A split-face clinical study comparing high energy low density and low energy high density CO2 laser treatments for atrophic acne scars, either with or without additional anti-acne medication

Comparison of efficacy and safety profile of fractional carbon dioxide laser using High-Density Low-Fluence versus Low-Density High-Fluence in patients with atrophic acne scarring with or without concomitant anti-acne treatment: a split face randomised controlled trial - NIL

Status

Active, not recruiting

Phases

Phase 4

Study type

Interventional

Source

CTRI

Registry ID

CTRI/2026/05/109925

Enrollment

Registered

2026-05-04

Start date

Unknown

Completion date

Unknown

Last updated

2026-06-01

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Health Condition 1: L905- Scar conditions and fibrosis of skin

Interventions

Intervention1: High Density Low Fluence: Energy will be set between 15-25 mJ/pixel given at baselilne, 6 weeks, 12 weeks Control Intervention1: High Fluence Low Density: Energy of fractional carbon di

Eligibility

Inclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria: 1. Patients with post-acne atrophic scar 2. Absence of active acne. 3. Age more than or equal to 18 years.

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria: 1. Patients with hypertrophic acne scars 2. Pregnancy and lactation 3. Immunosuppressed 4. Bleeding tendency 5. Known contraindication to the study device and the study molecule 6. Known hypersensitivity to study molecules 7. Koebnerisation phenomenon 8. Photosensitivity 9. Denied consent 10. Patients who cannot be followed up on until 5 months 11. Patients with unrealistic expectations 12. History of ongoing malignancies in the treatment area 13. Ongoing skin infection in the target area or systemic infections 14. Vasculitis 15. Collagenoses 16. History of vitiligo

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame
To compare the improvement in atrophic acne scars between High Density Low Fluence Density High Fluence laser settings at 5 months from baseline using 1. Goodman and Baron Quantitative Global Scarring Grading System 2. ECCA grading scale ( chelle d valuation clinique des cicatrices d acn ) 3. Investigators Global Assessment 4. Patient satisfaction with Visual Analogue ScaleTimepoint: 0,6,12,20 weeks	—

Measure

Time frame

To compare the improvement in atrophic acne scars between High Density Low Fluence Density High Fluence laser settings at 5 months from baseline using 1. Goodman and Baron Quantitative Global Scarring Grading System 2. ECCA grading scale ( chelle d valuation clinique des cicatrices d acn ) 3. Investigators Global Assessment 4. Patient satisfaction with Visual Analogue ScaleTimepoint: 0,6,12,20 weeks

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Secondary

Measure	Time frame
1. To assess the safety profile and efficacy of use of fractional carbon dioxide laser with concurrent anti acne therapies and wihtout in terms of adverse events and scar improvement. 2. To assess post inflammatory hyperpigmentation incidence across treatment groups stratified by Fitzpatrick skin type. 3. To evaluate the Dermatology Life Quality Index at baseline and at 5 months.Timepoint: 0, 6, 12, 20 weeks	—

Measure

Time frame

1. To assess the safety profile and efficacy of use of fractional carbon dioxide laser with concurrent anti acne therapies and wihtout in terms of adverse events and scar improvement. 2. To assess post inflammatory hyperpigmentation incidence across treatment groups stratified by Fitzpatrick skin type. 3. To evaluate the Dermatology Life Quality Index at baseline and at 5 months.Timepoint: 0, 6, 12, 20 weeks

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Countries

India

Contacts

Public ContactDr Saurabh Singh

AIIMS Jodhpur

saurabhdoc@yahoo.co.in9968024250

Outcome results

None listed

Source: CTRI (via WHO ICTRP) · Data processed: Jun 11, 2026