addition to the treatment for acne scars.
Authors: Yogesh M. Bhingradia, Kabilan Nagarajan, Devna S. Pillai, Radhika Bansal, Eshritha Chigurupati, Jatin K. Reddy, Shaista Huma
Language: English
Subfield: Dermatology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4413442146