Ultrapulse Carbon Dioxide Laser in the Treatment of Secondary Scar Lesions of Acne Conglobata

BACKGROUNDAcne conglobata (AC) is a severe, chronic relapsing inflammatory acne that often leads to disfiguring residual lesions, including sinus tracts, chronic abscesses, and epithelialized “skin bridges” on the face. Traditional surgical interventions for these sequelae have drawbacks such as prolonged recovery, risk of recurrence, and new scar formation, highlighting the need for minimally invasive effective therapies.

AIMSThis study aimed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and patient tolerance of ultrapulse carbon dioxide (CO2) laser therapy for scar lesions secondary to AC.

METHODSPatients diagnosed with AC who received ultrapulse fractional CO2 laser therapy between January 2022 and January 2026 were retrospectively analyzed. Treatment outcomes were evaluated by recurrence rate, patient satisfaction, Global Improvement Score, wound healing time, and complications.

RESULTSA total of 13 patients were enrolled in this study. A total of 301 skin bridges, 51 sinus tracts, and 8 chronic abscesses were treated. The median wound healing time was 22 (20, 23.5) days, and no complications were observed. No lesion recurrence was noted during the follow-up period (median 11 months). All patients were satisfied with their posttreatment outcomes.

CONCLUSIONSUltrapulse CO2 laser therapy may represent a feasible minimally invasive option for chronic structural lesions secondary to AC, with favorable clinical outcomes and acceptable tolerability.

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