Fractional CO₂ Laser Combined With Autologous Nanofat Injection Versus Fractional CO₂ Laser Combined With Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Atrophic Acne Scars: A Split-Face Comparative Study With Optical Skin Imaging

BACKGROUND Atrophic acne scarring is a common problem. If left untreated, its implications can impair the quality of life. Various treatments, with differing degrees of success, are used to alleviate atrophic scars.OBJECTIVE To assess the efficacy of nanofat versus platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as an adjuvant therapy to fractional CO2 laser (FCL) for atrophic acne scars.METHODS This study included 35 patients with atrophic acne scars who received 3 sessions of FCL at 1-month intervals on both sides of the face, followed by intradermal PRP injection on the left side. A single session of nanofat was injected into the right side of the face 2 weeks before the laser sessions. The evaluation was conducted 3 months after the final treatment session.RESULTS After treatment, the right side of the face showed a significant reduction in Goodman scores and the indentation index of the Antera camera. The left side showed a significant difference in Goodman scores, yet the Antera camera showed a nonsignificant improvement. Nonetheless, the difference between the 2 sides was statistically insignificant.CONCLUSION Atrophic acne scars improved with both modalities. As a result, cotreatment with these techniques may synergistically affect atrophic acne scars in efficacy and safety.